A & P Mechanics Airframe Handbook
by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Softbound, oversize, 632 pp.
This is the foundation for study for professional aircraft mechanics. Covers fuselage and wing structures, rigging the components, fabric covering and sheetmetal, paint preparation and application, and complete structural repairs. Chapters also include landing gear mechanics and operations, electrical wiring and instruments. Communication, navigation, and complete cabin systems are fully shown and explained. This handbook is used as the basis for the 147 written test.

Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Alterations
by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Softcover, oversize, 768 pp.
This is the “bible,” the supreme authority on airplane repair. Own a sport airplane or experimental... or thinking of working on one? Buy This Book. Covers everything about wood structures, applying and repairing fabric, fiberglass repairs and fabrication, metal structure, welding and brazing, NDI, corrosion’s different forms and how to identify them, alloys of steel, aluminum and stainless, fastening hardware, tubing, cables, engines, weights and balance, and avionics.

Aircraft Sheet Metal
by Nick Bonacci. Softcover, 134 pp, 1988.
An excellent reference book that provides great information on sheet metal layout, tool use and maintenance, form blocks, riveting, and much more very accurate and details information. Kent's favorite workshop textbook for nearly 15 years.

Aircraft Welding
by L.S. Elzea. Softcover, 121 pp, A Lindsey reprint.
Kent knows his books. This is the finest book on aircraft steel welding. Chapters: welding equipment, hand tools, weld characteristics, weld types, stress concentration, jigs & fixtures, construction methods, drawings/prints, and Air Corps specs. This was THE training textbook for thousands of WWII welders. Liberally illustrated with photos from Boeing, Beech, Douglass, North American, Martin, Lockheed, Ryan, Cessna, etc. Perfect mate to our 4130 Airframe Construction DVD. Finest written resource for OFW steel tube structures.

Copper Work
by Augustus F. Rose. Softcover, 123 pp, Lindsey reprint.
Here's a good way to learn how to work copper sheet. This high school textbook shows how to anneal a sheet of copper, then hand work it to produce a pitcher, porringer, bowl, ink pot, or a spoon. Learn the saws, anvils, and the hand tools. Learn to make simple objects•like hinges and finger pulls, then go on to do basic hammering techniques that are used to make three dimensional compound shapes. Rivets, wire drawing, stamp making, too. Our DVD, Shaping Aluminum Wheelpants, is an excellent companion.

How to do Aircraft Sheet Metal Work
by Norcross and Quinn. Softcover, 285 pp, A Lindsey reprint / 1942 edition.
An excellent overview of sheetmetal theory, layout, jigs and fixtures, forming, joining and fitting, written by the editor of Aviation magazine and the naval office in charge of the Aviation Trades Center. Read more...

Metal Fabricator's Pocket Bible
by Budzik & Kuprianczyk. Softcover, 62 pp, 1997.
This little book will prove to be very handy with melting points, bend radii, material strengths, and tons of other metal production information. It's an excellent reference and a convenient size for your toolbox!

The Art of Coppersmithing
by John Fuller, Sr. Softcover, 317 pp, A Lindsay reprint.
This book offers very detailed insight into the art of forming – and whether or not the final goal is copperwork – the art applies to all soft metals. This is a fundamental book and should be a part of any craftsman's library. Read more...

Tinplate Work
by Paul N. Hasluck. Softcover, 157 pp, 1907.
This book covers the forming tools and methods of layout, patterns, and forming tin plated steel items, both for flat and compound shapes. It is a good companion to Copper Work. Read more...

Welding Aluminum, Theory and Practice
by the Aluminum Association. 177 large detailed pages, 4th edition, 2002.
This is the finest most accurate book on welding aluminum on the market–bar none, even if you have never heard of it before. If you are serious about welding aluminum, and want only the best most reliable information, I think this is the only book to buy. Read more...