Thread: David Gingery Books

Hello,

After seeing a few puzzling references to Gingery Lathes I now know what it means.

Found a heap of books by a chap called David Gingery on Amazon - can get electronic or hard copy - they look interesting.

Can anybody comment ? Are they worth getting and studying ?

Any other books in the same vein written by other people ? worth reading ?

Bill

Like most things it depends on your time and resources. There are two Gingerys who write these books - Dave and Vincent (father and son - which is which I can't recall. One's designs are better than the other I think)
I bought one on making a power hacksaw. While it it would provide a basic machine, I found while trying to make it that there were some design issues and when I started thinking about the end device I decided that there were some flaws that would mean it would have to be treated carefully and probably need parts replaced regularly anyway. I think if you had access to vast piles of (usable) scrap then they may be worthwhile but if you have to buy materials then I'd be suggesting that it may not be worth while.
Putting my personal experiences to one side, the concept of making machinery from scratch in a developing sequence is an interesting one and there are a number of people out there who have made Gingery shapers, so I might have picked the book that was not properly checked before publication. I wouldn't buy another but they may be worth reading for general interest and to get ideas.

Michael

FYI there is a yahoo gingery machine group ....for guys who have made or are making the stuff

IT IS A LARGE GROUP .

...MIKE

gingery_machines : Gingery Machines Main Group

Originally Posted by morrisman

FYI there is a yahoo gingery machine group ....for guys who have made or are making the stuff

IT IS A LARGE GROUP .

...MIKE

gingery_machines : Gingery Machines Main Group

Thanks Mike - have joined his forum to have a look.

Bill

Dave Gingery died a few years ago, I think his last book was a beginners sheet metal work book with a project to make a tool carrier. His son Vincent is keeping the books in print.

As observed, some are good, some are just 'ideas' books and a small group are quite good. Most also rely on the reader having a good working knowledge of engineering, machining and foundry safety. I bought a few & gave most of them away.

I have browsed through a few of the Gingery series. The best thing I've got out of them is that with a plan, perseverance, time (lots!) and some skill, you could make just about anything.
enjoy,
Andrew.