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@earl-of-trumps said
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I did logs, sq roots, exponentials on a slide rule.

It ain't bragging, it's complaining
Ah, slide rules. 🙂

I’ll one-up ya: I built a crystal radio receiver with a wire ya had ta scratch across the top of the solder blob to get reception. Betcha can’t top that !

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@the-gravedigger said
I used to use Logarithm Tables.
We used them during the tail end of the era when we weren't allowed to use calculators during maths classes.

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I was once a trained comptometrist, an extremely well paid skill for operating a giant desktop machine which had no power or Enter key but could perform most mathematical functions including square roots.

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Butchering

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I used to be able to sail a dinghy solo. Perhaps I still could. I haven't tried since "Sailing" by Rod Stewart was in the charts.

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I rebuilt several antique engines, . Involving lost arts like babbit bearing casting, filing rod caps to tighten loose rods etc

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I used to be able to change a nappy but I have not tested this skill for about 18 years. And that's just fine by me hereon in.

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@gambrel said
I rebuilt several antique engines, . Involving lost arts like babbit bearing casting, filing rod caps to tighten loose rods etc
I was once able to completely disassemble a moped's engine all on my own and lay all the parts out in several locations using an intuition-based system. As a result, we had to buy a new moped.

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I used to be able to navigate using the stars.
GPS put an end to all that celestial stuff.

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@gambrel said
I rebuilt several antique engines, . Involving lost arts like babbit bearing casting, filing rod caps to tighten loose rods etc
Oh, nice.

I took the engine out of a Volkswagen (remove four bolts, and it falls into your lap -- don't do this when it's still hot).

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@fmf said
I used to be able to sail a dinghy solo. Perhaps I still could. I haven't tried since "Sailing" by Rod Stewart was in the charts.
I sailed on the norfolk broads using a boat with a Lug rigg

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@badradger said
I sailed on the norfolk broads using a boat with a Lug rigg
My sister and her husband go there every year. But they hire a barge.
Good thread by the way.

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I walked the Pennine Way alone when I was 14 years old using the various necessary skills. The only place I walk now is around my house and from the taxi to my usual table at the bar.