I mentioned "Edison 4" the other day as a simple solution to virtually prototyping electrical circuits and providing an inexpensive and easy way to create schematics for your wirebooks.  (google Edison 4)

I tired of having to have multiple printed references laying around for when I needed to order AN hardware, get torque specs, kick-start my memory for clearance hole sizes, or get general info about materials properties.  I started looking for an integrated solution (even thought about creating my own) when I found "Mechanic's Toolbox" from Sacramento Sky Ranch.  It's a way cool collection of software and documentary solutions and answers to just about any question you'll need answered regarding all of these things and much more.  The download is about 600Mb, but the package is available delivered via snail mail on CDROM as well, all for about 30 bux.  It has lots of little programs that handle a multitude of tasks, videos of common defects (like determining valve seating problems, corrosion, etc, even the right way to mount a tire so it balances out with the tube).  The best part is that all of the programs are free standing, they don't need any DLLs loaded into the WIndows System directory, so you can load the whole thing up on a 1GB thumb drive and run anything it contains directly from it on any computer that has a USB port.  Check it out at http://www.sacskyranch.com/mechanic_contents.htm. A great investment for the builder or repairman.

   <Marv>

PS... I have no financial interest in or other connection with Sacramento Sky Ranch.  I am happy to call a spade a spade <g>.