Metalworking Sink or Swim: Tips and Tricks for Machinists, Welders and Fabricators (Volume 1)

I am giving this book 5 stars because I believe that it has that much redeeming value. Tom Lipton is an accomplished machinist, or at least he knows how to convince us that he is. I really enjoyed reading this effort cover to cover. I finished it in two evenings, learning quite a lot about metalworking and a lot about Mr. Lipton as well. I have to say upfront though, if you are a newbie in metalworking or do not enjoy the technical aspects of the art of learning, this book is probably not for you. On the other hand, if you want to know how and why something works the way it does, Tom Lipton can probably explain it for you.I have noticed that some folks are a little critical of errors in the published manuscript. I am a fairly competent proof reader, and having written some manuscripts and educational materials I am usually aware of errors when they occur. I started reading the book with a pencil in hand, marking the obvious errors page by page. In truth, there ARE some errors throughout the text that should have been caught in the proofing process. It is also true to say that there are very few GLARING errors....ones that detract from the reading experience. The most notable errors occurred when the text referred to a photo identified by a number (ex: 3-21; or 4-200b...) and the photo depicted was not the correct one. This left me scratching my head for a moment until I found the correct image which was usually close by on the same or next page. So, after reading about halfway through the book, I put the pencil down and concentrated on learning something.This book puts a lot of effort into metalworking in general. It will not teach you how to run a basic machine, weld a proper seam, or bend and form sheetmetal. It presumes that you already know how to turn the equipment on and run it. It also presumes that you are mostly familiar with the terminology in use today. So, this is not an ideal primer for a first time user or someone wanting to learn the basics of machine technology. However, this book excels in solving problems that are just not mentioned somewhere else. If you run into a problem while working metal, there is more than an even chance that Tom Lipton has already seen it and probably formulated a solution. A lot of those solutions are in this book. In addition, there are a lot of shortcuts ("Tips and Tricks..") that make those difficult problems seem academic in nature. That is to say, that the tips and tricks are designed for the working professional and not the theoretical clinician. They give you real life methods for accomplishing the difficult tasks that can be dreamed up by engineers.Fair warning...there is quite a bit of time dedicated to CNC process. So, if you are an old-timer who has not graduated into the computerized world of machinery, these CNC chapters may not hold much interest for you. If, on the other hand, you work with CNC or want to....you will really take home a lot of valuable "stuff" from this work.Having said all of that, I really enjoyed the time spent engrossed in this book. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience contained here, and as long as you are willing to read and understand, you will come away with ideas, tips, tricks, and "head slappers.." (why didn't I think of that!!...) worth far more than the price you paid.Oh, and what about the anecdotes and "stories" sprinkled throughout the text..??? Well, you will have to judge for yourself, but I think they lend an air of readability to the text. Usually interesting and sometimes humorous, they give your mind a break from the sometimes technical stuff and allow you to briefly smile before getting back into learning mode.I will recommend this book without reservation to anyone who desires to understand a little more about the "how and why" of metalworking. As long as you are not a true beginner, you will definitely get your money's worth.

I acquired this book by Tom Lipton after subscribing and watching Tom's YouTube channel (oxtoolco). Tom has a very down-to-earth and easy way of describing many of the tricks that the majority of people never get to know because they aren't machinists, welders, or fabricators by trade.Tom put the effort into starting from the beginning, introducing himself and his experience, followed by "Brain Food", a discussion about written, visual, and oral communications and their importance in the shop. This is followed by an introduction to some simple mathematical tricks that are use frequently and are easy for the average person to grasp. From there he rolls in to the shop tour and progresses through the major areas of metalwork, providing a laundry list of tips for each area. He embodies the idea, "work smarter, not harder." I have already put some of his tricks into practice and have boosted my own efficiency, even if it is for a hobby.Besides providing a wealth of useful tips and information, Tom also interweaves personal stories, most of them humorous, at the appropriate junctures. I found myself laughing on more than one occasion as I read through the chapters. To sweeten the deal even more, the author put quite a bit of effort into taking and collecting pictures of the things he's describing throughout the book. It leaves little left to question for both the professional tradesman and the novice or hobbyist alike.After eight years as a truck mechanic and fabricator, six years working in Army Aviation, and as many years as a serious hobby machinist and metalworker, I can say without question that this book should be required reading for every student of the metalworking trades. It will not bore you to death with dry, often useless information.I noticed that some people were inclined to make the claim that the stories told in the text were pointless and had nothing to do with the subject matter. Keep in mind that, as with any trade, metalworking is a culture all its own and I believe the author was doing his best to impart some of that culture to those aren't familiar with it. Part of the purpose of this book is to pass the trade on to the next generation; to keep it alive. Take it in stride, it gives the reader a break from technical matter. If you are so disciplined in your studies that you feel a few good-natured stories will detract from it, ignore everything else and read the Machinery's Handbook page for page...and call me when you wake up.Finally, if you take the time to view Tom's YouTube videos and if you pay attention, he covers much of the material included in his book in real time. I highly suggest that anyone with an interest in the metalworking trades add this volume to their technical library, you won't be disappointed.

I am not a machinist or metalworker by trade, nor have I ever received any formal education or training on the subjects. I'm just a guy who was immediately fascinated by metalworking in high school shop class, has dabbled in it occasionally throughout the years as it relates to my automotive career and hobbies, and just recently started to devote more of my free time to the art after a several-year hiatus. Before purchasing this book, I picked up a couple of similar titles by other authors and was not impressed. Either the subject matter was over my head, or the lack of organization and insight left me wanting much more. Once I discovered Sink or Swim and began reading it, I knew I had located the resource I was looking for all along. And now that I've finished reading the book cover-to-cover, I have no doubt this will be one of my most valued reference materials on any subject... as verified by the countless post-it note bookmarks I've attached throughout the book. In addition to the descriptive and well illustrated technical content, the stories that the author shared from years of experience working in machine shops were priceless.Thank you Tom Lipton for creating this excellent book, and I hope it will inspire you to share more of your metalworking experiences and anecdotes in print.Tony Curless | AFTERMARKETING, LLCMarketing and Advertising Services for the Automotive Aftermarket

Tom creates some great information packed books and this is no exception. He has many hints an tips; quite a few are new to me, and almost any of which would save you enough time and money to pay for what you had to part with for, this book of wisdom.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to learn the tips and tricks of metalworking - learn from someone with years of experience rather than making the same mistakes

Great concent and well written.

Exactly what you really need to know to work in the metal trades. A must have for anyone thinking of working or teaching in the this area.

The pictures in the book are too dark and not clear.On page 153 the formula to find the tilting angle of the head of the milling to produce spherical segment is wrong,Because the sin of Theta is the Arcsine of the spindle angle. Then you said that there are all kinds of formulae to find out the angle of tilt.You only got one formula which I used in 1972 while I was building a progressive die.I bought this book and I think I waist my money.RegardsDominic PizzoniaHappy New Year 2020