The boy mechanic, book 3 : 800 things for boys to do by H. H. Windsor

(21 User reviews)   5155
By John White Posted on Dec 22, 2025
In Category - Pilot Stories
English
Hey, I just stumbled across this gem from 1920! It's not a novel, but a massive collection of projects for curious kids. Think of it as a time capsule of hands-on creativity before YouTube tutorials existed. The book promises '800 things for boys to do,' from building a simple radio to crafting a homemade diving bell. The real magic is how it turns everyday junk into adventure. It assumes you have attention, basic tools, and maybe a slightly forgiving parent. If you've ever wanted to see what 'DIY' meant a century ago, or need to unplug a kid with some old-school, screen-free projects, this is a fascinating (and often hilarious) peek into a different world of play.
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necessary comfort provided--in part at least--by a cushioned seat. Strong bicycle wheels are used, the 1¹⁄₂ by 28-in. size being suitable. The hood may be of wood, or of sheet metal, built over a frame of strap iron. The top of the hood can be lifted off, and the entire hood can also be removed, when repairs are to be made. The tool box on the rear of the frame can be replaced by a larger compartment, or rack, for transporting loads, or an extra seat for a passenger. [Illustration: To Simplify This Small but Serviceable Motor Car for Construction by the Young Mechanic, Only the Essential Parts are Considered. Other Useful and Ornamental Features may be Added as the Skill and Means of the Builder Make Possible] The construction may be begun with the chassis and the running gear. Fit the wheels with ⁵⁄₈-in. axles, as shown in the assembly views, Figs. 1, 2, and 3, and detailed in Fig. 4. Fit the ends of the axles to the hubs of the wheels, providing the threaded ends with lock nuts. Make the wooden supports for the frame, as detailed in Fig. 6. The axles are fastened into half-round grooves, cut in the bottoms of the supports, and secured by iron straps, as shown in Fig. 4, at A. Make the sidepieces for the main frame 2¹⁄₂ by 3¹⁄₄ in. thick, and 9 ft. 4 in. long, as detailed in Fig. 7. Mortise the supports through the sidepieces, and bore the holes for the bolt fastenings and braces. Glue the mortise-and-tenon joints before the bolts are finally secured. Provide the bolts with washers, and lock the nuts with additional jam nuts where needed. Keep the woodwork clean, and apply a coat of linseed oil, so that dirt and grease cannot penetrate readily. Finish only the supporting structure of the chassis in the preliminary woodwork. Set the front-axle and steering-rigging supports C and D, and adjust the spacers F between them. Bore the hole for the kingbolt, as detailed in Fig. 6, and fit the bevel gears and the fifth wheel G, of ¹⁄₄-in. steel, into place, as shown in Fig. 5. The gear H is bolted to the axle support. The pinion J is set on the end of a short ³⁄₄-in. shaft. The latter passes through the support D, and is fitted with washers and jam nuts, solidly, yet with sufficient play. A bracket, K, of ¹⁄₄ by 1³⁄₄-in. strap iron, braces the shaft, as shown in Fig. 3. The end of this short shaft is joined to one section of the universal coupling, as shown, and, like the other half of the coupling, is pinned with a ³⁄₁₆-in. riveted pin. The pinion is also pinned, and the lower end of the kingbolt provided with a washer and nut, guarded by a cotter pin. Suitable gears can be procured from old machinery. A satisfactory set was obtained from an old differential of a well-known small car. [Illustration: FIG. 8 Detail of the Motor Support: The Engine is Mounted on Reinforced Angle Irons, and Secured by Clamps and a Supporting Band under the Crank Case] Before fitting the steering column into place, make the dashboard, of ⁷⁄₈-in. oak, as shown in the assembly view, and in detail in Fig. 7. It is 19¹⁄₂ in. high and 2 ft. 4 in. wide, and set on the frame and braced to it with 4 by 4 by 1¹⁄₂-in. angle irons, ¹⁄₄ in. thick. Fit a ⁷⁄₈-in. strip of wood around the edge of the dashboard, on the front side, as a rest...

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Forget about a traditional plot. The Boy Mechanic, Book 3 is a sprawling, illustrated manual from 1920. It's a compilation of projects, tips, and tricks sent in by readers to Popular Mechanics magazine. The 'story' here is the journey from idea to finished creation. One page might guide you through building a weather vane from tin cans, while the next explains how to construct a working model sailboat or a simple electric motor.

Why You Should Read It

This book is pure, unadulterated curiosity in print form. Reading it feels like opening a grandparent's attic trunk full of possibilities. The projects range from brilliantly simple to wildly ambitious (homemade diving gear, anyone?). It’s a reminder of a time when 'I'm bored' was solved with scrap wood, wire, and ingenuity, not a screen. The earnest, can-do tone is charming. It doesn't just tell you what to build; it assumes you will build it, fostering a fantastic sense of confidence and resourcefulness.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history lovers, makers, and parents looking for analog project ideas. It's also great for anyone who enjoys seeing how practical problem-solving has (and hasn't) changed. The language and some tools are dated, but the core spirit—that thrilling moment of making something yourself—is timeless. Just maybe supervise that 'homemade blowtorch' project.



ℹ️ Public Domain Content

This digital edition is based on a public domain text. Share knowledge freely with the world.

Aiden Williams
3 months ago

This book was worth my time since it manages to explain difficult concepts in plain English. A valuable addition to my collection.

Jessica Anderson
1 year ago

Just what I was looking for.

Lucas Smith
1 year ago

The index links actually work, which is rare!

Paul Rodriguez
1 month ago

The index links actually work, which is rare!

Joshua Miller
5 months ago

Citation worthy content.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (21 User reviews )

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