1 st Edition Machinery's Handbook

While it rarely happens, one in excellent condition will top $1000.00 or even go as high as $2000.00. Most will top out at around $500.00 in good condition. I have been to many auctions where a #1 went for less than $500.00. One important thing you need to keep in mind however, it's up to the buyer how much he is willing to pay. Again though, in my estimation that one is worth nothing. They should pay you to take it off their shelf. The book is even split in half.

"Billy G"

I have a fith edition that was given to me. It's not in that good of shape. That's the closest I'll ever get to a first edition.

Bill, did you ever get back from the post office the first edition reprint you tried to send me a few years back?

Ken

No. I got paid the insurance.

"Bill"

Bob Korves said:

I have a 1st edition reprint that I got pretty cheap. They must have printed more of them than they can sell at retail. Look around and find a reprint at a good price. It is really interesting reading, and do not think for a moment that 1914 was the dark ages of machinery and machining. That first edition has just about all the stuff you need to know for working on today's projects. It also has indispensable information for people who have machinery from that era. Can't remember for sure, but I think I paid about $20 for mine including shipping, new and in the box. It made for many months of bathroom reading material, one page at a time!

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The section on mechanics is worth the read. I have a 13th Edition with 1,911 pages and I wonder what's been added since then? Between 1914-1946 there were 13 editions with 16 copyrights.

Rustrp said:

The section on mechanics is worth the read. I have a 13th Edition with 1,911 pages and I wonder what's been added since then? Between 1914-1946 there were 13 editions with 16 copyrights.

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Yes, Russ, those older editions had lots of good stuff. So do the new versions, but leaning a different way. For newbies, the brand new one should be on your list if you are into the latest CNC machines and exotic metals and latest techniques. A first edition is appropriate if you have and/or love old iron and the old ways. The ones in between show the gradual changes in the continuum. ALL the editions cover the basics. Besides the first edition reprint, I also have a 22nd edition (1984). I bought it because it was in nice condition and was dirt cheap. My larger machines are from 1946, 1965, 1986, and 2005, and the editions I have seem to cover what I need to know when I am short on information and technique. Machinery's Handbook is not just a "gotta have", it is also a "gotta read and understand."

But hey, the shipping is only $32.80.

Besides, you guys are violating WC Fields' famous rules:

1. You can't cheat an honest man.
2. Never give a sucker an even break.
3. Don't wise up a chump.