Customer Reviews

Mechanisms and Mechanical Devices Sourcebook

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought the largely similar books on mechanical components by Sclater and Parmley. Both have drawings of similar quality, to the point of having identical drawings in a number of cases (presumably because both authors used the same third-party source for the particular topic). A very few drawings were disappointing, but most were very good indeed -- and even the disappointing drawings probably would be fine for most engineers (I am not one).

There are differences. The Parmley book presents more examples of certain devices (for example, more types of linkages). But that is not true for all devices, and I'm not sure it matters in the end since both books offer quite a variety of most. For me, not being an engineer but being a fairly quick study if I'm presented with something to study, the Sclater book was preferable because it included, in most cases, more detailed introductory essays about the variouse sections: gears, screws, linkages, solenoids, etc. In some cases, though rarely, Parmley's explanations were skimpy.

I'm trying here to draw some helpful distinctions, and hope I have, but I'll close by saying that I think both are great. If I had to choose, Sclater's would win, but if you can do without the more detailed explanations and would prefer marginally more devices presented, Parmley's may suit you better.

I used this book frequently in an undergraduate mechanical engineering design curriculum. Many of the images are self explanitory, and often provide a solution to a mechanism problem at hand. A must for every mechanical design engineer!

this book is for the person who likes to fool around in the workshop inventing things. I like to do that as often as I can and this book has really boosted my productivity in the shop. Before I start on a new project I like to scan the book again and see if I can use any of the ideas. I never fail to find something I can use. The drawings are a big help in understanding the devices. There is no other book like this. It is a gathering of all the neat gadgets all in one book.

Detailed graphical and pictorial images of many different mechanisms grouped in catagories for easy searching. When your stuck on a mechanical design, this book can be a great help.

An engineer friend of mine showed me this book and the next day I bought one for myself. Any time I'm faced with a design problem this is the first place I look. The illustrations are very well done and the text descriptions are illuminating and worthwhile reading.

Cheers to Sclater and Chironis!

Because I am one of those 'visual learners', this book is ideal for me. The concise text in this book accompanies a very nice graphic or two -- both greyscale and line art.

There are typically a number of potential solutions for a given mechanical problem. This book is a great reference tool to explore some of the best options.

I'm a consulting R&D engineer and this book is virtually never on the shelf. Someone always has it on their desk, browsing through it, just soaking up ideas.

The articles don't necesarily solve your problems (although in many cases I can imagine they would), but it is an invaluable source for inspiration.

Basically every fundamental mechanism concept is covered in this book, thus to extropolate from these fundamentals and build your similar or more complex solution is quick and easy without having to reinvent the wheel.

Damned good book with lots of detail. I am a mechanical engineer / designer and this thing is a mind blower. I had trouble getting my cheap side to buy this, but I am enjoying this immensely. Really nice book - full of real detail and lots of fun.

This book only illustrated very specific mechanisms. Not what I expected. I do not recommend it.