Tabletop Machining gives the reader not just the "hows" but also the "whys" of machining practices using the lathe and milling machine for metalworking. Included are down-to-earth descriptions as well as detailed photos and drawings. In addition, a large selection of project photos illustrates the amazing work that has been produced by craftsmen using small but capable miniature machine tools. Though the tools used in the examples highlight the small end of the size scale in machining, the theories and practices can be applied to metal working on machines of any size.
Whether you're a newly graduated engineer or a beginning machinist, this book will help you gather some real, practical knowledge of how machines and machinists actually go about working with metal. This isn't theory, but rather it details "real world" practices and gives a good insight into the challenges faced by machinists. Too often, good craftsmen are stopped from venturing forth because the only information available shows just the technically perfect way to do things rather than the simple, practical methods everyone really uses. For those wishing to design and build their first metal parts, it is a perfect starting point, as it highlights the fun that comes from making small projects of precision and beauty.
Joe Martin grew up in New England and entered the building trades straight out of high school. He worked on many construction jobs around the country while pursuing his hobby of building and flying radio controlled aircraft on the side. He and a group of friends began the sport of Formula One model aircraft racing and Joe became one of the sport's early champions. His hobby eventually led him from the construction trades into manufacturing where he owned several companies producing products for the hobby markets. While working in that industry, he used a small, borrowed Unimat lathe to help complete a contract to design a joystick to test-fly the lunar lander for NASA. Years later, he came across a chance to become the United States distributor for the Australian-built Sherline miniature machine tool line. He knew it was a well-designed tool that eliminated all the weaknesses of the Unimat he had used before and felt there was a good market for it here. An early contract with Sears got the business off to a good start. He started out importing the machines from Australia, but wound up obtaining exclusive manufacturing rights to the Sherline tool line. In the process, he built a business from a few worn out, used tools in a rented industrial space to ownership of a large factory with over a million dollars worth of state-of-the-art computer controlled production machines.
Joe is still a hobbyist at heart and enjoys building and flying radio-controlled aircraft. The general public may have an image of a model builder as a stay-at-home nerd, but Joe has expanded his hobbies to include windsurfing, sailboat and automobile racing. Never one to be a spectator in life, he immerses himself fully in every job or hobby he takes on. He brings to this book the ability to draw upon many experiences for comparisons. His respect for the achievements of hobbyists and builders has also let him to sponsor contests and a Foundation to reward craftsmanship. That competition over the years has led to an excellent resource of photos of outstanding projects. There are very few people who could combine the photo resources, experience and knowledge he brings to this book.
