[TheForge] books - Machinery's Handbook

[Craig Schaefer]

Speaking of Machinery's Handbook, later editions gloss over or don't even 
mention blacksmithing to the extent that the earlier editions do.  I think 
you would want one of the printings before the 1960s, but I'm not sure when 
they started leaving the important stuff out.

CraigS
Gresham, OR


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Cindy and James" <jallcorn at suddenlink.net>
To: <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2009 5:11 PM
Subject: [TheForge] books


> for me, the biggest problem is DESIGN.  I/we don't to small things, and
> only do projects we want to do (we turn down a number of things every
> year).  I can learn faster/better by watching a video or DVD or a demo
> that is live than I can by reading a book.  I think I am somewhat
> dyslexic or something like that.  I won't say what my wife says... :-)
>
> The Machinery's handbook is great for reference, I have an old copy but
> rarely use it because I just don't use a lot of that stuff.  However,
> when it is needed, it is worth it's weight in gold, so to speak.
>
> As far as design goes, I rely on my wife who is quite accomplished as an
> artist and designer.  SHE uses the Dover books, absolutely devours them
> looking for inspiration for certain clients.  Spanish, Italian, French,
> English, Art Deco, Prairie, Art Nouveau, Craftsman, you name it, she has
> a copy of it.  But they are mostly illustrations of things past, the old
> master's work.  Plus she subscribes to dozens of high end design
> magazines and is always tearing pages out to keep.  She won't let me
> throw any of them away.
>
> If I were going to outfit a library for this craft, I would do it with a
> few selected books on the craft, the absolute master's books, and in my
> opinion there are only a few of the Old Masters; a collection of Dover
> books, the aforementioned Machinery's HB; and a collection of good DVD's
> of renowned smiths demoing and talking about the work they do... Hofi,
> Tom Clark, etc.  Trouble with the DVD's is the poor quality of the
> recording (audio) and/or the video on lots of these DVD's.  I bought
> several from the BAM group and am just now getting around to watching
> them.  Most are pretty good on the video but so far the audio part is
> horrible on some.  Just can't hear what is being said, but they were
> fairly inexpensive.  Just bought 1/2 dozen of the NOMMA DVD's, mostly
> well worth the money and NOT cheap.
>
> James
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> TheForge mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net
>
> TheForge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.photoaccess.com
> Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> Password: anvil
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>