If you love hands-on mechanical projects and you're looking for a vintage reference that doesn't require a screen, the 1961 Mechanix Illustrated How-To-Do-It Encyclopedia is a tempting find. This set, priced at $49.95, includes Volumes 1-9 and 11-16 in hardcover-15 substantial tomes of illustrated how-to guidance for adults. The question is whether a nearly six-decade-old encyclopedia still earns a spot on your shelf.
Quick verdict
For collectors, DIY hobbyists, or anyone nostalgic for mid-century mechanical know-how, this set offers a sizable illustrated reference for under $50. But shoppers expecting a complete 16-volume run should note that Volume 10 is not part of this set.
Who it suits
This is aimed at adults who enjoy learning about mechanics, engineering, and hands-on projects. If you like flipping through illustrated guides and prefer a physical reference on a workbench or bookshelf, this 1960s-era hardcover collection fits the bill. The vintage DIY focus makes it especially appealing to people who appreciate how things were built and repaired decades ago.
What stands out from the listed details
The content spans a wide range of mechanical information, with detailed illustrations that make complex topics more approachable. Published by Golden Press, the hardcover format is built for repeated flipping. The set weighs 20 lbs, so you know you're getting a substantial physical collection. The condition is listed as Very Good, and it's not ex libris-meaning no library markings-which is a nice plus for a vintage set of this age.
Meaningful trade-offs
The obvious trade-off is the missing 10th volume. The set covers Volumes 1-9 and 11-16, so you'll have a gap in the middle. If you're a completist, that gap may be annoying. Also, this is a 1961 reference, so don't expect modern safety standards, updated technology, or contemporary materials. It's a snapshot of mid-century mechanical knowledge, not a current DIY manual. The size and weight also mean it's more of a shelf reference than something you'll carry around.
Mechanix Illustrated How-To-Do-It Encyclopedia, Vols. 1-9 & 11-16, 1961
This hardcover encyclopedia is the whole package here: 15 volumes, illustrated, in Very Good condition, with an adult DIY focus. The price is $49.95 for the set, which puts it in reach for anyone wanting a vintage reference library without a heavy investment. The main limitation is the omission of Volume 10; if that missing volume matters to you, this set may feel incomplete. At 20 lbs, it's also too heavy to be a casual carry.
Bottom line
If you're shopping for a vintage illustrated encyclopedia of mechanics and DIY projects, and you can accept the missing 10th volume, the 1961 Mechanix Illustrated set at $49.95 is a solid pick. It gives you a large, well-preserved hardcover collection for your workshop or library. Just know that the content is firmly rooted in 1960s know-how-embrace it as a piece of mechanical history, not as today's step-by-step guide.
