things made to last "forever"

[bazookaman]

An Allman Brothers song?

[modelamac]

wedding rings.

[mikebw]

Dennis S wrote:
I have a pair of scissors I used in the 50's still in use.

Some of the best scissors were made many years ago.

I've got a lead brick that doesn't seem to be going anywhere...

Still using the washer & dryer that came with the house (circa 1984).

I think a big difference is that in the past things could not be built so small and integrated, and thus were easily repairable. Presently so many things are electronic and integrated that if something breaks it isn't so easy to fix, or even cost effective to do so.

[DaviDC.]

Original Singer sewing machines. They used to hire people to smash old ones traded in on new models.

[Lux Interior]

Nuclear waste.

[mikebw]

DaviDC. wrote:
Original Singer sewing machines. They used to hire people to smash old ones traded in on new models.

My wife is still using her Mom's Sears Kenmore sewing machine. Probably 40 years old now.

[OWC Jamie]

I hope your penis is keeping up.....

[cbelt3]

My mother still uses a Singer sewing machine she bought in 1956. Then again, I'm still using my mother in law's Pfaff sewing machine she bought in 1974. Well built machinery just.. lasts.

I'll vote for those original 'compressor on top' GE refrigerators... my grandparents had one they bought in , what, 1932 ? Hopefully the guy that bought the house in 1996 didn't just scrap it. It will probably outlast three generations.

Also well made wooden furniture. We've got a 1802 wall mirror that belonged to Emma Willard (an ancestor who founded one of the first schools for girls in the US).

With the advent of modern engineering design analytic tools, the 'rules of thumb' we used to use have changed, and now products are engineered damn close to the lower limits. As a result they wear out and break down faster. All in the name of 'cost savings'. Of course the ugly 'planned obsolescence' design concept from the 1970's rears it's ugly head too.

Once you turn those Cost Accountants lose on the decision process, the joy of craftsmanship is gone.

[rgG]

I have one of these. It was my mom's back in the 50's and I have had it for many years. I don't cook much, but it still runs like new, when I do need to use it. Love the turquoise color that is a little deeper and more vibrant that this pic shows.

[kj4btkljv]

I've got this lightbulb in my garage that just won't die...



Jeff