Canonical page: https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/index.html The Appalachian Tool field guides # Better questions. Better machined parts. A practical reference for the decisions that shape a machining job: the envelope, the material, the drawing and the evidence. 12 focused guidesTechnical sources includedBuilt around real inquiries [Guide 01 / Part planning · Turning ## Will your part fit? Size a turning RFQ correctly: distinguish swing, cutting diameter, part length and workholding, with ATM's documented machine capacities. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/turning-capacity.html)[Guide 02 / Process selection · Large parts ## VTL or horizontal boring? Compare vertical turning and horizontal boring by part geometry, workholding, bore access and datum relationships before requesting a quote. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/vtl-vs-horizontal-boring.html)[Guide 03 / Process selection · Small parts ## When Swiss turning fits Understand Swiss turning, guide-bushing support, live tooling and batch economics, plus the drawing and stock details a useful RFQ needs. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/swiss-turning.html)[Guide 04 / Process selection · Multi-axis milling ## Fewer setups with 5-axis Choose between 3-axis, indexed 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis machining by geometry, tool access, setup needs and inspection requirements. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/5-axis-machining.html)[Guide 05 / Quality & supplier approval ## Buying from an AS9100D shop Understand AS9100D certification, material traceability, first-article planning, and the evidence to request from a machining supplier. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/as9100d-explained.html)[Guide 06 / Drawing intent & inspection ## A clearer machining drawing Prepare clear machining drawings with GD&T, datum references, explicit standards, and general tolerances that match the part's function. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/gdt-tolerances.html)[Guide 07 / Surface texture & function ## Specify the surface Understand Ra surface roughness, units, lay, filtering, and inspection conditions before choosing a machining or grinding finish. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/surface-finish-ra.html)[Guide 08 / Material planning · Manufacturing ## Choose the material condition Compare material behavior without misleading scores. Learn which alloy, condition, heat-treatment and inspection details belong in a machining RFQ. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/material-machinability.html)[Guide 09 / Measurement & acceptance ## Plan the inspection Plan CMM inspection around datums, sampling, measurement uncertainty, and reports that connect results to drawing requirements. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/cmm-inspection.html)[Guide 10 / Tooling, repairs & small batches ## From sample to useful tooling Prepare a useful RFQ for fixtures, specialty tooling, repair parts, and low-volume machining with clear interfaces and acceptance criteria. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/specialty-tooling.html)[Guide 11 / Design definition & drawing readiness ## A drawing without guesswork Separate fully constrained CAD sketches from complete manufacturing drawings, with clear tolerances, datum references, and an RFQ checklist. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/fully-defined-drawings.html)[Guide 12 / Drawing interpretation · Geometry and trigonometry ## Turn geometry into coordinates Calculate nominal bolt-circle coordinates, triangle dimensions and taper angles from a fully defined drawing without inventing tolerances. ↗](https://appalachiantool.com/wiki/geometry-from-drawings.html) Start with your part ## Have a drawing ready? These guides help prepare a useful conversation. The final process depends on your stock, geometry, material condition and acceptance requirements. [Explore ATM’s machining capabilities →](https://appalachiantool.com/capabilities.html) [Review the equipment →](https://appalachiantool.com/equipment.html) [Request a machining review →](https://appalachiantool.com/contact.html?intent=wiki-index)