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As someone who enjoys reference books the Pocket Ref has long been on my list. You will see this book almost anywhere people work. From machine shops, to engineer’s desks, to even Mythbusters. This book contains a wide range of knowledge in a compact book.
The Pocket Ref isn’t remotely meant to be a cover to cover read. As a collection of formulas, diagrams, and tables it contains a dense set of information. This book tries hard to cover the base set of numbers and calculations needed by many different disciplines.
Where this book excels for makers is in providing some of the tribal knowledge of some trades. Information on the grading and dimensions of lumber is a good example. Not everyone may know a 2×4 is really 1.5×3.5, or what grades are good for what. There are also charts of standard torque values for various bolts and conditions.
You never know when you’ll need some obscure information that you don’t quite know how to google. This book makes finding information quick and easy for even it’s most obscure entries. If you are looking to get into making, or have been for a while you need a Pocket Ref.