|Most of the FAQs for this group are just too far beyond my experience to
|make much sense. Bookstores have woodworking sections, but I've never seen
|diddly squat about metalworking.

Check out the used bookstores, usually in the "Industrial" section.
I've found a number of metal shop textbooks that have been invaluable.
If you luck out you might also find a "Machinery's Handbook"
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