The Neon Superguide Complete How-To Manual

This review is more towards informational for anyone who is a fan and collector of Neon Signs, I was looking for a Book that could feed my information addiction. As the craft of Neon is becoming a Lost Art, of course — there wasn’t very many selections of books to look at online in regards to previews and general overviews… so I bought them all and am posting short summaries for those who are in the same boat as me.The Neon Superguide Complete How-To Manualby Randall L CabaThis book is more or less a “Shop Savy” book. It goes through heaps of information and all you’d need to open a shop down to the Mouthpiece and Blowhose and how to make your own. Compared to the other two books listed here, it’s less on the scientific and theory side of things and more of the hands on approach. This book includes instructions & tutorials to setup shop equipment as well as best practices and exercises to get you going.While I’m not 100% positive, I think this book is printed on demand. It ha nice paper, which is thankful writable with pencil and easily erasable unlike the plastic textbook style feel. It also reads as if you were being lectured by a person passionate about his profession in a classroom, and not like a mind numbing textbook. It’s normal sized which fits in your hand and has no color images (but clear and understandable regardless).The book is a bit expensive for what it is.. but if you plan on opening a Neon sign shop I do believe it can be an invaluable resource especially if you’re flying solo.Neon Techniques (formerly Neon Techniques and Handling)by Samuel MillerIn comparison to the first edition, this book has the information provided as the classic version of Neon Signs with some more Advanced information. Neon Techniques more towards on the scientific and mechanical side of information, and is not very “hands on” as The Neon Superguide by Randall L Caba.This book was clearly mass manufactured in China (even says so on the inside). The pages tend to have that plastic textbook feel to them on a soft cover binding. This in turn leads to easier page staining, inability to write with a pencil, and difficult to erase any personal notes. Sizing wise, the book is also nan awkward shape. Is about 1.25” wider and taller than most books which leans towards an awkward hold.Despite it’s flaws, the book does make up for quality in regards to the Illustrations. The Illustrations presented from the classic book were redone in vector format to be more clear and easier on the eyes.Neon Signs: Manufacture--Installation--Maintenance (Classic Reprint)Samuel C. MillerThis is the Original book that was written years ago and is an incredibly easy read. If you’re not looking for all of the Advanced, scientific information that is portrayed in Neon Techniques, pick this one up. It’s Made in the USA and has a nice paper feel to it. Because of it’s age, the images tend to be a bit blotchy due to their old age and inability to scan well, but still can get the point acrossYou can write in it easily with pencil with notes and erase without issues. Smaller by approximately 1.25”L & 1.25W. Not an awkward shape - overall a good deal for it's cost if you're on a budget.

This is a great book with up to date processes and procedures.