Machinery's Handbook

[farmwrench@aol]

I have a 14th (1953)edition and wonder if it is worth the money to upgrade. I found it invaluble for so many things but wonder how much is out of date. It has been a regular education, and has greatly improved the value of my equipment with my improved skills. Since the book was a gift I wouldn't feal bad about spending the money for a new copy since I know just what it is realy worth but,my wife's Uncle still uses a vol 4 for his job. What do you think? anyone have the CD?

[halfnut]

My opinion, NO. I have a 21st and a 15th, more stuff in 15th as far as I am concerned.

[SGW]

I'd say "no," assuming you need typical home shop kind of information. In fact, like Halfnut I expect you are better off with an older edition. Home shops are typically at about an early 1950s technology level, so the older Machinery's Handbooks are just right.

I've got a 21st edition I use most of the time, but I picked up a 5th edition because at one point I needed to know what the standard was for a #16 machine screw (yes, there used to be #16 machine screws!) and of course the 21st edition didn't have it.

(A #16 machine screw was .272" dia, 18 tpi.)

[This message has been edited by SGW (edited 07-22-2001).]

[jimco]

Have old and new also.
Use old edition more than new.

[Thrud]

I have the Large Print 25th edition. I hate my bifocals but love the larger print. They now have a CD-Rom version that you can print out parts of it with Adobe Acrobat (.pdf format). That is great when you do not want to gorp up an expensive book in the shop!

As for the older ones having better info, if the new ones do not have the proper info or enough data - email them and tell them what YOU want in the next one. I found them quite receptive to suggestions.

Now that they have transcribed the written into electronic format it will be easier for them to add and correct information to future editions (a real nightmare when done on paper).

[Lead Screw]

I got a 15th and a 23rd. I never regret having both. The new one has more metric thread info and I cut alot of metric threads. I am wandering about the new CD book----Will it remained updated when the next edition comes out? I've had to go back to the old book for the square thread section------the new book doesnt have square threads. I cut a 5"-4 double lead square thread about two months ago------- External screw and a big bronze nut for it. Man that was a good feeling when that monster screwed togther.

[Lew Merrick]

My first copy of Machinery's Handbook was
(I believe) a 16th Edition. I wore it out
and the current "working copy" I keep is a
19th Edition. I broke down and bought a
25th Edition recently. While there is SOME
good new information in it, I find that the
information that has been "replaced" too
important to have been happy with the
"upgrade".

I cannot say that I am happy with the
direction the Industrial Press has taken in
the years since Frank Jones died.

[Thrud]

Lew,

I agree with your comments, and that is why you should write or email them with suggestions. They are always looking to put more material in it, they cannot think of everything - help them out a little!!

Dave