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. It should be understood that the book is not a treatise in
sheet metal, forging, or any other specialized branch of metalwork and
is not intended to prepare the student for any particular metal trade.
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. In some of the
units simple bench machines are described and instructions are given
for their use. These instructions are added because the simpler machines
are available in many schools and the processes involve desirable