Care and Repair of Shop Machines: A Complete Guide to Setup, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance Paperback – October 1, 2002

John White's book, "Care and Repair of Shop Machines" for me has become my go to book when I consider adjustment of my shop tools, dialing them in to get the optimum performance from them. It is written in plain language with safe, uncomplicated instructions for checking a shop tool's performance and making any needed adjustments. Even though John White covers the dis-assembly and assembly of most shop machines, if you're looking for a detailed stationary tool repair book or manual - this is not it. The chapter on table saws I found particularly useful. He thoroughly covers jobsite/benchtop saws, contractors saws and cabinet saws, giving each type of saw good detailed coverage.There is also good material on building inexpensive, simple setup aids and jigs, "very good" color photography throughout and he doesn't limit his writing to the discussion of just newer models of machines. For example - on pages 55 & 82 are color photos of what appears to me to be a mid '70's manufactured Rockwell Model 9 Contractors saw. No fear - relatively current models are covered as well. My edition is copyrighted 2002 and I don't feel as though it is outdated.There are chapters for each of the following tools:Tune-up and maintenance tools.The Jointer.The Table saw.Thickness Planers.The Drill Press.The Bandsaw.The Router Table.The Miter Saw.A shop tool that is sharp, adjusted and aligned properly is a safer tool and more enjoyable to work with.This is an invaluable book for both the novice and the experienced woodworker.

This book is one every workshop should have. Regardless of the stationary power tool you have, this book will give you much needed insight as to how to keep them tuned up and working at their best. And, you do not need to be an engineer or a seasoned mechanic to understand its wonderful content.

The book is well edited with great photography. Many of John's techniques are simpler than I would expect, but I am sure that they work because he has owned and maintained commercial shops where inadequate care can cause extra work and wasted material. I don't think that taking any of his advice will create problems, and almost anyone can make his suggested shop-made jigs with simple tools.Very thoughtful work.

Great book, written with enough detail to get your machines is superb working order. But not too complex. Great ideas on building jigs for aligning machines. Even weekend carpenters should use something like this to adjust their equipment. Cuts will be smoother, and an aligned machine is much less likely to injure you!! Only complaint was that Amazon shipped it with a 20lb item in the same box without sufficient protection and the back cover was mashed up a bit. Should have sent it back, but I didn't want to wait to get a new copy -- I just wanted to put the techniques into action in my shop asap

What can I say, the chapter on setting up your jointer is worth the price of the book by itself. The pictures and the diagrams are great, easy to understand, and the text is informative and easy to read. This book makes you a better woodworker, because your tools will be correctly set up, which also makes them more fun to use and much safer.I would recommend this book to you, even if you do not own the tool, but are looking at getting into woodworking, with this book you will be better able to understand how the various tools work, and you can buy decent used tools and tune them up, saving you a bundle!Great book!!

John White does a great job with nice illustrations. I recommend this to anyone with a woodworking machine. It's amazing how far off your tools are until you set them up correctly. You'll save time and money by making better cuts the first time when the tool is setup correctly. It's amazing we take the time to measure an angle for moulding and when we cut it and it doesn't fit you think you measured incorrectly when it could have been your tool off by one degree.

The condition of the book is very good. thank you. I will read it well.

This is a good text for most wood machines in the shop. It's easy to read, explains what is being measured and helps you understand how to make your adjustments. I was disappointed it did not also include a chapter on radial arm saw. These saws, while presently out of vogue, are extremely useful and in many woodworker's shops including mine. Another machine not mentioned (and less common) is the wood lathe. Aside these omissions this the book is an good guide to help in keeping most of your machines accurate and running correctly.