Machining Fundamentals

This is a textbook by John R. Walker for high school level vo-tech. There is a lot of really good basic metal working information here about things like drills, tap and dies, files, etc. The section on abrasives has information on how to read the designator for a grinding wheel: 32A46-H8VBE and what each section means and then how that translates into what kind to use for what materials. Now this is not directly applicable to blacksmithing, but we all use files, hacksaws, grinders, etc. but knowing things like how to correctly position angle when cutting, and how many teeth in a saw blade should be in contact with the metal, all make things go a little more smoothly. Since this is a textbook, there is heavy emphasis on safety practices.

Another useful section of this book is the appendix at the end. There are about 50 pages of tables with formulas, conversions, tap/die/thread sizes, etc. and a glossary of terms

This book also explains how metal lathes, mills, shapers and other machinist tools work. Understanding how these tools operate can help you if you are working with a machinist to make jigs, mandrels etc.

These types of books are often available on sale tables, school flea markets, and at hammer-in tailgates. The more modern editions have information on computer controlled machining and tools. So for the most part, older editions are fine for our purposes.

A book of this type is handy to have on the “blacksmith’s bookshelf”.

Book review by Albin Drzewianowski

-- AlbinDrzewianowski - 25 Jan 2008