The Geometry of Sheet Metal Work

By A. Dickason

This book makes possible the accurate geometrical solution of all problems of pattern development normally encountered, by giving examples arranged according to a systematic plan which progressively illustrates the underlying principles. In the five "courses" into which the book is divided, the three basic methods of Radial Line, Parallel Line and Triangulation are applied in more and more complex examples, culminating in the solution of difficult problems of pipe intersection, twisted surfaces and spiral chutes. Each stage in the solution of the problem is clearly explained and shown in detailed drawings, and the superiority of the accurate geometrical method, in terms of time and material saved, is effectively demonstrated. All sheet metal workers will find this book invaluable.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0582009618
• ISBN13: 9780582009615
• Release Date: October 1987
• Publisher: Longman
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.4"

Customer Reviews

A Work of Art

I'm rather surprized that this book has not been reviewed but then maybe there aren't many sheetmetal workers looking for these books these days or maybe they just don't write reviews. I say that there probably aren't many looking for these books because most of what is in these books is now done with a CNC operated Laser cutter, Plasma cutter or maybe a Turret Punch. All you have to do is load some dimensions into a program and it magically does it all for you. If however you work in a shop without the requisite machine and computer or at home then this is the book for you.Dickason wrote this book back in the days when all you had was a trammel bar, rule and set of dividers to mark out patterns for the obects to be constructed.The book starts with the Radial line method of development and then moves onto the Paralled line method and then the Triangulation method. He covers the three methods three times introducing increasingly harder problems along the way. Each time elucidating a new concept. The next section is on the Method of Cutting Planes which is required for determining the joint lines between say a cone and a cyclinder. Until you have determined the joint line you can not develop the patterns required for each item. He has a section on Branch and Junction pieces and a section on Unusual Problems. He then finishes the book with a chapter on the two difficult subjects of Double Projection and Twisted Surfaces. Throughout the book the often complex drawings are complimented with instructional text. There is a good Table of Contents and reasonable Index.This book is not for the faint of heart as it requires much study but that is the nature of the subject and not the authors fault.This also indicates why so many within the industry have a limited understanding of the various methods of development and when to use which method. Unfortunately it is most difficult to teach spatial perception. If you cannot visualize it you won't be able to make it. Just a small note here about the authors other books which are once again of good instructional quality. He has written "Sheetmetal Drawing and Pattern Development"(ISBN 0-582-99482-90), "The Calulation of Sheetmetal Work", and "The Technology of Sheetmetal Work". All very good books in there own right. The second book on development is in his words "supplementary" to this book and is equally brilliant. If you want to do any serious pattern development then this is certainly one of the few places to start. Dickason is an expert with a difficult subject and knew his subject very well.It has to have a minimum 5 stars as it has very few peers.