What version of Machinery's Handbook to buy?

[kingnero]

Similar to my previous question ( Design and Behavior of Bolted Joints ), as I'm currently expanding my library:
I'd like to get a copy of the Machinery's Handbook, preferably second-hand, but there are many versions for sale, each with their respective prices.

Any recommendations?

If it is of importance: I'm a elektro-mechanical engineer, with special feeling for metallurgy, welding, and all kinds of machining, much less HVAC, piping, wind turbines so that isn't really of any interest to me.

 

[CoryPad]

For this one, I think you should just get the newest one that fits your price. Even a ten-year-old version would have the basics that are most commonly looked for.

 

[ivymike]

10 year old cdrom version ought to be about right.

 

[kingnero]

I want a paper copy - a CD-rom is just not my cup of tea...
Thanks for the replies so far...

 

[israelkk]

From my experience they drop important subjects when they come up with a new version (space limitations). One example is the worm gear strength analysis that they dropped when they upgraded from the 22nd version to the 23rd version. I try to keep all the versions I could find from version 20th and up. With patience you can buy old versions very cheap on E-bay.

 

[monkeydog]

Check out antique stores and used book stores.
This type of books are not the "hot" sellers, so you can pick up books real cheap there. I bought my "new" machinery handbook at an antique store for $5, and the guy was glad to get rid of it.

 

[electricpete]

If you buy on-line, make sure you're getting the Handbook, not the Guide to accompany the Handbook.

=====================================
Eng-tips forums: The best place on the web for engineering discussions.

 

[Metalfixer]

I'm over 60, and really like the Large Print Edition, it's easy on the eyes.

 

[PeterStock]

Getting there myself Metalfixer, may need to get one.

Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services

http://www.infotechpr.net

 

[KENAT]

Most of the book stays the same. If there are particular topics of interest to you, such as those you list, try and make sure they didn't get left out when a new version came out, or see if they got put in at a newer version. Otherwise I wouldnt' worry too much about it. A lot, maybe most, of the info in machineries is available on the net somewhere for free, it's just finding it & sorting the wheat from the chaff.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484

 

[TheTick]

I have a 7th edition, 1940 copyright. Cost less than $10.

 

[drawoh]

kingnero,

Get the latest version. I got around twenty years out of my 21st edition. I replaced it with a 26th edition. At the time, I appreciated the up-to-date drafting standards in it. The Machinery's Handbook gets a little less important as you build up your engineering library, but it sounds like you are starting out.

The 21st edition still has area of circle tables, quite handy when you need more accuracy than you can get with your slide rule.

I saw a first edition on display at an eyeglasses store. I would have loved to have gotten my hands on that.

JHG

 

[stanier]

Why not subscribe to

http://www.knovel.com

and you get access to the 26th and 27th editions.

If you were a member of IMechE you get free access. Perhaps your own professional organisation's library has similar arrangements?