Machinery's Handbook, Twenty-First Edition

Industrial Press Inc. · Books & Media > Reference Books

Machinery's Handbook, Twenty-First Edition

Era / Decade

1980s (Specifically 1980, as the 21st edition was published around that year)

Material

Hardcover leatherette or cloth-bound cover with stamped gilt lettering, paper pages

Condition

Good. Shows light external shelf wear, dust, and minor fading on the black cover, but the structural binding appears intact and the interior pages are generally clean.

Demand Level

Niche. Steady, reliable demand from machinists, vocational students, and collectors of vintage technical manuals.

Resale Value

Estimated Resale Value

15.00 - 25.00 - 40.00 USD

Estimated Retail Value

120.00 to 150.00 USD (for a new current edition)

Comparable Sales

Older editions of Machinery's Handbook (such as the 20th through 23rd editions) typically sell on eBay and Etsy between 15 and 35 dollars depending on condition and whether they include thumb-indexing.

Description

Up for sale is a classic vintage reference book, Machinery's Handbook, Twenty-First Edition, published by Industrial Press. This essential industrial and mechanical engineering reference guide features a durable black hardcover with stamped gold lettering. Packed with thousands of pages of formulas, rules, and tables, it is a must-have for machinists, mechanical engineers, metalworkers, and students of the trade.

Key Features

Highly regarded reference text in the manufacturing and machining industry, durable vintage hardcover construction, comprehensive technical data that remains useful for traditional machinists.

Authenticity Indicators

Standard publisher typography, traditional Industrial Press layout and binding, matching edition numbering on the cover and title page. High confidence in authenticity.

Flaws to Note

Dust accumulation on the cover, minor edge wear, potential for previous owner's name or notes inside the flyleaf.

Selling Guide

Where to Sell

eBay, Etsy, or specialized machining/metalworking forums and Facebook groups.

Selling Tips

Price competitively since newer editions are preferred by active professionals, while older editions appeal to hobbyists and traditionalists. Use keywords like machinist reference, industrial engineering, and vintage manual. Ship via USPS Media Mail to keep shipping costs low.

Appraised on 9/4/2026