Machinist's Library?

The absolute hugest most critical mistake you can possibly make is to buy such books without first reading them through carefully. How to read them before buying? Simple - you check them out of your local library! Your library doesn't have one? Simple - you request an interlibrary loan.

If you buy books without knowing if they're useful (most aren't) you will waste a ton of money.

Grant

Best darned advice I have seen in a long time!!!!!

Get the librarians to dig through their resources and come up with copies. Read them and if interested go to Amazon or just plain Google until you find a used copy for a buck.

Most machine shop books are old. Everybody is focusing on CNC today and don't have a clue as to non CNC machining.

While we are on the subject. How many volumes are there in Moltrecht's Machine Shop Proctice?

TIA

Chuck P.

I've probably got 50 or 60 of them, maybe more, but I'm not going to recommend any. That's because I think you have an opportunity to increase your value and to document it at the same time. In other words, you probably can combine distance learning and "comping out" (taking final tests, without the classes), to acquire certification or an associate's degree). To do that you'll need the syllabus and book list from the program you're interested in.

Most of us here have a lot of classics and books of interest mainly to hobbyists. They used to be the meat and potatoes of the industry but no more. Now, particularly in CNC and metallurgy, you'll want the latest.

So I'd check into the best machining/CNC program at nearby colleges (community colleges, if that's where the action is in your area) and see what the possibilities are. You're going to study the books, anyway. You'd might as well get something for it. And, if your programs are like the ones here, you can do it at your own pace.

If you can talk to an instructor there you probably can get their current book lists.

Good luck. You're going to need more certification and/or a degree in the future. This business is changing, and education is the best protection against finding yourself out in the cold. It's no guarantee, but it helps.

-- Ed Huntress

To start with get a Machinery's Handbook, pre-60's editions on ebay are nice for manual machines. The older editions also have lots of old-time techniques and receipes for everything from sealing high pressure steam pipes to techniques for controlling dust on earth floors. Its a great resource.

Gregm

"Hari Seld> I've been a machinist (vertical mill/Bridgeport) for several

IMO, Anyone who reads this group needs a copy of machinery's handbook.

Two, last I heard.

Mike

================ see

Uncle George

They used to call your experience 'apprenticeship'; a very good way to learn a trade. For long term detailed reference, except for newer technology, I also recommend Machinery's Handbook. Bugs

I have about 20 titles, of which I can recall only a few at the moment. I check the local used book stores pretty regularly and pick up most titles for under $10, often much less. Last night the only thing of interest was a Warner-Swasey hardback on operating a turret lathe. At $9.98 I wasn't really interested. If anyone here is, I'll stop back by and buy it for you.

Rex B Fort Worth

Try to get a copy of Machine tool Metal by Feirer and Tatro. library of congress # 60-13765. l believe it's a hig school or trade school textbook. Also Machinery's handbook I have a copy of each of these to sell for $35 together if interested Plus book rate postage from 92115 Thx Dan

--Sorry, couldn't resist, how's the encyclopedia coming? ;-)

According to Mike Henry :

That's what my set is. But -- I seem to remember reading here some years back that it was at one time published as a single volume.

Enjoy, DoN.

According to steamer :

I wonder how many will get that one? It *can't* be an accident, because the spelling of the first name is even correct for the interpretation.

Enjoy, DoN.

Slowly but steadily. I'd get more done but Dors is keeping me up at night. Man, that gal is like a machine!....

Sure, but I was just looking for opinions from the group on which books you guys think are worthwhile, to narrow the search down a bit.

What does the group think about getting an earlier (and cheaper) edition of Machinery's Handbook, say the 26th edition?

FWIW -- the earlier editions, even before the 26th may be better for the typical [manual] machinist. Only real lack may be metric information which may or may not be a problem. Uncle George

According to Hari Seldon :

I would suggest that there is benefit to be had from both an older edition (e.g. I have a 16th edition), and a more recent one, with the 25th having added some collet information not in the previous edition.

I don't know what the 26th or 27th may offer which are not in the 25th, as I don't have these.

Enjoy, DoN.