The Amateur's Lathe

I think some of the other reviewers read a different book than the one I read. The person who preferred Moltrecht's book to Sparey's as a source of information about turning obviously got the two mixed up. I too have the Moltrecht texts---they are great as an introductory survey of a huge variety of (mostly outdated) industrial machines and manchinery practices. Sparey's book DOES suffer from poor photography---that seems to be the case with a lot of these English books. But, Sparey really does give a lot of great information. His duscussion, for example, of parting off and how to correctly grind a parting off tool is unsurpassed by any other source of information I have read. Moltrecht's book is better at giving formulaes for calculating cutting speeds, etc. But this is pretty trivial to derive for yourself given a knowledge of basic geometry. Additionally, some of the recommended speeds/feeds are directed towards maximum efficiency in an industrial environment with high-HP machinery--trying some of the cuts on smaller equipment with lower HP ( Sparey's quirky British humor is just terrific. His comment, for example, that "The acquisition and installation of the lathe is one of the highlights of life." is absolutely priceless. I've got quite a library of books on lathes by now, and I think this is probably the best of them all. Still, I do wish the photographs were better.

This book covers an amazing assortment of information, from how to install a lathe to how to turn rubber, do metal spinning, mill in the lathe, and lap cylinder bores. For a concise summary of all the assorted knowledge a home machinist is likely to need to know about, this book is hard to beat. The frontispiece picture of the very English author in necktie and shop coat working at his lathe is alone worth the price of admission.If you get seriously involved you'll want to know more about some of the topics, but this book will get you started.

If your are starting out as a model, steam engine,gasolineengine builder or maybe just want to learn how to use a metal lathe,this is THE book. Although focused on English equipment, it's all good stuff. Many ideas, lots of pictures and helpful tips.