Metalworking: Doing It Better (Volume 1)

“Doing it Better” a good book, but not what I was expecting.I was thinking it would be full of unique ways to set up parts in the mill, fixtures jigs etc, but it's more about life in a machine shop, told with just enough humor to keep it light.It does have a lot of useful information, but much of it philosophical and anecdotal.It would excel for a younger person, just starting out, but I'm retired, and probably Mr. Lipton's contemporary, so have experienced much of what he writes about. That's actually quite entertaining.I read in a review before I purchased this book, that it contained most of what was in “Sink or Swim”.I can't speak of what is new, but can tell you it stands on it's own just fine.If you're a younger person entering the skilled trades, or considering the possibility, this will provide excellent guidance on the culture, good tips on how to learn from experience and your co-workers and avoid common “newbie” pitfalls.It emphasizes the way you approach metalworkings challenges, work with others and generally get along in a world that values the old ways as much as the modern approach. There are plenty of real world examples on solving problems, and doing so while getting along with your coworkers.If you are looking for information on how to tell a worn machine from one worth buying, or how to set up a face mill for cast iron, you'll be disappointed with “Doing it Better”, but if you want to understand and appreciate the subtleties of working in one of the few true arts remaining in this world before it is lost completely, this book will give you something you can keep.It's an excellent “bedside reader”. Although that description has already been used, it's exactly where my copy resides.Thanks Tom, nice work!

This review is based on the Kindle version. Overall I found this to be a good book about metal working. The author has tips and food for thought on so many odds and ends that a second or third reading will be needed to catch them all. It is easy reading and I read the whole thing in just a few sittings. To me that is an indication of a good book, was it interesting and fun to read. I was a little disappointed there was not more insightful stuff about manual milling but there are other books on that subject. One of the little side bar stories in the book talked about remaining current with the times so we do not disappear like the ice cutters back in the day. I told my kids that one, it is just a good general life lesson and is one of the many gold nuggets of learning in the book. As a minor annoyance perhaps just with the Kindle version though is the book has a lot of great photos to illustrate the talking points, but the text and photos were almost always on opposite pages.

I am currently reading this book. When I am finished with the first pass I will update this review. The book has information I want for my hobby, metalworking. The author is active in sharing his knowledge on YouTube, I like his approach, sense of humor, and respect for his trade. It is well reflected in what I have read so far. He discusses among other things the need to pass along what has been given to you, albeit more freely than it was given. Working in metal; designing, machining, and fabricating, is fascinating, and rewarding, well at least to me, to my wife not so much. The forth chapter on shop organization has made it well worth the price. This book is out in my shop right next to Machinery's Handbook. If metalworking is your trade or your hobby I will already endorse this as a good read and source of good ideas. (still reading)2/27/2014Here is the update: After finishing reading this book I would give it 6 stars if I could. I enjoyed reading it, the illustrations are clear and meaningful and the advice is practical. Buy Metalworking Doing it Better!, buy the Machinery's Handbook used, anything greater than the 19th edition (30th is the current).

Really there are two ways to review this book. If you don't already have "Metalworking: Sink or Swim" it's really a five star book. I bought "Sink or Swim" several years ago and have constantly referred back to it. It's the only book I own that has so much solid information about machining, welding, and sheet metal work all in one volume. I also subscribe to Tom's YouTube channel, and there is a bunch of great information over there. I was hoping this would be another volume of new information.The bad news is that 99% of the information contained in "Doing it Better" is exactly the same as what was in "Sink or Swim". The introduction is a little different, but you have to look pretty close to spot differences between the two. "Doing it Better" even has the same life preserver graphic on all the pages that was in "Sink or Swim."So, if you don't have either of Tom's books, I would encourage the purchase of one or the other. Getting both is really not necessary.

This book is simply amazing, not only does it cover almost all aspects of metalworking, it will also help you keep your job, and your fingers and toes. A real life saver while not being in any way a safety handbook...actually there is a sub section on how lawyers have ruined what used to be a very rapid paced trade filled with innovation now stifled with their litany of red tape. It is a short section and far from the centerpiece of the book, but it is actually funny.I truly enjoyed every aspect of the book and learned a heck of allot, I would recommend this to anyone from the novice to the hardened professional and everyone in between. Even if you know every trick in this book(and I'd call BS on anyone who says they did), you will get a real kick out of Mr. Lipton's humorous approach and classic anecdotes.5 Stars, and by far the best non-fiction I've read in over 25 years...if not longer, that is just about how far back I can remember, LOL!

Clear, well written and with great colour photos. Love it. : )

Worth the money with helpful advice throughout. Nicely set out with clear photographs and diagrams.

super book great illustrations and ideas, any one who says the havent learnt anything from this book, has not read it.

Accurate and helpful with an easy to read style. Is American so all the measurements are in inches rather than metric. Mostly about machining and cnc rather than welding, however has some helpful tips.

A great book full uf useful information