Oxy-Acetylene Welding and Cutting Electric, Forge and Thermit Welding together with related methods and materials used in metal working and the oxygen process for removal of carbon

Harold P. Manly's oeuvre offers something for everyone. There are moments of high drama, laugh-out-loud humor. excruciating tension -- even fun facts.I originally got this book after it was short-listed for both the Booker and the Caldecott awards. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered the narrative. Plot summary: in a fantasy world similar to our own, but where welding technology hasn't advanced in the last 100 years, the protagonist discovers a latent talent for welding and cutting electric, forge and thermit (??) welding. This isn't as exciting as it sounds. Basically, he spends all his time attaching pieces of metal to one another and then cutting them apart.I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING: it's a subtle metaphor for the philosophical complexities of civil disobedience, and I'm too brainwashed by television and the NWO to appreciate it. This is not the case. It's not a metaphor. Really!For those intrigued by Manly's body of work, I recommend starting with  The motor cycle handbook,: The construction, operation, care and repair of modern types of motor cycles, their accessories and equipment  -- it's much more accessible.

I read this and compared it with my little knowledge on the subject ( And I am no means an expert!) and I found the information dated and to be somewhat dangerous given today's safety standards.So if you approach this as a historical volume to see where we came FROM with Oxy-Acetylene usage then it is good material. But be warned that using it as a learning guide or how to guide could be dangerous. Safety standards have progressed a long way since this was written. Conversely so has the use and tools for Oxy-Acetylene cutting and welding.

I found this book very helpful. I have be using some of the examples for a long time and was not informed as the reasons for using them this book told me why.

Goes deep into the process not an easy read though. I would recommend to anyone looking for a lot of information on welding

Good Basic book for the beginner. I have found a lot of little hints and stuff that make live easier.

Bought this as a reference book. It is fine for that purpose.

This is an old book, but useful for people interested in welding and cutting. Has some useful info about using torches, heat treating metals. I found it very useful and was actually well written and fun to read.

the language seems dated but the information is great. I was unable to put it down once I started. If you have any interest get it.