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Mechanical & precision engineering: videos Hacker News recommends
Mechanical engineering: machines, mechanisms, gears, precision design, flexures, hydraulics, thermodynamic machines, engineering failures, clever mechanical designs, how it works explainers. Below: every video in this topic that at least three HN users linked with real commentary, in at least three different months (53 demos, 47 explainers, 16 documentarys), best-scored first, with the comments on each video page.
- Aviation & aerospace engineering 124
- Cars, EVs & motorcycles 171
- Transit, cities & urban planning 174
- Civil engineering & construction 70
- Manufacturing & industrial processes 69
- Woodworking, metalworking & workshop skills 34
- 3D printing, CNC & maker projects 58
- Home, DIY & practical skills 61
- Cooking & food 41
- Ships, submarines & maritime 24
- Engineering & making (other) 27
- 17 HN recommenders 15 months 2013–2024Held up as a marvel of pedagogy and the best explanation of differentials, recommended again and again.
- 15 HN recommenders 12 months 2021–2025HN repeatedly recommends it as the definitive, mind-changing explanation of dishwasher use, even though it runs over 30 minutes.
- 13 HN recommenders 12 months 2014–2025E Excelsior10000 · documentaryHN commenters repeatedly recommend it as a beautiful, approachable explanation of analog mechanical computation, and many have rewatched it.
- 12 HN recommenders 11 months 2019–2025HN returns to it again and again as a favorite example of elegant, chip-free mechanical engineering that beats modern toasters.
- 11 HN recommenders 11 months 2018–2026P PeriscopeFilm · tutorialHN treats it as the classic demonstration of how analog mechanical computation works, especially the differential gear section.
- 9 HN recommenders 9 months 2016–2026It is a go-to recommendation whenever cans, good design or mass-produced objects come up, and many also recommend the whole channel.
- 11 HN recommenders 9 months 2019–2025HN commenters repeatedly recommend it as a half-hour mini-documentary on how precision is bootstrapped from scratch, relevant to machining and chip manufacturing threads.
- 9 HN recommenders 7 months 2014–2026HN commenters call it an absorbing, entertaining deep dive on elevator security and the go-to link whenever elevators come up.
- 6 HN recommenders 6 months 2015–2023Commenters recommend the series whenever Fourier analysis or analog computing comes up, praising Hammack's clear explanations and the short episodes.
- 7 HN recommenders 6 months 2016–2023HN repeatedly cites it as the best skeptical engineering analysis of why Hyperloop is impractical.
- 5 HN recommenders 6 months 2016–2026HN brings it up in any thread about elevators or physical security as a fascinating, entertaining deep dive.
- 4 HN recommenders 5 months 2014–2023T themarimbaincident · talkHN commenters call it one of the most entertaining and informative con talks, and a good window into elevators from a hacker's view.
- 5 HN recommenders 5 months 2013–2020C ConceptVBS · tutorialHN loves it as an example of old-school instructional film that makes how a differential works fully understandable in clear, simple language.
- 7 HN recommenders 5 months 2018–2024HN repeatedly recommends the series for its extraordinary craftsmanship and its credible demonstration of how the mechanism could have been made.
- 6 HN recommenders 6 months 2020–2025HN recommends it as a delightful breakdown of the cleverness in dumb appliances and an entry point to the channel.
- 6 HN recommenders 6 months 2023–2026HN points people to it as a deep dive showing how complex logic was built without computers.
- 6 HN recommenders 5 months 2021–2025Recommended in threads on analog computing, photonic chips, AI hardware and tide prediction as an engaging history of Kelvin's machines.
- 5 HN recommenders 5 months 2018–2026It is held up as a model of clear, well-paced educational film and of the old-era instructional style.
- 4 HN recommenders 4 months 2020–2023S Steve Brunton · lectureHN recommends the series as an approachable but rigorous way to learn control theory, with good production quality.
- 7 HN recommenders 5 months 2022–2024HN recommends it as a clear, enjoyable look at why simple designs are brilliant, and as a pointer to a channel with a hacker's-eye view of everyday technology.
- 4 HN recommenders 5 months 2016–2025HN commenters recommend it whenever the Selectric comes up, as a short, excellent explanation of its internals.
- 4 HN recommenders 4 months 2019–2022HN commenters send people here as the best accessible starting point for understanding why Raptor and fuel choice matter for Starship.
- 4 HN recommenders 5 months 2017–2023HN points to it as a favorite teardown, usually when discussing Dyson or how products are engineered and built, with some noting the host was impressed by the engineering.
- 7 HN recommenders 4 months 2021–2025HN links it in threads on bikes, countersteering and control systems as the clearest demonstration of how bikes actually steer and balance.
- 4 HN recommenders 4 months 2015–2022Recommended as a gold-standard free course for anyone learning to build precision mechanical things.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2011–2020J Jaimie Stuff · videoHN commenters point to it as the start of a gripping, wonder-inducing build saga by a prolific maker of ambitious mechanical projects.
- 4 HN recommenders 4 months 2016–2026D Dave Rondot · comedy videoUsed as the canonical reference for the jargon-parody trope, and as a joke whenever technobabble appears.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2017–2024Recommended as an absorbing masterpiece of craftsmanship, often raised in threads about watches and clockmaking.
- 5 HN recommenders 3 months 2021–2022HN points to it in lock-security threads as a good example of engineering meeting real-world exploitation, where flaws unrelated to the headline mechanism get found.
- 5 HN recommenders 4 months 2023–2024HN commenters point to it as a nice introduction to micromouse and maze-racing robots.
- 3 HN recommenders 4 months 2015–2019S SETI Institute · talkRecommended in threads about long-lasting structures and passing knowledge across generations, as a long but fascinating talk.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2019Recommended whenever rocket engine cycles or turbopumps come up, as a clear introduction from a trusted explainer.
- 4 HN recommenders 3 months 2022–2026B Breaking Taps · explainerCommenters repeatedly recommend it in JWST threads as a great explanation of clever mechanical design that is accurate and long lasting.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2019–2021HN commenters like it as a high-quality, accessible look at an under-appreciated engineering idea and bring it up in snap-fit and hinge discussions.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2021–2026Recommended as a clear, charming explanation of how machines work, including a demonstration of building an electric motor.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2019–2024N Niels Blaauw · explainerHN recommends it as the clearest visual explanation of how the Prius power-split hybrid actually works.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2019–2022A Astronomy and Nature TV · documentaryHN commenters recommend the series for its in-depth, hands-on explanation of how V2 turbopumps and peroxide decomposition work.
- 4 HN recommenders 3 months 2023–2026J Jared Owen · explainerHN recommends it as an exceptionally well-made explainer of complex mechanical machinery.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2023–2026R Rob Scallon · documentaryHN recommends it as an engaging look at how an organ works as a whole orchestra, in threads about organs and live-coding them.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2023–2026W WeberAuto · lectureHN points to it as the clearest hands-on explanation of how Toyota hybrids work.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2016–2018HN people link it as a satisfying demonstration of hand-powered drills being made from nothing.
- 2 HN recommenders 3 months 2020–2023HN recommends the channel and this video as an explanation of how machine tools enabled modern manufacturing.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2022–2023Recommended as a thoughtful, enjoyable 45-minute dive into measurement and the appreciation of precision.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2021–2022HN people recommend it, along with the Lock Picking Lawyer's response, as an engaging look at lock design and how clever mechanisms get bypassed.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2022–2026S SuperfastMatt · explainerRecommended whenever door handles or car reliability engineering come up, as an enjoyable look at design iteration.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2017–2020B Buddy Runyan · documentaryHN recommends the series as an entertaining way to learn how everyday machines work, enough to start debugging them.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2017–2020HN calls it a great, impressive engineering project involving real-time trajectory calculation.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2021–2022HN recommends it as an accessible in-depth explanation of how Webb works and why its deployment was remarkable.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2023–2026HN recommends it as the best explanation of why engine start is hard and what can go wrong.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2024–2026HN commenters recommend it as the physical-machine take on replicating handwriting, with plenty of explained iteration.
- 4 HN recommenders 3 months 2023–2024HN likes the clear animation of how slip rings and piping let a house rotate.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2021–2022HN treats it as the more informed, balanced take on SpinLaunch's tradeoffs.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2020–2021Recommended as an eye-opening look at pre-computer automation and relay logic.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2015–2023HN recommends the series as a fascinating, practical course in precision prototyping, with the flexure episode singled out as especially impressive.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2024–2025W WeberAuto · explainerHN recommends it as a clear explanation of a mind-blowingly simple power-split hybrid design.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2025–2026Commenters send it to people asking how engines survive such temperatures, and call it fascinating and worth watching.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2015–2020R Retrotv · documentaryRecommended as a humorous and clear explanation of everyday machines, including why washing machine balancing works.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2017–2022HN commenters point to it as an entertaining teardown and as evidence that KitchenAid mixers are stoutly built.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2015–2025A Arthur Ganson · demoShared whenever gear reductions, exponential scaling or playful kinetic art come up.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2021–2025Recommended to people who like building things, as part of Hunkin's body of practical engineering explainers.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2013–2023M mtthw0 · demoHN links it constantly as vivid evidence of how much margin aircraft structures have and that destructive testing is real.
- 3 HN recommenders 2 months 2025It is the standard link whenever a new Peltier or thermoelectric cooling breakthrough is posted.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2023–2025Recommended for factory-process fans and as part of a series on how US manufacturing is losing tooling capability.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2018–2025W Wintergatan · music videoHN treats it as the canonical example of a Rube Goldberg style musical instrument and a work of love, and references it in threads on unconventional instruments and machines.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2021–2024HN recommends the series as awesome and notes it is now legally on YouTube; commenters cite it for radio history.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2015–2022M mtainfo · explainerCited as a view into how outdated and error-prone NYC subway signaling is, and how antique interlocking systems work.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2015–2024HN recommends it, and the whole series, for practical mechanical design insight such as how structures achieve stiffness.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2021–2022Named as a favorite LPL video, where a skeptical locksmith's challenge gets answered quickly.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2014–2021M Matthew Travis · documentaryHN recommends it as a fascinating history of Soviet staged-combustion engines and why they stayed in use in American rockets.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2020–2023Recommended as a clear walkthrough of nuclear plant economics and why incentives favor other generation.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2021–2022N Nathan Kutz · lectureHN commenters recommend it for its fluid dynamics of detonation waves and its high-speed imaging of rotating pulses.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2021–2026M MIT MechE Lectures & Colloquia · lectureRecommended for realistic engineering detail on extracting heat from a tokamak.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2022–2024Recommended as a passionate take on good appliance design and cited in toaster threads.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2020–2022S Sabin Civil Engineering · explainerHN recommends it as a clear explanation of the Model 3 motor and reluctance rotor design.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2016–2017Pointed to when people want to see the cams and gears inside a mechanical navigation computer.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2017–2025Linked whenever the Curta or mechanical calculators come up, as a look at a working 3D-printed version.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2021–2026HN people point to it as the full explanation of how gas furnaces work, mostly in threads on heating, power outages and gas appliances.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2021–2024Recommended as the introductory explainer whenever rotating detonation engines show up in the news.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2015–2024J Jay Leno's Garage · demoCited in steam car threads as a well-produced view of how a Doble works and how it solved startup in 1925.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2019–2025Cited as a marvel of absurd precision in home-built machine tools, and a pointer to Gelbart's other videos.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2019–2021HN points to it as a clear, visual demonstration whenever a Tesla valve comes up.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2020–2022Recommended as a beautiful explanation of how the mechanism models the Moon's uneven motion.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2019–2023Cited in threads on rigged arcade machines and gambling-like games as the clearest demonstration that skill games can be tuned to be unwinnable.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2012–2017J JDProductions INC. · documentaryRecommended as a great look at how thoroughly airliners are inspected and rebuilt, and cited in aviation maintenance discussions.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2012–2026O OrnithopterProject · demoUsed as the real example of human-powered flapping flight, in contrast to hoaxes and other human-powered aircraft discussions.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2021–2024Referenced as a typical example of the channel's hacker-eye view of everyday technology, and for its flasher explanation.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2020–2023HN admires the maker's engineering and cites it in accessibility discussions, especially for the limits of sensory resolution versus perception.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2014–2020M MatthiasWandel · demoCited as a favorite example of clever mechanical design and as a reference for CNC joinery devices.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2021–2026W Wesley Kagan · demoHN commenters cite it as an impressive hobbyist project and as an example of open-source engine control enabling freevalve retrofits.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2010–2025R rlcarnes · comedy videoHN uses it as a joke whenever jargon-heavy or meaningless technical pitches appear, and praises it as a masterclass in technobabble.
- 2 HN recommenders 1 months 2022–2023Cited in hydrogen threads as a clear explanation of why burning hydrogen in engines is a poor idea.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2014–2018T The Drive · documentaryCited in threads on camless, digital valve and free-piston engines as a look at Koenigsegg's freevalve work.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2023–2025Pointed to as a good, detailed explanation of how water heaters work and how to save power with them.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2020–2026HN points to it whenever chest fridges or freezer efficiency come up, as a clear explanation of design trade-offs between efficiency and convenience.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2019–2024I InRangeTV · demoUsed in AK versus AR reliability debates to show that the AK's legendary mud-proof reputation is overstated.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2013–2025HN cites it as an example of computational mechanism design, especially in threads on gears, linkages and animatronics.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2024–2025HN recommends it as an in-depth look at mechanical logic, and uses it as an analogy for state machines and biological instruction processing.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2018–2024M Mystery History · demoHN cites it as a hands-on demonstration that one person with simple tools can move huge stones, undercutting arguments that ancient construction needed lost technology.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2023–2024HN points to it as a rare, detailed first-person explanation of Raptor engine design from Musk himself.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2017–2020O oxtoolco · demoCited in threads on flatness and precision as a glimpse into a niche metrology profession.
Showing the 100 best-scored of 139. Use search to find the rest.
Questions
What is the most recommended mechanical & precision engineering video on Hacker News?
Around The Corner - How Differential Steering Works (1937) by US Auto Industry: Held up as a marvel of pedagogy and the best explanation of differentials, recommended again and again.
How is this mechanical & precision engineering list ranked?
By HackerTube's score: the number of distinct months in which an HN comment recommended the video, plus half a point for every month with a strong recommendation. One viral thread counts less than steady recommendations over years.
Where do the videos come from?
From every Hacker News comment between 2007 and 2026 that linked a YouTube video, labeled by an AI model as a recommendation, a citation, a joke or a criticism. The list is published by HackerTube under ODC-By 1.0; this edition adds indexable pages and the comment context.
Video list and Hacker News comment labels from HackerTube (prompted by @karpathy), released under ODC-By 1.0, built on the open-index/hacker-news archive. Hacker News data is provided by Y Combinator; comments remain the work of their authors. Video titles, channel names and thumbnails belong to their creators and are shown via YouTube. HackerTube Watch is an unofficial edition. Data export of 2026-10-31.