I didn't look at this post initially because the title was ambiguous (I didn't know it had to do with Machinerys Handbook) but I'm definitely interested in discussing matters in the book.
I tried reading it from cover to cover but it's kind of tedius without more illustrations. But I realize its value and usefulness, I just need to basically know more to appreciate it.
I can't recall the issue but I think mine is 17th edition? Anyway, it is pre-CNC (I don't really care for CNC anyway).
I actually rescued my book from the trash at an engineering firm (I guess they had newer editions and didn't particularly value the book), so I have a special fondness for that book as it's a rescue.