Machine Shop Practice: Volume 1

Overall this is a very good book. This moderately experienced home shop machinist definitely learned from it. I have only read volume 1. The only gripe I have is that despite the copyright date the text and especially the photos are very dated. More 50's and 60's than the 1981 copyright date. That's OK for the most part, but there is no discussion any modern machinery, I think DROs got about two paragraphs. This book is definitely more detailed than Machine Shop Trade Secrets or Machine Shop Essentials and a good addition if you already have these. If you're OK with not having a book on the latest machinery and technology this is a good reference.

This is an excellent book. The engineering, materials, and physics information applicable to running common machining operations is covered. Formulas which explain how to choose what speed to run a tool at are covered. It has helped me correct problems I have had from running metal machining tools at the wrong speed. Be sure to buy both volumes.

This book is a "must have". It is a great memory jogging tool. It serves as a "30 years out of trade school" refresher. I particularly like the speeds and feeds section. I highly recommend this book to hobbist and machinst alike. There's something for everyone!

I would rate it as one of the best books on lathe turning. Volume 1 covers the lathe operation in detail. Volume 2 covers the milling machine in detail. The book has too much information for the absolute beginner to absorb all at once so I would suggest that the operater reads the book a few times after he/she has become familiar with the lathe. I recommend this book highly simply because it is so detailed in the description of every turning operation. There could have beeen more drawings to compliment the detailed text but I doubt whether a better book on the lathe exists.

So clearly written! Plus, fills gaps in the knowledge of even experienced professionals. Did you know that a large lead angle on the side-cutting edge of a boring tool could be what's causing all the chatter? Ask your know-it-all boss if he knew how to troubleshoot _that_! _Practice_ rocks.