3 comments about National Electrical Code 2002 (softcover) (National Fire Protection Association National Electrical Code).

1. Book contain useful topics, easy to understand, clear picture, helpful for practical work and passing exam.



2. this book is very helpfull with getting the job done A+++++ book



3. This is THE guide book for electricians and engineers. Almost 700 pages of useful information. The layout, tables, and ease of understanding have all improved over past editions. But this is not a basic wiring guide and it will only frustrate those without some electrical background. If you need to meet code - you need this book.

5 comments about Small Woodworking Shops (New Best of Fine Woodworking).

1. At first when I started reading the book I thought I was in store for a long treatise on how to build a professional workshop. If you are in the market for that information, I am sure this book will get you started. Where I found the book most useful was in seeing how each person used the space available. In one instance, the shop design was a professional spread with a specific location for each step of the woodworking process. In another instance, the shop design was for a professional who had limited space. Both extremes helped me visualize how my home workshop (my garage) might be better used. I gained a lot from reading the book. Reading it is not a necessity, however. You may gain the same information the authors did by making the same mistakes as they did or you can learn vicariously from them and the examples.
   
   Now, one thing I recommend for most hobbyists; while reading the book, do not get discouraged or dismissive. Read the book for ideas about how to make your workspace more usable and more efficient. If you do, you will not be disappointed.



2. When the first couple reviews for a book are all 5 stars, I tend to wonder whether the author's friends and relatives are doing their part to pump up sales. I'm writing this review in case you're like me in that regard. Fear not, I've got no connection whatsoever with anyone involved with this book.
   
   As a new woodworking hobbyist, I found this book informative and helpful. The writing was clear and readable, the photos and graphics well-done. More importantly, for me the breadth and depth of information was just right. Example: there was a simple, informative piece on the best power tools to start off with -- and then there was another to offer a different perspective. Some goes with coverage of dust control, with several different angles presented.
   
   This book doesn't try to be all things to all people. I doubt anyone with serious woodworking experience would find this book worth buying. On the other hand, if finances or space limit your tool choices to a circular saw and a drill, look elsewhere -- this book really is for folks setting up a shop with the tools to go with it. Its also more oriented towards power tools than hand tools.
   
   I think the ideal reader would be someone with a garage to fill and a $5000 budget to spend. That's not me on either count, and I do wish the book had focused more on small hobbyist starter shops and less on professional, two-car garage shops with every tool.
   
   But I still got a lot out of it, and I'd buy it again without hesitating. However, I don't own any of the other books on setting up a shop, so can't compare their relative merits.
   
   
   --- Coming back to this review a month later, I think I was wrong to give it only 4 stars. This has been the one book I've turned to the most as I continue setting up my shop, and I get something useful out of it every time. Amazon doesn't seem to let you change your star rating after the fact, but now I'd give it 5 stars without hesitation.
   



3. This is a 'second-stage' book suitable for those with potential for plenty of space, time and machinery. It has minimal coverage of basic workbench and hand tools practice, and simple handyman projects, although storage and space-saving ideas are well covered. The book is ideal for those aspiring to make the big jump to a larger, machinery equipped, productive work place, with better and safer work practices (and will certainly guide my future and hopeful aspirations).



4. This book has its positive points, but encouraging someone who wants to create a small workshop is not one of them. Instead it tends to make you feel bad about not having 1000+ sq. ft. of space to allocate to a wood shop. They've reprinted six articles that describe wood shops, but only one fits my definition of "small." The rest describe spaces 600, 720, 1296, and two at 2400 sq. ft. I guess if you are making a "small" commercial shop, 2400 sq. ft. is not out of the question, but if woodworking is just a hobby, 200-400 sq. ft. is a more common limitation.
   
   It also has two (related, overlapping in content) articles on dust collection; one of the articles is useful, but another seems redundant. Seems like the editors were looking for filler articles.
   
   I would have given this book more stars--3 or 4--if it hadn't claimed to be about "small" shops. However I wouldn't have purchased it in that case, because I already have general woodshop design books--and in fact almost all the information in this one I've seen in my other books. And it really is just a collection of articles rather than a coherent whole.
   
   In particular, I find How to Design and Build Your Ideal Woodshop (Popular Woodworking) to be much more appropriate. It talks about how to design a small workshop in much greater detail. I also have an earlier edition of Setting Up Shop, Completely Revised and Updated: A Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop, which is quite good.



5. Like many of Taunton's books in the woodworking arena, this one consists mostly of reprints of Fine Woodworking magazine (FWW) articles. That's not bad in itself, of course, as FWW is a fine magazine, and one to which I subscribe. It does mean that even though the articles are all small shop themed, there isn't a logical flow from beginning to end or article to article. Each stands on its own merits, is written by a different author, and has its own emphasis and style.
   
   Approach this book and these titles as idea and tips generators. This book is most appropriate to those who are not already FWW subscribers. If you are a long-term subscriber, you will have already read the articles. You can also get at most or all of this content by subscribing to FWW's online site.

5 comments about Electric Motors and Control Techniques.

1. The information in this book is best suited to a physicist with a background in motors. If you don't already have a solid understanding about motors, servos and motor control already, then don't buy this book! The author covers far too much information at a very high level, makes too many assumptions about the reader's knowledge, and does not explain anything in easy-to-understand terms.



2. Overall I found this to be an excellent book. I enjoyed every page, and in particular tracing out circuit operations of the various schematics. I thought the diversity of circuits was great.

   Nowhere in the title did I see "Basics of" or Fundementals of". This is not a book for the novice. The reader must have a good understanding of AC and DC motors, and solid state theory, circiuts, and devices.

   I found the concatenation of induction motors, and the Kramer speed control system very interesting. I have many old industrial control books, but none shows these systems.

   There are several errors, and examples of such are: Page 44, Para 3 is completely wrong. The proper way to reverse direction of compound motors is to reverse A1 and A2. Page 57, para 2 relates to this proper method. Fig. 5-9 Q102 shows a JFET- should be a UJT. Fig. 5-13 Q1 same thing. Fig. 5-10 has negative 250 VDC lines to emitters of Q532-Q536 and Q552-Q556 missing. Eliminate lead from motor to bottom of C541. Fig. 6-11 motor will never reverse with this scheme. Turning dial in opposite direction FWD biasis Q2 turning on Q1 which energizes RY2. RY1 drops out turning system off. Motor never runs CCW.

   I have a comprehensive technical library, and one of my books is by this author entitled "Design and Operation of Regulated Power Supplies". It's an old book, and it's full of solid state circuits. I am indebted to authors like Mr Gottlieb, for it's their writings that enabled me to learn solid state electronics.




3. I was disappointed with this book. While full of detailed figures and schematics, the book is hodge-podge of information with very little logical flow. It jumps from 100,000 feet into the treetops with no explanation. The author peppers the book with his insights but without any context and background leaving the reader confused. As well, the book is dated given recent advancements in motor control technology.



4. I haven't completed the book as yet but to the point I am at it is very informative and easy to read. I do recommend this book...



5. The author begins with plausible thought experiments that build to explain how common motors work. The remainder of the book is a large compendium of common circuits (both old and modern) used to control various motor types. His analysis of some designs were a bit oddly explained (but my background is RF and microwave design, not power electronics). I get something new and revealing every time I open the pages.

2 comments about Air Force Officer's Guide, 35th Edition (Air Force Officer's Guide).

1. Excellant product. I am prior military but have been out for almost 20 years and have just gone back in, this time as an Officer. I found this book very informative and helpful in preparing for Officer Training and would recommend it highly!



2. ...For any civilian wishing to enter Defence, particularly the Air-Force, this is a good read. It teaches values that are very much needed to be a true asset to the organisation.

3 comments about David Busch's Quick Snap Guide to Using Digital SLR Lenses.

1. This book was a revelation for me! I purchased a fairly advanced digital SLR without having a lot of experience, and have been struggling with learning all the nuances of photography and the equipment used. Lenses have been one of the biggest puzzles. What lenses should I get? Why does one 70-200mm lens cost $300 while another one costs $1700? How do I choose among telephotos and wide angle lenses? This book answers all those questions, and a lot more.
   
   It's arranged in two page and four page layouts, with each set of pages dealing with a specific aspect of selecting or working with lenses. There are chapters on improving the quality of your results with any lens, using filters, and the correct use of every lens control. I learned about "bokeh," depth-of-field, perspective, and how to shoot great close-up pictures with the lenses I already have.
   
   I'm glad that there is a book that takes just one aspect of digital photography and goes into it in detail. This is a wonderful resource for anyone who has purchased a digital SLR camera and now needs to know how to go the next step with lenses.



2. As with all of David Busch's books I have so far, this one is very helpful. I am new to dSLR photography and this book taught me a lot about lens construction and how and why they do what they do. It was very useful in helping me identify which direction I want to go with lenses in the future.



3. Excellent book. Well written and easy to understand. Being a beginner in the area of digital SLR's, this book gave me the information I need to understand the different types of lenses and what to look for when I buy new ones. The information in this book makes it easy to determine which lens to use for which purpose. My photography has improved greatly after reading this book.

3 comments about Lineman and Cableman's Handbook (Lineman's & Cableman's Handbook).

1. This book is very informative, realistic, easy to understand and very up to date. I have recommended it to others in the field. If most technical books were like that we may hardly have need for tutors.
   Thank You.



2. I carry this manual with me all the time ... great reference book. Would highly recommend to anyone in the electrical business.



3. I ordered this to replace my older apprentiship books and I was expecting more in-depth explanations of new equipment and procedures. While this was all the info needed for basic linework, I was disappointed with some very old information and old photos. I mean, for the money and hype I expect at least current photos and equipment.

2 comments about Reading Architectural Working Drawings: Residential and Light Construction, Volume 1.

1. This is a very useful book if you are looking to draft something it is full of information on everything you will need to know.



2. Seller described the book as gently used, not missing pages. Book came used but with many pages missing. I started my class in architectural blueprinting, and I find half the homework I cant do, would not buy from this seller again.

2 comments about Delta's Key to the Next Generation TOEFL Test: Advanced Skill Practice Audio CDs.

1. As I did not hear these CD's, but were sent to an English Major in eastern Europe, I will go by her outstanding ratings. They are a perfect match for the Delta's workbook; the CD's were specifically asked for because of the high rating. Since purchasing these CD's, I continually hear this student's high praise for them.



2. Getting a good score in Toefl iBT is all about practice. These 10 CDs have a lot of exercises to get you better. I was weak in speaking and writing. I had to get a minimum score of 26 in speaking and 24 in writing. The first time i attended a 2 week training classes and used a number of books and i only got 89. Then i bought this book and CDs and all i used was this one. I got a score of 108. Though it is expensive, I would certainly recommand this book and CDs.

5 comments about Practice Problems for the Mechanical Engineering PE Exam: A Companion to the Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual, 12th Edition.

1. I recommend this book if you are studying for the PE exam. The problems are numerous and relevant. The solutions are easy to follow.
   
   You do NOT need to have Lindeburg's study guide to use the Practice Problems. He does refer to the appendices in his study guide (steam tables, etc) by page number, BUT if you have the reference elsewhere (which you should), you can do all the problems in the book.



2. The practice problems are all written in SI and English units yet there will only be in English units on the Mechanical PE exam. All problems have both units, however if you are interested in becoming proficient with conversions this may actually distract you. This could be confusing to someone studying and trying to improve the ability to work in different systems.
   
   Be particularly aware of the sample exam. The following quote is an excerpt from a forum on the exam which I just read. I am dissapointed to read that the Sample exam is not reflective of the actual PE exam. I too just bought this for the purpose of taking a timed practice exam but now will send it back and find a more appropriate practice exam.
   
   "I was going to take the PPI ME sample exam under timed conditions but thank goodness I flipped through it first. As soon as I saw the SI units I knew it wouldn't be representative of the NCEES exam, at least in that regard. I saw it as being pointless working problems in the SI system since they won't be on the real exam and all my studying has been in the English system."



3. Book was fine condition but didn't get to do any of the practice problems before my exam, which I passed thanks to the reference book.



4. I recommend this manual only as a means for working additional problems once you've exhausted your textbook sample problems. I just took the ME PE exam yesterday and the problems on the actual exam should take no longer than 5 minutes to work, IF you know what tools (equations, etc) to use. The sample problems in this book took me, on average, about 35 minutes each to work. 90% of them are far more difficult than anything you'll see on the actual exam.
   
   I think time would be much better spent simply working the "easy" problems out of your old textbooks.



5. I worked through several of these problems before the exam. Most of the problems are harder than the problems on the exam, but that is a good thing.
   
   This, and the on-line practice test from NCEES are all I used to study and I feel I was well prepared. The PPI problems help you get the knowledge of the material; while the NCEES problems give you a feel for timing, and what the exam problems are like.
   
   The only thing that would make this more helpful for studying would be if it had difficulty or time ratings for each question. There were some areas of study I did not want to spend a lot of time on.
   
   Don't take lots of books to the exam. All I used was the MERM (Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual) that accompanies this. It had what I needed to solve every problem except one.

1 comments about Technical Graphics Communication, 3rd edition.

1. This really is the most elegant book I have seen. What a better example of excellent technical graphic communications from the authors to any reader, than the magnificent design of the textbook itself !!!.
   
   This book, written in a clear and understandable language, covers everything you need to learn about traditional and computer-based techniques used today in real world companies, since more than never technical graphics communication is an essential area of expertise that will make you a highly competitive technologist.