Home Machinists Handbook

by Doug Briney

Book Overview

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.


Here's everything the do-it-yourselfer needs to set up, and operate a handy-man's machine shop. Areas covered range from shop requirements and proper lighting to buying, using, and storing tools.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830615733
• ISBN13: 9780830615735
• Release Date: February 1984
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.7" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Loaded with good info for the money.

I have never used a metal lathe or mill, but I am trying to decide if I should get a small one. I am a woodworker, with a decent woodworking shop, so I'm fairly good at mechanical things. As stated early in the book, it isn't for machine shops or starting a business. It is for Home Machinists. There is good information and introductions about what the various machines and tools are, how you use them, and what types of things they can do. Good discussion on metals, as well as tempering, etc. While I am still not sure if I am going to make the jump to getting machine tools, I certainly think the knowledge gained was worth the purchase price.

Home Machinists Handbook

It is a very helpful book for someone who has not used a lathe since highschool (1960's). I would recommend it for anyone as a good review of practices, or for a mechanically inclined person who needs firt time instructions.

A Great Resource for Beginners

This book is a great resource for beginning home machinists. It is somewhat Sherline specific, but that is a plus for me since I use Sherline tools. There is also a lot of general-purpose advice, so beginning machinists using other brands might also benefit (the first section covers reading plans and blueprints, for example). One thing I really like are the nice, clear illustrations -- easy to see even at arms length with safety glasses on! Although there is some duplication, I recommend Sherline beginners buy both this book and Joe Martin's "Tabletop Machining." Together, they are best two "accessories" you can possibly have in a Sherline shop.

A truly excellent reference for the novice machinist

The Home Machinist's Handbook is a wonderful first book for anyone interested in learning how to create parts in metal at home with small (or large) machine tools. The book covers all of the essentials in a clear readable style and includes plenty of helpful illustrations and photos. I can't recommend this book highly enough if you're just starting out in the hobby.

Good Basic Information

If your just starting out, or been around for a long time, this is a helpful book. It has several projects geared towards the smaller lathe, that means that you can build them on almost any equipment. It gives information the beginner will need to know and gives that information in an easy to understand format. This book belongs on your bookshelf.