I ran across my K&E slide rule today. I vaguely remember how to use it. Anyone else?

Never used one. I'm 33.

I'd be curious to see one used, though.

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
Never used one. I'm 33.

Same.

I do remember learning to use a basic wooden abacus in elementary school math class (2nd or 3rd grade, maybe?), to help us visualize numbers.

It's in the drawer with my analog clock..............

Give one to a millennial and watch their head explode

Yep. Used one in high school for a time. couldn't afford a calculator.

I've still got my K&E and I remember how to use it.

You haven't lived until you've tried to get three significant digits out of one of them fuckers after being up the night before drinking coffee.

I haven't used one for many years. Though I'm sure I still have mine in my desk drawer at home.

When I was a kid my grandfather was teaching me to use one to multiply. That didn't get too far. That was in the 1970's. He graduated from MIT in 1912.

I never used one for math class, but did when I started flying back in the 80s. The pilot's "Whiz Wheel" is basically circular slide rule.

I've still got mine kicking around here somewhere. Last time I looked at it, I could still do multiplication, but have forgotten the more complicated tricks.

Yep. I carried a Dietzgen for 4 years in engineering school (Miss State). Don't use the belt clip; you'll be ridiculed.

Yes, still have my K&E and still know how to use it.

I had one of the log log decitrig models. I have no idea where it is and wouldn't remember how to use it if I found it.

quote:

Originally posted by cne32507:
Yep. I carried a Dietzgen for 4 years in engineering school (Miss State). Don't use the belt clip; you'll be ridiculed.

I attached a leather bootlace to the bottom end of the case and tied it to my thigh (for quick calculations).

I could do simple math in my youth, but I have no idea how to do it now.

My father has a couple of very nice ones. He was a machinist, and turns 90 this weekend. He had all of those skills back in the day. I'm not sure he remembers how to use it any more either. Sharp as a tack, but adopted calculators as soon as he could get his hands on one.

You made me go looking for my old K&E. Couldn't find it. Can't remember the last time I laid eyes on it.

I would have to refresh on how to use it.

For those who want their brains to hurt:

http://sliderulemuseum.com/SR_Course.htm

In middle school (a bit ago) a teacher had a huge slide rule mounted over the black board. About 10 feet long and a foot or two wide. The parts moved and he would set up the "big" slide rule to show various calculations.

I lost track of that old decimal point a lot.

I lost mine years ago, but I think I could still work one with a little practice.

Almost 50 and I have no idea. I can't math...

I learned how to use one as a kid and they taught that in class in high school. We also were taught typing on ribbon typewriters and carbon paper.
The real trick is to have enough of an understanding to know where the decimal point goes.

Yep. Undergrad physics. Gave mine to my engineer son for shits and giggles.

RMD