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MACHINE SHOP ESSENTIALS: Q&A

by Frank Marlow, PE

(click on photo for a larger picture of the book)

I have often been asked by customers to suggest a good book on basic machine shop practice. The book described on this page is just new on the market, and is very good. There are over 500 nice clear line drawings to illustrate things, and the information is presented as questions, which are then followed by answers. The basic idea of the author was to provide information useful to the person who might be doing model or prototype work, one offs, etc., in a shop where CNC equipment is not available. Also, the person was not expected by the author to have much or any prior training as a machinist. Thus, the book starts with the basics.

The author describes this book as follows:

".....A comprehensive and detailed presentation of manual machine tools and methods, machine shop know-how and practical shop tips. Machine Shop Essentials: Q&A is for a wide range of users including machinists, engineers, model makers, R & D lab technicians, instrument makers, prototype builders, product designers and gunsmiths who need to make prototypes, models or spare parts, or need to modify existing equipment. This book can also be used to gain a basic understanding of machine tools before moving on to computer-controlled machine tools.

More than half the book is devoted to small and medium-size lathes and milling machines, such as jewelers' lathes, Sherline miniature lathes and mills, Clausing lathes, and Bridgeport-style vertical milling machines. It examines how these machines are constructed, their cutting tools and accessories and how to use them.

This back-to-basics book contains all the information needed for a fundamental understanding of machine tools, and presents this information in the same straightforward, easy-to-read question-and-answer format used in the author's two successful welding books: Welding Essentials and Welding Fabrication & Repair..."

The Tables of Contents is as follows:

Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1 Measurement Tools, Layout & Job Planning
Chapter 2 Basic Hand Tools
Chapter 3 Filing & Sawing
Chapter 4 Grinding, Reaming, Broaching & Lapping
Chapter 5 Drills & Drilling Operations
Chapter 6 Threads & Threading
Chapter 7 Turning Operations
Chapter 8 Milling Operations
Chapter 9 Fastening Methods
Chapter 10 Machine Shop Steel Metallurgy
Chapter 11 Safety & Good Shop Practices
Chapter 12 Other Shop Know-how
Appendix I Sharpening Steel Lathe Tools
Appendix II Sources of Tools, Materials & Supplies
Glossary
Index
Credits

The book also features:

Step-by-step instructions for many common machine shop operations, including typical problems and their solutions.
Shortcuts, specialized tools and tips from expert machinists on indispensable shop-made tools that will quickly expand the user's capabilities.
Machine tool accessories that simplify making complex parts.
Info on threaded and non-threaded fasteners.
General shop safety issues and special precautions for each machine tool.
A review of basic precision measuring and marking tools and methods.
How to incorporate purchased components such as bearing, gears, snap rings and roll pins to quickly make sophisticated and durable devices.
How to heat-treat steel in the machine shop.
Guidelines for avoiding metal fatigue failures.
Cutting, drilling, and shaping plastic, rubber and glass.
Safety precautions and equipment for each machine tool.
A comprehensive machine shop glossary.

Added March 17/005:
One customer says:

"...This book ...(is)..an excellent resource for information not generally discussed or even written about. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in machining.... " Otto Kerbs, Montreal, Quebec.

MACHINE SHOP ESSENTIALS: Q&A
By Frank M. Marlow
Illustrated by Pamela J. Tallman
Paperback, 528 pages

You can order this book from me:
US Customers: Price: US$49.55 Post Paid. Book will be sent Priority Mail in a Flat Rate envelope.)
California Customers: If your order is to be shipped to a California address, please add 7.75% (=$3.78) California State Sales Tax.

Canadian Customers: please contact me by e-mail if you would like to order this book.

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