There are many reference books on the market today, starting with Machinery's Handbook, that provide much of the technical and reference information a machinist or engineer may ever need. It is difficult, however, to find a book that provides practical "how to" information that can immediately be put to use to improve ones machining skills, craftsmanship and productivity.

The purpose of this book is to fill that void and provide concrete suggestions that can help you think and produce like an experienced machinist. If that's what you're looking for, you've hit the mother lode.

This book is primarily directed toward the conventional tool room machinist working in a small shop environment. Many CNC machining suggestions are also included. By virtue of pricing and delivery competition, most small shops have to be very good at what they do. You will find that the equipment and techniques referred to in these pages are commonly seen and used in small machine shops.

Tool room machinists are the ones called upon to do prototype and low production machining. They may also be called upon to build and maintain tools such as dies, molds, and fixtures and occasionally sweep the floor. An accomplished machinist should possess many of the skills of a mechanic, craftsman and problem solver.

Practitioners of the trade are likely to stay quite busy as they face the daily challenges of getting things done. The trade is well suited for results oriented people.

If you're the type of person that frustrates...