The 3D-Printed Curta Calculator
Why Hacker News recommends it
Linked whenever the Curta or mechanical calculators come up, as a look at a working 3D-printed version.
What it is
Adam Savage shows off his collection of analog calculators, ending with a 3D-printed, scaled reproduction of the Curta mechanical calculator built by Marcus Wu. The video examines the replica and the engineering behind it.
Recommended by 2 HN commenters across 2 different months, 2017 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Recommends function_seven · 2018-10 · on “The Slide Rule”
I'm sure you've seen this already, but if not: [this video] A 3:1 scale replica of the Curta, 3D printed.
Recommends beeforpork · 2025-11 · on “Designing a Mechanical Calculator”
Maybe have a look at the Curta for inspiration of a mechanical calculator. There's a 3D printable version of it. [this video] [LINK]
Cites jshprentz · 2017-12 · on “ReCurta: Our goal is to build the first Curta calculator since 1972”
Marcus Wu designed, 3D-printed, and assembled a 3x scale working Curta calculator. He shared his models and progress on Thingverse at [LINK] His YouTube channel includes many videos of the development, assembly, and operation of his calculator. Watch a short demonstration at [LINK] Adam Savage commissioned Marcus to build a copy. Adam unboxes his 3D-printed Curta on YouTube at [this video]