Precision locating and dividing methods

The book opens by explaining why modern toolmaking demands ever‑tighter tolerances, and it walks the reader through the range of locating techniques that have become standard in well‑run shops. It stresses that no single method fits every situation; instead, the machinist must balance the desired accuracy against the time and equipment available. Throughout the early chapters the author reminds the reader that solid judgment and practical experience are as essential as any piece of hardware.

A large portion of the text is devoted to the “button method,” a straightforward system that uses precisely ground cylindrical pins to set hole centers on a lathe faceplate. Detailed illustrations show how to mount the buttons, reference them to a surface plate or a micrometer, and verify their positions with a test indicator before drilling. By the end of the opening sections the reader has a clear, step‑by‑step picture of one of the most reliable ways to achieve repeatable, high‑quality results in jig and fixture preparation.