THE
YOUNG MECHANIC
CONTAINING
DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF ALL KINDS OF TOOLS,
AND FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF STEAM ENGINES AND
MECHANICAL MODELS,
INCLUDING
THE ART OF TURNING IN WOOD AND METAL.
BY THE
AUTHOR OF “THE LATHE AND ITS USES”
“THE AMATEUR MECHANIC’S WORKSHOP,” &c.
FROM THE ENGLISH EDITION, WITH CORRECTIONS, &c.
G. P. PUTNAM’S SONS
NEW YORK
27 WEST TWENTY-THIRD ST.
LONDON
24 BEDFORD ST., STRAND
The Knickerbocker Press
1896
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by
G. P. PUTNAM & SONS,
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
INTRODUCTION TO THE AMERICAN EDITION.
In presenting the American edition of this little work to thepublic, we believe we are supplying a want that has long beenfelt by the Young Mechanics of this country, and many otherswho desire to become versed in the practical use of tools. Weknow of no other book published in this country or England, inwhich the method of using tools is so clearly explained; andalthough written more especially for boys and beginners, it containsmuch information that will be of great value to the practicalmechanic. The author is evidently thoroughly acquainted withhis subject, and understands how to communicate his ideas in asimple and concise manner.
The first six chapters are devoted to the description of Toolsfor working wood and the manner of using them, beginning withthe simplest operations, requiring but few tools, and graduallyleading on to the more difficult, giving examples of all themethods of joining and finishing work that are in common useamong good workmen, and in this connection we would like tocall attention to the small number of tools the author requiresfor performing all these different operations, the idea amongamateurs and boys generally being, that if you only have toolsenough you can make anything. This is not so, and if the beginnerwill follow the advice of the author, and buy a few goodtools, and learn the use of them thoroughly, and gradually addto his stock as his knowledge of their use increases, he will findit greatly to his advantage.
The next five chapters relate to the lathe, and the art of turning.The author follows the same plan as in the first part of thebook, and gives more practical information in these few pagesthan we have seen in any other book on the subject, most of thembeing written apparently for finished mechanics, and not forbeginners. The Art of Turning as an amusement, is beginningto attract considerable attention in this country, but not so much[ii]as it deserves and would obtain, if it were more generally knownhow many beautiful and useful articles can be produced in thelathe. The expense of the necessary tools has deterred manyfrom attempting to learn this branch of mechanics; but we believeif any one has the time and patience to devote to the work, theywill never have occasion to regret the money spent for thispurpose.
The last four chapters contain practical instruction in model-makingand working in metal. This part of the book we wouldparticularly recommend to inventors who desire to make their ownmodels, as it contains information in regard to files, drills, andthe various small tools used on metal, and also directions for layingout wor