Book excerpt: Workshop Machining is a comprehensive textbook that explains the fundamental principles of manually operating machinery to form shapes in a variety of materials. It bridges the gap between people who have traditional toolmaking skills and those who have been trained in programming and operation of CNC machines in a focused production environment, rather than general machine shop. Using a subject-based approach, David Harrison intuitively guides readers and supplies practical skills. The chapters cover everything from the basic machine controls to advanced cutting operations using a wide range of tooling and work-holding devices. Theory and practice are shown via a mixture of diagrams, text and illustrated worked examples, as well as through exercises. The book is ideal for students and lecturing staff who participate in, or lead, practical machining sessions, and for those who wish to further develop their machining skills. It also serves as an excellent reference to understand the principles and limitations of producing shapes with cutters that move in a limited combination of linear and radial paths.