Advice for a beginner: Books, Software, etc

[eyecandy]

Hey guys, I am looking for some advice for a beginner. I understand hands on is the best way to learn but are there any good books on machining, metals, tools, measuring/tolerances, setup, etc? I was searching amazon and came across these books, anyone read the below, any recommendations?

Machine Shop Practice
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0831111267/ref=wl_it_dp/105-2158082-7711652?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3R3NXBZ5VW8YG&colid=3RDUXL35IUKQA
Machine Shop Basics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076455526X/ref=reg_hu-wl_mrai-recs/105-2158082-7711652
Machine Shop Essentials
http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Shop-Essentials-Questions-Answers/dp/0975996304/sr=1-1/qid=1167691670/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-2158082-7711652?ie=UTF8&s=books
Machining Fundamentals
http://www.amazon.com/Machining-Fundamentals-John-R-Walker/dp/1590702492/sr=1-1/qid=1167691550/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-2158082-7711652?ie=UTF8&s=books
Machine Shop Trade Secrets
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0831132272/ref=pd_cp_b_title/105-2158082-7711652


Also are there any inexpensive easy to use CAD software that you can recommend?

If you have any other input I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

[eyecandy]

Anyone want to lend a beginner some advice?

[HayTay]

This might be a little too basic, but you said beginner, check out The Home Machinist's Handbook by Doug Briney.

Although these aren't books, you may want to try Smartflix Technical Video Rental - Metalworking Section.

An online resource is the Virtual Machine Shop's Lesson Library

Widgitmaster's - My NEW Mini CNC Router Design! thread here on CNCzone is also an awesome resource. If you haven't seen it, his thread should keep you busy for a couple of hours.


That's all for now,
HTH...