SimpleMachinesFilter: which is a winch? [more inside]
posted by slappy_pinchbottom on Jun 10, 2009 - 16 answers

Does anyone know anything about the inline gaming machines that used to be available in RSL clubs and various other places in Queensland, back in the olden days (pre-1992) before pokies (aka slot and fruit machines) were introduced? [more inside]
posted by h00py on Mar 4, 2009 - 1 answer

What can I do to help in regards to touch screen voting machines in my community? [more inside]
posted by niles on Sep 9, 2008 - 8 answers

What are the best barista training programs/schools around? [more inside]
posted by Texasjake987 on Apr 9, 2008 - 2 answers

Moving towards virtual machines for IT support at a business, and I have some questions. [more inside]
posted by bartleby on Apr 4, 2008 - 7 answers

Help me help a friend lift heavy things using pulleys and a ramp. [more inside]
posted by zem on Jun 29, 2007 - 13 answers

Good gift/Bad gift? So I thought that this year I'd get this same item for my son, my daughter, my adult niece and a couple of neighbourhood strays too. I know for a fact that that they'll be tickled that it's not another flashlight or safety kit... The item? A handheld battery operated sewing machine. (I can't seem to link it to the product) These recipients are not handy people but I think that we can, all of us, use this from time to time to fix stuff around the house? 1: in theory, do you think it's a good idea? 2:do these things actually work? It almost has to work on it's own. Idiot-proof. Very simple for us to use - did I mention that we are not handy people? (though not a weighty topic, I searched unsuccessfully to see if these machines had ever been discussed here) Thanks!
posted by lois1950 on Dec 9, 2006 - 14 answers

What feature length films have Rube Goldberg machines in them? Can you think of movies that have scenes with machines/devices that are either rube goldberg machines or rube goldberg-esque?
posted by allthewhile on Nov 21, 2006 - 37 answers

There used to be a website by these artists/activist types who built crazy machines. Help me find it. [more inside]
posted by mds35 on Feb 16, 2006 - 6 answers

SOUND QUESTION - What are best drum machines, analog preferred, for about one hundred or two hundred dollars new/used? Alesis? earlier versions of the Groovebox? What about great old vintage ones? I know nothing about this topic and would love some guidance. Glitchy sound or authentic drum sounding, preferably with no midi, just straight knobs and buttons with RCA out - thank you for your nerding!
posted by Peter H on Jan 13, 2006 - 23 answers

Desire to exercise + bad joints = ? . Should I try to find some kind of trainer or sports therapist? Should I look into some kind of machine (I'm considering rowing or eliptical), and if so what do I look for in quality machines? Should I just go to a gym for a few months, try some things on my own and see what feels good? [more inside]
posted by namespan on Jan 7, 2006 - 28 answers

im looking for a sewing machine. id like it more powerful/reliable than fancy and feature filled. convenience/ease of use is a plus. Punching through leather would also be nice but isn't necessary. Can anyone recommend such a device?
posted by Tryptophan-5ht on May 11, 2005 - 10 answers

I need to archive, with good sound quality, a barrage of abusive/threatening messages left on my mother-in-law's answering machine by my brother-in-law's ex-wife. We don't want to get the police involved yet. The machine is a ten year old (approx) RadioShack with no bells, whistles or manual.
posted by tidecat on Apr 2, 2005 - 15 answers

After years of unsatisfactory espressi at home via a Moka, I'm in the market for a good espresso machine. Not a milk frother - I can make my own decent caps if I have a good base. I'd welcome any unreserved recommendations from Mefi.
posted by Neiltupper on Mar 4, 2005 - 17 answers

Faxfilter: Our small office (10 people) has just unanimously agreed to take our Sharp UX-P200 fax machine out into the street, stomp on it and set it on fire. Does anyone have any recommendations for a replacement? It's pretty heavily used, probably 10 - 20 ingoing/outgoing faxes per day. One of the (many) issues with the Sharp was that while the machine was cheap, the carbon film cost was ridiculous. We're a small non-profit - so cost is very important. Thanks!
posted by mygothlaundry on Nov 24, 2004 - 11 answers

Looking for examples of weak AI, that is, machines acting as if they were intelligent, but simply on the basis of a complex set of rules. Things like Google Sets or Twenty Questions come to mind, and to a lesser extent Google itself. Anything else I should look into? [more inside]
posted by Jeff Howard on Mar 20, 2004 - 14 answers