WHO SAID CARBS WERE BAD?

I was drilling a hole through the tiled bathroom wall when I was suddenly hit by a stream of cold water. It took a few seconds to realise I had hit the cold water supply. So I turned off the mains supply, swore an awful lot and put the kettle on – I’ve always believed a cup of tea and a biscuit can resolve a lot of issues. I got to work removing said tile and chiselled away the plaster to reveal a hole in the pipe. I cut out the damaged section and fitted a new piece of pipe with capillary-type couplings, first preparing the joint with a vigorous clean and a good rub using steel wool. Now appears my handy blowtorch, mystery sticky stuff and a length of solder. I then make a neat joint and turn on the water. Joint’s not holding. Leaks abound. I repeat the process four times. Still no joy. The wife is due back soon, so in desperation, I send for plumber. He gives me a look that confirms this is above my pay grade. He tells me the problem is that there is still water in the pipe. Then he asks me if I have any bread in the cupboard to which I reply, ‘Sliced or unsliced, brown or white?’ Again, he gives me the look. ‘Only white will work,’ he says. I think he’s taking the p*** but drive to the cafe and buy a loaf. When I get back, he’s drinking tea and eating my favourite biscuits. He then removes the replacement pipe, stuffs pieces of white bread in either side of the joint, puts back the piece of replacement pipe and with a great deal of showmanship, solders the joint. Water on again. Perfect seal. ‘ What about the bread?’ He opens the nearest tap and behold! The bread flushes out, the lesson being two cups of tea, biscuits and white bread stops a wife from being so smug about my efforts. KEITH NORTON That’s quite a story, Keith. Here’s a brand new drill for your efforts. We’ll run this solution past Dr Noakes to see if he approves. – Lindsey WHAT THE DIY? As an ardent Popular Mechanics reader for many years (I am 80 years young), I was very excited when I opened the page showing the ‘ Time Machine’. When I glanced at the old May 1968 article, I got very excited because I thought that it displayed a plan of a model aircraft.

I remember the good old days when Popular Mechanics had all sorts of plans for the hobbyist. I myself built an engine hoist – out of the April 1983 Popular Mechanics – with which I have removed and replaced many car engines (see above).

As a matter of fact, I was the first electrician of a very large fencing company in the Western Cape. One of the directors, who I believe started the company, was known as the Popular Mechanics engineer later in life. They would say that if you ever got stuck anywhere, be it desert or sea, you’d wish you had him at your side.

In reading just the last three issues, I’ve noted the following: 22 per cent is advertising, 12.3 per cent would be more suitable for CAR magazine and only 6 per cent is aimed towards DIY.

Please give Popular Mechanics its dignity back by giving us something we can do or make with our hands. ROBERT COWLEY I hear you, Robert. The short answer is: original DIY projects are hard to come by and our resources have been needed elsewhere. Without a steady stream from the US, it is even more difficult. But I think you’ll notice a big improvement over the next two months. I don’t want to give too much away, but we will have regular new projects for you. – Lindsey