Metalwork Essentials: The Fundamental Metalworking Processes

Originally published in the 1930s, Metalwork Essentials is a classic textbook for anyone who wants to learn the fundamental metalworking processes. It is the aim of the book to present the hand-tool manipulations, particularly those in cutting, shaping, forming, fastening, and finishing the common metals. These processes are most generally used and have a common value because they are fundamental to all metalwork and are equally desirable for the beginner, the handy man, the homecrafter, and the mechanic.

The materials presented are not intended to deal with the making of specific objects, but the processes described may be applied to any project where the same results are sought. Projects are local and changing, and only the fundamental processes remain quite standard. However, for illustrating these standard processes, typical projects are used and serve the purpose of making the operations realistic.

The metal processes included can be performed with simple hand tools and with a minimum of equipment. This makes the units adaptable to the school shop which is meagerly equipped with tools.

The book is not merely a series of manipulative processes or operations, definitely explained and illustrated. Attention has been given to the raw states, the compositions, the working properties, and the ultimate uses of the many materials suggested for classwork. There are 33 learning or teaching units, handled in more than two hundred detailed divisions. There are 263 excellent figures, largely pictures, which motivate and clarify correct and easy craftsmanship.

The rich combination of explanation and illustration has made it possible for any interested person to know exactly how hundreds of things may be done in the field of interest. The whole is a clear-cut presentation of whys and hows; of lay-outs and set-ups; of measurements and treatments; of tools, materials, jigs, and contraptions; of processes and projects. Questions, for study and review, accompany the several units to a total of 300 and more. Several useful tables have been included. Work with hand tools has been emphasized. Art relationships have not been neglected.

Contents Covered:

• Preface
• Unit
  1. To Measure
  2. To Lay out
  3. To Cut with Tinner's Hand Snips
  4. To Tin a Soldering Copper
  5. To Solder the Common Metals
  6. To Solder Aluminum
  7. To Bend (Break) Sheet Metal
  8. To Form Curves, Cylinders, and Cones in Sheet Metal
  9. To Make a Folder or a Grooved Seam
  10. To Double Seam
  11. To Punch Holes in Metal
  12. To Drill Holes in Metal
  13. To Rivet Sheet Metal
  14. To Fasten with Self-Tapping Screws
  15. To Raise Metal
  16. To Saw Metal
  17. To Cut or Shear Heavy Metal
  18. To File Metal
  19. To Grind a Tool or a Piece of Metal
  20. To Ornament Metal
  21. To Apply a Finish
  22. To Make Sharp Angle Bends in Metal Bars
  23. To Twist Metal Bars or Square Rods
  24. To Bend a Scroll or Ring
  25. To Rivet Heavy Metal
  26. To Braze a Joint
  27. To Tap Holes
  28. To Thread a Rod
  29. To Cut and Thread Pipe
  30. Metal Fittings
  31. To Make and Pour a Mold
  32. The Metals
  33. The Manufacture of Steel
• Index