Thread: Machining text books

Hi

I have collected a few text books on the machining , fitting and turning subjects over the past two years . I began by finding a set of 1970's era TAFE machining textbooks at a op shop, the 3 volumes in orange , green and blue .

I wonder if others can describe what they consider to be a good read on the subject .

There must have been literally hundreds of books on this topic published over 100 years or more . Books can only teach you so much as this hobby is very much a hands on learning skill learnt by trial and error to a large degree. MIKE

Mike,
Do you have a copy of "Machinery's Handbook" ?
If not it is worth every penny spent.
I also have the guide books that go with it, for the extra
$15 or so dollars they are also worth having.
It also wouldnt hurt to get yourself a copy of "The Engineers Black Book"
I have quite a comprehensive library, but I am not at home so
I cant remember all the titles for you.
If you are interested I can pm you a list of book titles that
Will keep you busy for many years.
Matt

Originally Posted by morrisman

I wonder if others can describe what they consider to be a good read on the subject .

Most machists books are information rich but are not what I would consider a "good read" and many are just not that easy to read.

About the only one that I have seen that falls into the "good read" category is Guy Lautard's "Machinists bedside reader". It's a 3 volume set full of hints and tips and stories he has picked up over his many years as a machinist. It's like reading a condensed version of threads of this forum. It has methods and recipes in it that are really useful and you can read segments from it in a couple if minutes. I find it great reading on the loo.

Ok

Yes I've seen the Machinery handbook and the guide on the ABE books site . Edition 27 can be bought for a cheap price . I must get a copy .

Thanks for the other book leads .

Hi Mike,
I spent years machining without any training or reading, I just used my common sense and the feel I seem to naturaly have. I know you have already read Harold halls books, I also got Ivan laws book on gear cutting, but it is no bedtime read, it is full of math and formula. I have some books by a guy called Jim hrisulas (spelling?). They are more about blade making but include great workshop info, gas forge plans etc.

This one is free

Thread cutting methods | Machine shop practice books

Ewan, yes I'm not the best at reading either but its better than nothing if you don't have anyone on hand to guide you MIKE

I like this one:
Machine Shop Trade Secrets - Order
Check out the website for examples of the sort of info in the book.
I lent mine to a friend, and some time later a new one arrived in my letterbox. Nice of him to keep my old copy!

Jordan

My main text is the TAFE books (1980s). I only have the first two. Would love to find vol 3. The black book is also a handy reference.

I guess most educational texts are going to be pretty good on the basics. The finer points, normally learned from years on the job, may be better sourced from one of these 'tips & tricks' type books. A lot of older texts are available on line, and can contain some great info, but to me the drawbacks are reading on screen, finding the info you want, and sometimes tedious writing style.

I would like to see some reviews of the Workshop Practice series. Because I have found the quality so patchy I won't buy another one without a credible recommendation or three. I could kick it off, but maybe that should be its own thread?

Originally Posted by Bryan

My main text is the TAFE books (1980s). I only have the first two. Would love to find vol 3. The black book is also a handy reference.

hi Bryan,
Do you have a pic of the first two or a pic of the one you want. There is one in the book shop here. I will grab it if it's the right one.

Phil

Originally Posted by Ueee

I spent years machining without any training or reading, I just used my common sense and the feel I seem to naturaly have.

You want to be careful with that common sense stuff Ueee, there's not alot of it around these days. It's a lost art these days and it can't be taught.

Originally Posted by Bryan

My main text is the TAFE books (1980s). I only have the first two. Would love to find vol 3. The black book is also a handy reference.

?

Vol. 3 is the one on Tool & cutter grinding, surface grinding and tool making and precision measuring .

BTW the current TAFE machining text book is a very good book , it's a thick all in one volume with more info than the older 3 Volume set . . I don't know if it is widely available but any TAFE bookshop on the campus should have it in stock.

Originally Posted by morrisman

Vol. 3 is the one on Tool & cutter grinding, surface grinding and tool making and precision measuring .

BTW the current TAFE machining text book is a very good book , it's a thick all in one volume with more info than the older 3 Volume set . . I don't know if it is widely available but any TAFE bookshop on the campus should have it in stock.

That presumably would be the "Fitting and Machining" book by Ron Culley (aka the green book). It's a good read and worth getting hold of. It's available from Pitstop Books in Perth Fitting and Machining | Culley, Ron via mail order (usually 1-2 day turn around). I've seen it at Dymocks from time to time as well.

Rgds - Gavin

Originally Posted by Steamwhisperer

hi Bryan,
Do you have a pic of the first two or a pic of the one you want. There is one in the book shop here. I will grab it if it's the right one.

Phil

Phil, if it's vol 3 it's the right one! And if it's cheap it's even righterer!

A (potentially) cheaper copy available here

Fitting and Machining by Ron Culley (Hardback, 2010) | eBay

Many of these are old books but some quite reasonable all free to download.
Machine shop practice books | Metalworking books