Hi Kerry,

Ebay is actually a pretty good place to start, though it is hard to get the
complete set of the slide rule and the manual in one bid. One site that has
quite
a few slide rules, complete and new in the box yet is at:

http://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/sruniverse.html

However, there are not a lot of them complete under $50, but there are some for
sure.

There are several places you can obtain manuals by downloading. A few are also
available at the above URL. A few more are:

http://sliderule.ozmanor.com/man/man-download.html

http://home.clara.net/sliderules/a-to-z/instructions.htm (he also has a book
available as well)

There is a company, perhaps you may recall the name, Concise, that still
manufactures circular slide rules. It is fairly easy to order new slide rules
from them as I've done it myself. Many are quite reaonable. The last order I
placed was for three model 28's and with shipping came to something like $36.
They do include an instruction leaflet as well. The URL is:

http://www.concise.co.jp/eng0731/slide.html

I am not sure what type you are looking for, but it sounds like a fairly basic
slide rule. There are a lot of Pickett slide rules, complete with instructions
and the box, usually available on eBay. Just search "slide rule*" and you will
find 400 to 500 available of various types and brands. It all depends on how
complex you want to get. I'd think something with the basic scales and log
scales
would be very appreciated by your daughter if you could get a manual. Something
like a Post Versalog is really quite easy to learn and operate and pretty much
has
anything you would normally use available. Now, if you wanted to build
suspension
bridges...that's another story :) As far as type, that is a personal
preference.
Personally I prefer bamboo, but that's just me.

From one "geek" to another, I hope this will get you started and you find
something.

Regards,
Miles Schumacher




Kerry Vail wrote:

> Hi-
> I would like to purchase a slide rule for my 11 year old daughter who is a
> math/science geek (meant in the most endearing terms, I assure you). I
> think she would *love* learning to use one -- she currently sleeps with her
> TI-89plus silver ed under her pillow. :) I thought Ebay would be a great
> place to look, but it is rather confusing. Can someone give me some
> suggestions of brands/types that would be appropriate? I would like
> something that is used for basic math calculations -- not electrical formulas,
> etc. I would like to know which material is better (plastic, wood...) and any
> other suggestions! If you happen to have one for sale that fits the bill,
> please feel free to contact me privately (I hope that is ok to post!). I am
> willing to put up to $50 or so into a good basic rule that works well and has
> a manual (preferably). I want one that will be up to use -- not just
> collected. I appreciate any responses, suggestions, etc!
> thank you!
> Kerry
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
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