Tabletop Machining: A Basic Approach to Making Small Parts on Miniature Machine Tools [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

Second, the book is very Sherline-specific. I'm sure that most of the information applies to other systems, but if so, it's entirely by chance. The details of the construction and operation of Sherline machine tools are intimately woven throughout the text. Many of the Sherline accessories (which are also discussed in detail) are unique to the Sherline system and don't have analogues ouside that product line. Like one of the other reviewers here, I would call this book an extended Sherline manual.

I found the pervasive spelling errors somewhat annoying.

On the other hand, I found the book's focus (introductory machining for the layman or hobbyist) to be right on target. It contains a wealth of practical information. The photographs are beautifully executed and printed.

If I could add something to this book, it would be information about the process of machining a complex part. The book covers basic operations well, but other than a few small projects in the back, it never says much about how to add up the individual operations.

This book is also interesting for the glimpse it gives of the hobbyist community. It appears to consist entirely of white, male retirees who are obsessed with steam engines and models of boats and cars. Where are the robotics experimenters? Where are the sculptors?

The author gives freely of his advice. This is not a specific how to each step of any machining operation, but an overall how to. You get lots of advice. And, the book is stunning in it's photo's.

The author gives you recommendations on which tools and accessories to buy, and which vendors he buys from. An example could be the advice he gives on finishing off your part once it's machined. He advises the use of small polishing stones after the piece has been deburred. You'll see pictures of the stones he uses. "I have found a 1/4" square shape the most useful. The end can be shaped on a bench grinder to get into tight spaces. The stone is dipped into kerosene frequently to keep the surface being cut awash with fluid..." This goes on for about 4 large paragraphs.

Then he tells you about finishing off with sandpapers. "I have gotten excellent results with 320A wet and dry sandpaper glued ot small sticks. I buy these woooden sticks at hobby shops and prefer spruce. I glue the sticks to the paper with instant "super glue" and make up a batch of them at one time..." He goes on for several more paragraphs on sandpapers. They he talks about powdered and liquified abrasive polishes, then tumbled finishes. Well, you get the idea.

The last chapter of the book describes how the author started his business and relays all the important lessons that he learned. This chapter alone is worth the price of the book. In fact, you should read what he says about the great value of their internet site.

Again, this book is geared to the smaller scale of desktop machining... not using the big iron. He notes the differences. His comments on CNC, and on craftsmanship, CAD and engineering are also very interesting.

Although all the examples in the book used the company's Sherline lathes, mills and accessories, it was not blatent, nor came across as self-serving.

It's a big format book, paper back, with glossy paper with full color photos on just about every page.

I highly recommend this book. And, my hats off to the author for doing such a remarkable and detailed job.

John Dunbar