books or videos

[coffeebean]

Check out the videos from the MIT proto type shop
http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/172-machine-shop-10

Along with mrpete22 check out myfordboy on YouTube

Between these three you should be able to get started.
Dave

 

[Highpower]

Check out the videos from the MIT proto type shop

Dave

Thanks for posting that Dave. I agree 100%. Those videos are an excellent place to start (IMO) for someone new to machine work, and shop practices in general if you start from the beginning. This link will take you to all 10 videos and they provide answers to a lot of commonly asked questions.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I'm a noob too, and have found good stuff in all the military manuals as well as the techtv series.....

 

[goldenchips2]

Google Tubal Cain or Mr.pete222 youtube videos, he has a lot. He uses different lathes for demos, which is nice. He does ramble a bit, but good info for the beginner. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video could be worth at least 2,000 IMO. There is also some other people on youtube with some videos. Cutter bit grinding is a must to learn for the lathe and Mr. Pete does a pretty good demo.
Paul

I fully agree with pjf134,
Google video search...
You could probably sit and watch for a full year 24-7 and still not see it all...
Plus, it gives you different ideas and methods at the same time,
rather than learning it all from one person....GOOD LUCK !!!!!!!