Earlier quoted context omitted.
Sure but I imagine it has resulted in a lot of exposure for Technology Connections.
The person doing the work gets “exposure” while the copy/pasters get free ad revenue? Doesn’t sound like a fair shake to me
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A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
61–70 of 238 posts
Re: A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
#62Re-making these toasters is probably a great idea for a kickstarter.
But maybe redesign it so the coils can’t be live even when it is off. Because you can’t stop humans from using forks. I grew up with one of these and was going to get an old one and refurbish it, but I live with too many hairless apes that would stick a fork or knife in to retrieve their undersized bread. Maybe if I put on a polarized plug, and check all the outlets in the kitchen to make sure they are wired correctl…
The same YouTuber has a video guide on how to update the wiring to make it safe in the way you want. Complete with grounding the body: https://youtu.be/2vcdbtAca0Y
Re: A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
#63Earlier quoted context omitted.
Technology Connections is hands down one of my favorite Youtube channels. Another guy worth mentioning that tickles the brain cells in a similar way is Isaac Arthur: a guy that breaks down science fiction into science fact, and explores what we could actually do someday in the future, and pokes fun at the stuff that will probably never happen but has become familiar tropes anyways. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ…
Thanks, I wasn't aware of those two! Riffing on those, I can also recommend DIY Perks. He makes pretty stunning electronics projects. https://www.youtube.com/c/DIYPerks
I might just come forward and recommend NighthawkInLight. He does not upload as frequently as some of the other channels mentioned here but his videos tend to have a much higher production value for some just as interesting topics of science and technology.
Re: A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
#64Earlier quoted context omitted.
Of course. The original sunbeam probably could not have been even made or sold today due to safety standards.
Sure it could. It'd just need a polarized, grounded plug with the ground strap tied to the body.
The author even mentions that in the article when he talks about purchasing used ones as gifts.
(Before giving them, I opened them up and replaced their aging power cords with modern grounded three-prong ones, as many of these predate even polarized plugs and are not remotely safe by modern electrocution prevention standards.)
Re: A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
#65Earlier quoted context omitted.
Of course. The original sunbeam probably could not have been even made or sold today due to safety standards.
Sure it could. It'd just need a polarized, grounded plug with the ground strap tied to the body.
Just a polarized plug would do it. That would make it so the switch is before the elements and not after.
Re: A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
#66There is definitely a market for the resurgence of some of high quality old-timey products, especially those with some novelty. Sunbeam should literally do a Kickstarter to get the marketing going.
It would be great to have something last so long. But then the marketing team wouldn't be able to come up with a new redesign every 6 months. And there would be less overall profit than building cheaper versions to fill our landfills with. Which unfortunately means that this won't be realistic.
Thus the Kickstarter model. Pre-sell 500, do a total production run of a 1000, and when they’re gone they’re gone.
Re: A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
#67His whole channel (called Technology Connections) is probably my favorite one on YouTube, can’t recommend it enough! My favorites are his series on refrigeration and heat pumps, for example this one: https://youtube.com/watch?v=7J52mDjZzto Edit: to clarify, this article is based on an old Technology Connections video, and the creator of that video has lots more!
Seconded, I learned a ton about A/V systems from him. He has excellent technical content. Learning about how the old electromechanical juke boxes worked was fascinating. I can also recommend Applied Science. He explains the concepts behind numerous concepts and applies them to a home project in his garage. Such project include: Home made electron microscope Chemical glass strengthening Robotic cookie maker Creating X…
Applied Science is amazing, +1 highly recommended. Well, to both.
Re: A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
#68Earlier quoted context omitted.
I've thought about this for a while. Imagine a line of "dumb" dishwashers, toasters, ovens, stoves, microwaves, etc., all well-designed and made with sturdy materials. Unfortunately, I think they'd cost 6-10x going rate as modern "smart" appliances, and also the market for them would be restricted to HN commenters.
I have wondered too. I am on on, like, my fourth toaster. They work for a few years then fail in some non fixable way. So I toss and order another from Amazon. Think of all the material waste. Not very eco-friendly. But it’s another 30 bucks and comes next day … Is there a market for ‘buy it for life’ toaster. The question is will people pay 2-4X as much as cheap china toaster? Would you pay $150 for a lifetime toast…
I got a really lovely chrome single slice from...i think the 30s or 40s on ebay for $30.
work required: completely dismantle.
soak return coil spring assembly in mineral oil.
make a new carbon contact by cutting down a motor brush
replace cord with new cloth 3 conductor (plastic didn't look right)
10 years later and still works perfectly.
Re: A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
#69Earlier quoted context omitted.
The person doing the work gets “exposure” while the copy/pasters get free ad revenue? Doesn’t sound like a fair shake to me
Technology Connections has a Patreon, mentioned at the end of every video.
I know, I’ve been a patreon of his for years.
That doesn’t change the fact that this website is milking his work for clicks
Re: A toaster from 1949 is still smarter than any sold today
#70Earlier quoted context omitted.
IMO The Verge, MKBHD, LTT, Snazzy Labs, etc are entertainment platforms, not tech reviewers. Often lacking conviction, criticism, strong opinions, technical know-how and ability to do the hardwork for objective comparisons. They spend more time polishing the video, studio neatness and thumbnails than informing the public. They're optimized for viewership and revenue.
I understand your point but I think it's a bit of an unfair take. If you want good depth in your reviews there are a lot of smaller tech youtubers that do deeper analysis, but the issue is that most people simply won't watch a 45 minutes review of the Intel i7-12700k that actually goes in depth. On top of that financially they are incentivized to make ~15 minutes videos because the 45 minutes one cost a lot more to m…
Good response, I have a bias for the small channels over big production houses. LTT actually does go deeper (provide data and benchmarks), but it’s too overproduced for my taste.