Machineries handbook etc

[PeterT]

I have the 25th edition ~7"x5" format. Although its the classic wealth of information, increasingly find it a PITA to look for things to the point I usually go on the internet first. Its small, the font size seems to be shrinking every year even with my proper glasses & the pages are like rice paper. I've noticed used versions can be had pretty cheap.

- Is there a larger format available & if so, how do they define it in the ad?
- I've heard certain versions, maybe past 25 or so are less desirable because they added more fluff (maybe cnc?) but its rather useless outdated info anyways. Any comments on this front?
- is 'Guide' the handbook itself? I though there was also some kind of compendium that corresponded to edition # but maybe I'm mixed up with another text book?

unrelated but I have this book coming which I'm pretty sure I used in school. Hard to wrong for the price.

 

[Susquatch]

- is 'Guide' the handbook itself?

No. IMHO, the guide is a waste of money. It is certainly not the whole handbook. I bought a copy of the guide well before I joined our forum. Wish I could sell it, but I couldn't do that with a clear conscience. It might end up being a fire log.

 

[DavidR8]

I have a companion book.
I’ll take a picture when I’m home.

 

[gerritv]

For imperial you are much better off with the Engineer's Black Book (they make it very difficult to get the metric verson in North America for some reason). Yes there is lots of info in the MH, and yes most of it is irrelevant to our hobby. The small print and zero contrast/colour just makes it even more inaccessible. Nothing stands out on the page.

gerrit

 

[John Conroy]

I have a PDF copy of the MH 29th edition that I use instead of the printed one. Keeps my grubby fingerprints off the book and allows keyword searches. Here's a link to it on my Google drive.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_3OkSIe1W8L0l5kE4wYRSuFnGclYzEvF/view?usp=sharing

 

[DavidR8]

 

[thestelster]

Before the advent of smartphones and apps, I used it all the time. There's still a lot of information in it that I use, just not as often.

 

[Susquatch]

Before the advent of smartphones and apps, I used it all the time. There's still a lot of information in it that I use, just not as often.

Really? I'm gunna have to take another look at mine. Maybe I judged it too quickly and too harshly.....

 

[thestelster]

Like calculating dimensions for centralizing acme threads; standard taper dimenensions; measuring dovetails; formuals for 3-wire pitch diameters; allowances and tollerances.

Yes, there are apps for most of that. But if I have to use paper and pen to do calculations, I find it easier with a hard copy in front of me instead of the smartphone.

Plus it's all there in one book!

 

[Susquatch]

Like calculating dimensions for centralizing acme threads; standard taper dimenensions; measuring dovetails; formuals for 3-wire pitch diameters; allowances and tollerances.

Yes, there are apps for most of that. But if I have to use paper and pen to do calculations, I find it easier with a hard copy in front of me instead of the smartphone.

Plus it's all there in one book!

You sure you are talking about the companion book, and not the handbook?

 

[thestelster]

You sure you are talking about the companion book, and not the handbook?

No, not the companion. I have the Machinery's Handbook 23.

 

[Susquatch]

No, not the companion. I have the Machinery's Handbook 23.

I see. That I agree with. It's the companion that I think isn't worth the money. I was mildly surprised when you said you liked it.

 

[DavidR8]

I see. That I agree with. It's the companion that I think isn't worth the money. I was mildly surprised when you said you liked it.

Do you have the one I posted?

 

[Susquatch]

Do you have the one I posted?

I'm not sure which version of the companion I have. Its buried in my shop and it's possible I even pitched it. I just remember flipping through the pages and thinking I can't believe I actually paid good money for this.

 

[DavidR8]

I'm not sure which version of the companion I have. Its buried in my shop and it's possible I even pitched it. I just remember flipping through the pages and thinking I can't believe I actually paid good money for this.

Interesting. The Companion that I have has so much info that I only bought the full book because it was $10 used.

 

[Susquatch]

Interesting. The Companion that I have has so much info that I only bought the full book because it was $10 used.

Interesting indeed. I'll have to see if I can find it and look again. It will be a few days though. I'm flogging a municipal highway issue right now.

 

[DavidR8]