5 comments about Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models & Presentation Techniques, Second Edition.

1. This book has taught me more than I learned in an entire semester at a FIDER accredited Interior Design program at a local college. Well worth every penny.



2. I am a student studying Interior Design and I have found that this book is a great one that every student should have on their shelf. Its an amazing resource



3. This book helped me tremendously with getting my senior project portfolio ready. It goes into detail about presentation methods, mounting, layouts, ideas for portfolio covers etc.
   
   I would like to see another version of this book being published..in color though! Some of the ideas spoken about are definitely outdated and inapplicable in this day of age.



4. I gave this book as a gift, but the recipient (a new interior design student) was very pleased with it. Also had the book shipped directly to the recipient (to make it in time for Christmas). It was received in good shape in a timely fashion. So while I've yet to see the book myself -- the gift review in conjunction with other buyers' reviews makes me think it's a great purchase!



5. Wonderful illustrations for you to use as a guide when creating your own drawings, and presentation models. I've been able to refer to examples from this book when I've hit a rock trying to create my drawings and model spaces.

3 comments about Repairing Your Outdoor Power Equipment (Trade).

1. I looked at several small engine repair manuals and I was unimpressed by them. (The Haynes book is particularly disappointing) This one goes into a nice level of explanation of how something (e.g. a carburetor) works, the various types available and then how to trouble shoot it. Knowing how something works is crucial to really trouble shoot an engine.
   
   I am an engineer so I like how this book describes the items function. Obviously some level of technical understanding is necessary to really appreciate an engine manual. But if you don't have that appreciation - you probably aren't trying to fix your own engines. So if you are looking for such a book, I can easily recommend this one.
   
   The knowledge I've gained from this book has also helped with larger pieces of equipment - like full-size tractors. The older tractors (like my John Deere 3010) use the same basic components.



2. This book starts out with the simplest 2-stroke engines, explaining different carburetor setups, and goes up through more complicated 4-stroke engines. This book would be a great basis for learning about gasoline engines in general... It also has advice on general maintenance and troubleshooting. Very informative book for learning HOW these things work so that you can fix them.



3. I brought a generator over the Internet. When it came, it does not start. Sending it back for replacement will cost about $100 for shipping, also I don't have a way to pack it in its orignal shape -- since I have assembled. In addition, it is over 200 lbs -- way too heavy to box in anything I have.
   
   So I brought this book to try to make it work. I have so far able to adjust the valve to improve the compression based on reading this book. Check the fuel systems and other part. Just there is not enough information from the manufactuer or from this book to be able to tell the carburetor is good or bad, since this book is for gasoline engine and mine is a LPG/NG engine.
   
   Although reading this book did not get the engine started, it is a fine book to read. Recommeneded.

2 comments about Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering.

1. I used to sell solar electric PV systems as an ARCO Solar dealer back in the early 1980's. At the time no one could pronounce the name of the technology, and most thought is was angel dust. Solar powered calculators were just coming in, same with watches. Solar powered emergencyy freeway phones were 15 years away, unheard of at the time.
   This technology is the most fascinating and yet due to cost, the most frustrating of all the renewable energy technologies. It is not widely used in mainstream electrical production, yet will fill vital niches in the renewable energy portfolio of any advanced economy.
   
   The big energy companies have spent big bucks on research and have patents in all directions, yet the most widely sold solar cell modules use twenty year old technology.
   
   Now that Germany has finally taken the plunge in supporting solar in a big way, other countries are taking a second look. California's governor tells the German chancellor that "we will do it even better." So the interest in the technology is growing.
   This book is a bridge between the Popular Science or Scientific American articles and the chaotic science papers so much in vogue among academics trying to publish-not-perish. It is readable, for an educated individual who has some high school science.
   Once you are over the rahrah and want to know "How does it actually work? or Could I get into manufacturing? this book will help. Trying to get answers to these questions is tough. No way will the marketing staff at BP Solar or Sharp or Shell tell you how they manufacture solar cells and assemble them into modules. So you wander in a sea of science papers, some in expensive collections like the IEEE proceedings or the obscure conference papers. Perhaps you stumble across the US DOE ENREL web site, or the patent information. But without the foundational knowlege, it is all hard to evaluate. So now comes the Wiley Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering. Take the time to use the "look inside" feature to see the table of contents. The writing style varies, each chapter is written by a different author. What unifies the presentation is that it is understandable. You will read some paragraphs three times but hey, this isn't Jules Verne. Yes it will take some effort, and you definitely need to know at least high school chemistry and physics, but when you really want to know something, you will find a way. So how to justify the cost? Well it comes out to 4 cents a page. And based on the used book prices, you can resell it later if you care to. The down side? Most of the research that is digested here is 2002 or earlier, but hey, some of the basic physics is over 100 years old, so there is quite a bit of catching up to do. I have not found another intermediate to advanced level book with the understandable detail this one offers. And something that gets you up to speed with state of the art 2002 does provide a good foundation for the field.
   
   Now if I could only find a solar cell manufacturing cookbook... lets see-- 99 parts silicon, two parts boron one part phosphorous, heat the oven to 1150 degrees and stir ever so slowly.. pull the taffy out with a crystal and let it cool for eight hours, slice with diamond dust and sprinkle with silver and tin. Wrap in tedlar,place under glass. Serves millions, should not spoil even in full sun for 25 years...yup it is angel dust.



2. This Handbook is a collection of writings by many authors with expertise and experience in the field of solar photovoltaics. It brings the reader an excellent brief review of the history of PV, exposes the reader to just the right amount of theoretical foundation behind the workings of PV, and doles out to the reader fair amount of practical advice in the makings of PV products that eventually provide clean - and green - electricity to the humankind. It covers different types of photovoltaic products, from crystalline to amorphous based on the Group IV semiconducting elements and their various compound forms. In addition, this Handbook also offers insights into the economics of photovoltaics in an increasingly environment-aware society.
   
   If there is a place where this Handbook could be improved, I think the editor could find more industrial practitioners of photovoltaic products to offer more hands-on advice about how to make a better - more efficient - solar cell.
   
   Overall, this is an excellent handbook and could serve as a good reference to anyone who's interested in solar PV.

1 comments about DEWALT HVAC Professional Reference (Dewalt Trade Reference Series).

1. Handy little book to for anyone to keep in their toolbox or on the job!!!

2 comments about Machining Fundamentals.

1. Excellent textbook. This book has great illustrations and detailed instructions on how to do many of the setups for basic machining. Also, each section has the particular safety issues highlighted in red. Several references regarding cutting feeds and speeds to hardness conversions are found in the back. The workbook is also great for reinforcing the topics. So far the best text I have used.



2. This is book contains basic general knowledge as to what tools might be in a shop, and what it might be used for. It has very little/or no machining training/procedures. If you are looking for procedures/tasks, this isnt the book to get.

1 comments about Handbook of Environmental Engineering Calculations 2nd Ed..

1. This book is fantastic. As an engineer who has been away from academia for 10 years, this book gives me an opportunity to revise key engineering principles and calculations and prepares me for my Masters program. In addition, it will be useful all through my professional life.
   
   This book is great and worth its prize. I would recommend it to every environmental professional.

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.

No comments about RSMeans Square Foot Costs 2008 (Means Square Foot Costs).

3 comments about Complete Guide to Predictive and Preventive Maintenance.

1. I am working as a Area Production Manager , as a responsible of Maintenance . I saw my mistakes after reading this great book . Everybody who inside the maintenance can find something useful. It is easly readable and implementable . Thanks



2. I am half-way through this book and realize that I have used Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) for years. This was the approach we used because of HAZOP studies. If you look at the methodology, they are the same. It is an excellent book for first-pass economics of preventive maintenance (PM). Through numerous examples, he shows when to PM, when you are spending too much for PM, and when to just run the damn thing 'til it breaks. As I said, it is a great introduction. I have picked up Doc Palmer's book and can see I would be lost without preparation. If there are any short-comings, it is grammar and spelling. There are numerous typographical errors. Most engineers seem to have taken an-engineer's only english class in college. I found the errors troubling but the writing clear and concise. A very good book for a refresher (as in my case), or an introduction.
   
   If this review was helpful, please add your vote -- Thanks.



3. Thanks for the help! We have been doing a lot of research on the subject of Preventive Maintenance Scheduling. This gave us some good insight. Good stuff.
   
   Ed S.
   [...]

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.