What do slide rules and gunshows have in common?

[Pulp]

I recently bought a couple of slide rules at an antique store*, just for kicks and to see if I could still use one. I learned the slide rule in Chemistry 1 back at Cameron College (that dates me). Anyway, I posted a thread on the SASS Saloon about slide rules, and this was one of the replies:


"I bought my last 2 at a gun show in Oklahoma City about 3 years ago."

My reply:

"Must have been a Metcalf Gunshow!"

BTW, it took awhile to relearn division, but after a bit of playing around I can figure how many yards of concrete for a slab faster on the slide rule than on a calculator.

*and I'm wondering how many reading this actually know what a slide rule is.

 

[dennishoddy]

Unfortunatly I do, and have used one.
I use my iphone now...

 

[Shadowrider]

I know what they are but I've never had to use one. Thank God!

 

[ratski]

Slide Rules Rule!!!

Used 'em alot in highschool and college (yes, and charcoal on the back of a shovel).

In my first Chem class, they made a big deal that there were NO CALCULATORS allowed on exams.
This was back when the calcs were mainly four function.
I asked the prof, what about sliderules.
He laughed and said, "yeah, if you know how to work one."
I did.

I need to ask my dad what ever happened to his.
One of the more intricate ones I've ever seen.
But then, he is an electrical engineer.

Dave

 

[Podman]

I still have my old K&E slide rule. Probably forgot how to use it though.

 

[AKguy1985]

Never used one.

 

[Hoov]

So...., what is the punch line?

 

[jrusling]

While clean out a drawer the other day, I found my 2 Pickett's. One is 12" and the other is 7". When I was in high school the math teacher required us to use the table of logs. I put a label on my slide rule, "Table of Logs". She did not like that very much. I doubt if I could even use one any more.

 

[okie98]

While studying Engineering at U of A the slide rule was a necessity. A few, very expensive, Texas Instrument calculators were seen. Talk about the "Good Ole Days!"

 

[Old Fart]

My slide rule is in the closet next to my T-square.