Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

woodworking basics-is a very good book for a absolut beginne
I was very pleased, to find this book! i searched very long to find abook, where I could learn the basics of woodworking. I like the clearpictures which discribe exactly each part of machines you need. i just atethe book and I enjoyed that the editors marked the stuff which you reallyneed and not much else! for me as a young woman without to much nowledgeabout wood it was just a very good book to have. it is very good made and Iwished we would have such a book in german! ... Read more

Product Description
Lee, a well-known tool manufacturer, covers the practical and technical information to sharpen tools quickly, efficiently and safely. Descriptive photos, clear line drawings and step-by-step instructions show exactly how to improve the performance and safety of any cutting tool. 255 photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

why cant people make these books interesting
The book is too broad in scope and may be more useful for craftsman. I was interested in learning the best way to sharpen knives, kitchen, huting, etc. The book goes into much detail but in no logical order. I will continue my search for an easy to understand manual on knife sharpening.

In Depth And In Detail
This is much more than a simple "how to" book.It explains how to sharpen a wide variety of items andwhy they need to be sharpened differently.While it deals most thuroughly with wood working hand tools, it also covers everything from screwdirvers to axes and from scissors to sidecutters.The authour's intent is to convey the knowledge you need to understand what you are doing and why.He achieves this goal.

Not Impressed
I cant understand why this book got so many good reviews.I prefer something more straight forward when trying to use a learning guide.For instance using more charts and a matrix guide with all the information.The book also seemed to be dated in the equipment and tools that he used.

If you are looking for a quick guide this book is not good.If you are looking for a long read then its an ok book.You would be better off just going on the net and getting more useful info.

Five stars from me too
I've had this book for years, it was the first woodworking book I ever bought, I can't remember why I chose it, but in retrospect I'd say that it is the most essential woodworking book to have. You can't do woodwork without properly sharp tools, especially if you're doing any darkside work (hand tools). There is far more depth of knowledge in this book than you'd imagine, or than you learnt during your apprenticeship. Lots of woodwork books are pretty puerile but this one is gold.

Very good information, but could use an updated version.
I am generally pleased with this book, but feel its usefulness would be enhanced by an updated edition. The copyright on this book is 1995, so this information is now 15 years old. Much of the content is timeless, but he does make specific recommendations for products that are either no longer available, or have been made obsolete by better technology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

It's okay
There are no dimensions for some of the tools.And several of the tools on the cover are not in the book. ... Read more

Product Description
The table saw is the most versatile power tool in your woodworking shop. Short of applying the final finish, the table saw can do tricks you never thought possible. Ken Burton shows you how to use the table saw to make woodworking projects that will amaze and inspire you. As a bonus, this book comes with a 105-minute DVD that shows Ken giving live demos of the techniques he talks about in his book as well as how to use the table saw safely.PROJECTS:
Trivets, Cutting boards, Bookshelves, Game box, Bookstand, Mirror, Occasional table, Entertaimnent center, Cyclindrical chest of drawers, Triangle chest ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Table Saw Projects
This book is very nicely done.It's for someone who is just a wee bit more than a beginner (I'm a beginner).An expert would maybe find it a little tame.But, I have a project in mind, a couple, in fact.The dvd which accompanies the book is excellent and I'll refer to some of it more than once.I recommend this book, and will buy the new book on routers, also with a dvd. ... Read more

Product Description
Small Woodworking Shops contains years of Fine Woodworking authors' knowledge and expertise on how to make the best of a small space, often with materials woodworkers already have at their disposal. Projects for modifying garages, basements, or specially built shops to fit various needs are included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Small shops
I just built a 24X40 shop & used many of the ideas in this book - especially the lighting recomendations.

A collection of Fine Woodworking articles
Like many of Taunton's books in the woodworking arena, this one consists mostly of reprints of Fine Woodworking magazine (FWW) articles.That's not bad in itself, of course, as FWW is a fine magazine, and one to which I subscribe.It does mean that even though the articles are all small shop themed, there isn't a logical flow from beginning to end or article to article.Each stands on its own merits, is written by a different author, and has its own emphasis and style.

Approach this book and these titles as idea and tips generators. This book is most appropriate to those who are not already FWW subscribers. If you are a long-term subscriber, you will have already read the articles.You can also get at most or all of this content by subscribing to FWW's online site.

False Advertising
This book has its positive points, but encouraging someone who wants to create a small workshop is not one of them. Instead it tends to make you feel bad about not having 1000+ sq. ft. of space to allocate to a wood shop. They've reprinted six articles that describe wood shops, but only one fits my definition of "small." The rest describe spaces 600, 720, 1296, and two at 2400 sq. ft. I guess if you are making a "small" commercial shop, 2400 sq. ft. is not out of the question, but if woodworking is just a hobby, 200-400 sq. ft. is a more common limitation.

It also has two (related, overlapping in content) articles on dust collection; one of the articles is useful, but another seems redundant. Seems like the editors were looking for filler articles.

I would have given this book more stars--3 or 4--if it hadn't claimed to be about "small" shops. However I wouldn't have purchased it in that case, because I already have general woodshop design books--and in fact almost all the information in this one I've seen in my other books. And it really is just a collection of articles rather than a coherent whole.

In particular, I find How to Design and Build Your Ideal Woodshop (Popular Woodworking) to be much more appropriate. It talks about how to design a small workshop in much greater detail. I also have an earlier edition of Setting Up Shop, Completely Revised and Updated: A Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop, which is quite good.

Woodworking aspirants
This is a 'second-stage' book suitable for those with potential for plenty of space, time and machinery. It has minimal coverage of basic workbench and hand tools practice, and simple handyman projects, although storage and space-saving ideas are well covered. The book is ideal for those aspiring to make the big jump to a larger, machinery equipped, productive work place, withbetter and safer work practices (and will certainly guide my future and hopeful aspirations).

Very useful
When the first couple reviews for a book are all 5 stars, I tend to wonder whether the author's friends and relatives are doing their part to pump up sales. I'm writing this review in case you're like me in that regard. Fear not, I've got no connection whatsoever with anyone involved with this book.

As a new woodworking hobbyist, I found this book informative and helpful. The writing was clear and readable, the photos and graphics well-done. More importantly, for me the breadth and depth of information was just right. Example: there was a simple, informative piece on the best power tools to start off with -- and then there was another to offer a different perspective. Some goes with coverage of dust control, with several different angles presented.

This book doesn't try to be all things to all people. I doubt anyone with serious woodworking experience would find this book worth buying. On the other hand, if finances or space limit your tool choices to a circular saw and a drill, look elsewhere -- this book really is for folks setting up a shop with the tools to go with it. Its also more oriented towards power tools than hand tools.

I think the ideal reader would be someone with a garage to fill and a $5000 budget to spend. That's not me on either count, and I do wish the book had focused more on small hobbyist starter shops and less on professional, two-car garage shops with every tool.

But I still got a lot out of it, and I'd buy it again without hesitating. However, I don't own any of the other books on setting up a shop, so can't compare their relative merits.


--- Coming back to this review a month later, I think I was wrong to give it only 4 stars. This has been the one book I've turned to the most as I continue setting up my shop, and I get something useful out of it every time. Amazon doesn't seem to let you change your star rating after the fact, but now I'd give it 5 stars without hesitation.





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Customer Reviews (2)

Very Useful Book
I think the pictures are very useful. Like the other reviewer I think the text could have been beefed up (thats why I didn't give it a 5) but this is never-the-less a VERY useful book and you can definitely make some great tools using this book.

Excellent introduction
If this book were bigger with more projects than I'd heartily give it 5stars.As it is, the projects are interesting, and I feel that there isenough information for me to start making tools.Some areas are lacking,but the bibliography at the end more than made up for the void.I knewnext to nothing about blacksmithing before and now I feel I can startmaking tools.Actually I've already made a few plane irons using the partsabout hardening and tempering. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

arrr...Another Time life book
I bought too many of these, because clearly I like them.Good for beginners and stuff.

What you wish every woodworking book was like
This book is a compilation of articles and plans from previous issues of Woodsmith. If you go to their web site, you can download the individual plans, but you're much better off buying this book. The book gives you twelve plans, including the workbench and cabinet, router table, table saw and miter saw stations, and a pretty good lumber rack, among others. The plans are well laid out, you get materials lists and cutting diagrams, and they include enough text to guide you through an entire project, start to finish. What I particularly liked were two things: 1) They warned you in advance of what NOT to do and what to watch out for, and 2) they gave you additional plans for jigs to make the job faster, easier, and better. Each project shows multiple exploded views, with plenty of closeups of the tricky parts. Additionally, they ocassionally offer alternative ways to build things, usually faster, cheaper, and/or easier if your skills aren't quite up to snuff. A real bonus are the Shop Tips. These appear about every three or four pages and convey some little tidbit of information that usually applies directly to the project you're working on.

I built the workbench and cabinet from the plans, and everything went smoothly (well, as smoothly as you could reasonably expect). I'm not a cabinet maker (yet), but this bench was the first step to move me in that direction. I learned a lot about joinery and ended up building the most valuable tool in my workshop. Unfortunately, to build a truly excellent bench requires a pretty good bench to begin with. (As with most jigs, you wish you could use the jig you're building to help you build it.) It's such a beautiful bench that it's almost a shame to do work on it. This is a work of art that could easily live in the living room. I'll be laying down a piece of melamine on it before I do anything involving glue or stain or anything else that could potentially hurt it.

The pages are high-quality and won't tear out easily. The book binding is loose leaf, held together by 32 rings. This means the book lays flat and stays open at whatever page you were reading. Of course, it also means you have to take care not to crimp the inside edge, as with any loose leaf binding. Like with a three-ring notebook full of paper, you need to help the pages a little. Small potatoes, though.

The cover is adequate, glossy over heavy card stock, and it seems to hold up okay. I've not abused my copy much, but I believe it will take a fair amount of punishment so long as you keep it dry.

In summary, if you're looking to learn about fine furniture crafting, this is where to start. If it doesn't help you, I'LL give you your money back. The only complaint I could find was that the authors have access to many more tools than the Average Joe, and so you may need to beg, borrow, buy, or rent additional items to complete your project. Use good materials, take your time, do it right, and you'll be rewarded immensely.

Gives good general idea options for home workshop options
The book gives good general idea options for various workshops in the home/garage.It does give a nice option for a closet workshop, although it didn't look real practical to me.The book is lacking in specifics forbulding a bench or home repair area.This book is designed more for aperson who wants a "workshop" and has a number of power tools toplace in the room, such as scroll-saw, drill press, planer, etc.

Thorough and extensive facts; well-researched
For the information that I needed, this book was very efficient.It was detailed perfectly and the language used was simple. ... Read more

Product Description
In this book, the designs of the best classic woodworking tools are examined, and ways to improve their performance by modification are explored in detail. Every stage of modification from turning to heat treatment is shown, as are safety and work techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantastic reference
For anybody interested in making metal handplanes, this book gives complete directions.Including, history, technique, materials, etc.Beautiful color photos of the authors handiwork too. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Eighteenth-Century Woodworking Tools: Papers Presented at a Tool Symposium May 19-22, 1994
This is an excellent book for people who have an interest in the history and use of traditional woodworking tools.It was interesting to learn how the tool industry developed in England and influenced developments in Colonial America.Some of the material in this book is derived from _Tools: Working Wood in Eighteenth-Century America_ by James Gaynor and Nancy Hagedorn, but presents much more detail. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Basic and OK for beginners
I purchased this book based on a recommendation from an internet forum.Really, this should be more like 3.75 stars, but that's just not an option on Amazon.This book is targetted for beginners, which is a good thing.It is also a book about hand tools, rather than $3,000 worth of power tools, which is also good.

It's also very basic.Now, this can be good for beginners, since it's easy to be overwhealmed in today's world.Unfortunately, a lot of this information is on the internet, but this book does a decent job of plopping everything into one resource.

The only real knock on this book are the tools shown themselves.Once upon a time, Stanley was THE name in hand tools.That time has long since passed unfortunately, so it would be in the best interests of anyone who purchases this book to do further research into specific tools rather than going to Stanley first.

In conclusion, I do think this is a good book for the beginning hand tool user to have, but it is far from the definitive work on the subject.I definitely don't feel this is a waste of money by any stretch, but if you can have just ONE book, this isn't the one you want.I'd recommend Hand Tool Essentials from the editors of Popular Woodworking.If you can have two though, this one wouldn't be a bad choice for the second.

An excellent survey will reach beginners, especially, with clear details.
You don't have to be a master woodworker to appreciate the overview for all levels provided in Stanley Book of Woodwork: Tools, Techniques, Projects. It's published in conjunction with a leading woodworking tool manufacturer and covers equipment, usage, care, and techniques alike, with chapters using projects for six pieces of furniture to reinforce diagrams, color photos, and written 'how to' advice. An excellent survey will reach beginners, especially, with clear details.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch ... Read more

Product Description
Of all the hand tools used in the modern shop, planes exert a special fascination. Though quite simple, planes are enormously versatile and practical when skillfully used. The articles in this book, collected from Fine Woodworking, illustrate a host of topics, including basic plane operation, how to choose the right plane for the job, and specialty planes. Step-by-step instructions show how to build wooden planes — a popular project for hand tool fans — and how to correctly tune and sharpen, essential for proper plane operation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Interesting collection of articles, not quite a 4
As pointed out there are differing POV expressed here which is useful.I am not sure that some of the material is relevant--spoke shaves for instance.There is an article on the Stanley 55 that I fond interesting but the 55 has been out of production for years.It is uncommon to say the least selling on the used market for $800 to $1100 when you can find a complete one. The other problem is that someone new to bench planes will only find the relevant data on use and adjustment by going through three articles.Also while I agree with one author about folks obsessing about sharpening he and the others promote oil stones which are largely irrelevant anymore.Further no one mentions the radius that should be used on various plane irons, but just rounding the edges of the iron.One author mentions having problems with a scrub plane; but he didn't radius the iron to the 3" that is necessary for these planes.Also the differences between bevel up and bevel down planes were not mentioned nor was the use of a slight relief bevel opposite the main bevel.Also some of the information is rather out of date; e.g. Lie-Nielsen makes 3 scraper planes the 112, 212 and 85; not just one (also the price quoted is wrong).One unfortunate omission is that there is no mention or evaluation of sharpening systems.For instance the Work Sharp WS2000 Tool Sharpener and its ilk are useless for sharpening plane irons as the available abrasives are not nearly fine enough and as the 25º sharpening port (1 3/8" max) is far too small for anything but small block plane irons ad they are generally to short to use it.At least an article on how to select a sharpening system would be handy.

Over all a good reference and worth while book with a lot of good information.

Excellent book
After reading it, this book went right to the top of my list of favorites and will remain within easy reach for reference.This is a book that every woodworker should read, if for nothing more than to learn of alternative methods to the typical woodworking by machine of today.

Although I own several very good sanders, sophisticated breathing masks, shop dust removal and air filters, I've turned to hand planes to try to reduce or eliminate sanding and the problems that accompany the sanding process, especially the breathing of the dust. This book is probably the best I've read, when it comes to covering all of the alternatives that are available. Scrapers and planes are explained very well, how to set up, tune and use them. It even includes good pieces on how to make wooden scrapers and planes along with beading and molding tools.

I already own some good planes. This book will help me use them more efficiently and I intend to make several of the more esoteric planes and scrapers that are detailed in the book. The best part about this book is that it isn't aimed at pros. A novice user can derive significant benefit from this book, especially those that are on a tight budget. Making your own planes are challenging and rewarding. This book helps you do that comfortably.

Highly recommended.

Not my style of book
You can find some usefull piece of information in this book. The illustrations are great.

Because this book is composed of a series of articles you feel that the text is disorganized and sometimes hard to follow.
You also keep feeling that you read the same stuff over and over again, plane with the grain, tune your plane.

This is not a bad book just not my style.

Love it and a must have for every woodworker....
I have a collection of Taunton Press books and won't stop until I get them all.Most of them are collections of articles from their magazine Fine Woodworking.Can't go wrong giving this as a gift....

A great collection of information
I have read many books from the New Best of Fine Woodworking series and this is among the best of them.Though this is really just a collection of articles written by many different authors surrounding the general theme, there is a lot of very valuable information here.As always with Taunton, the writing/editing is excellent and the color photographs and illustrations are quite good.In my mind, this "collection of articles" approach is even more valuable than a book by a single author.The reason for this is that as you read expert advice from many woodworking pros, you get the sense that they don't all agree on everything.In my mind this is one of the most important lessons to learn... woodworking methods and techniques are an extension of the woodworker and as such there is no single "right way" of doing things.

As for downsides to this book, it can get a bit tedious to read about tuning a block plane for the fifth time if you grasped the concept the first time it was mentioned.Fortunately there is a lot of information given beyond just the basics of tuning and maintaining your planes, including actual techniques to employ in various situations.

All in all, I highly recommend this book as an excellent resource to all beginner to intermediate woodworkers interested in beefing up their hand plane skills and anyone else interested in a tool that mankind has been using for thousands of years... ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you've mastered the mitered corner or don't know its definition, you'll find something useful in this book. Packed with practical information (step-by-step instructions illustrated in close-up photographs), THE COMPLETE BOOK OF WOODWORKING takes you from laying out the workshop to carving a scallop jewelry box.
Here you'll learn to tell the difference between such woods as bubinga and zebrano; how to lay veneer three different ways; why chairs are the ultimate challenge for furniture-makers; what is the proper way to use a chisel; how to apply lacquers, oils, and waxes; and lots more. The book also provides an introduction to design, including sketching and drawing techniques; a tool directory; and nine projects (among them, making a glass-topped table, a breakfast tray, and a parquetry shelf and mirror) to put what you've learned into practice. Including advice from eight experts, THE COMPLETE BOOK OF WOODWORKING tells you just about everything you want to know about this enjoyable hobby.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

In-depth, easy-to-follow, and accessibly excellent
Packed from cover to cover with full-color photographs detailing the instructions step by step, The Complete Book Of Woodworking: An Illustrated Guide To Tools And Techniques is a superb guidebook covering showcasing beginning, intermediate, and advanced techniques. featuring advice by experts, sample projects, equipment recommendations, and solid information on everything from hardwoods vs softwoods to board materials, sawing methods, veneers, sketching techniques, safety tips, and more, The Complete Book Of Woodworking is an all-around, in-depth, easy-to-follow, and accessibly excellent resource which is strongly recommended for woodworking enthusiasts of all skill and experience levels, ranging from first-time hobbyists to experienced professionals. ... Read more

Product Description
You will enjoy treasures galore in this enlighteningcollection of 48 articles and stories taken from the Tool Shed of theCollectors of Rare and Familiar Tools Society. Everyone involved withold tools will find something to interest him here: On Identifying18th Century Wooden PlanesILadylegsIBig Tree LoggingIThe Topic isTrammelsISpeed Indicators, Revolution Counters & TachometersIAnUncommon CooperUs PlaneIEarly Tools of the Sheep and Wool IndustryIThePatternmakerUs RuleIEuropean Hinge ChiselsIBirmingham (England)Carpenter Rules with Unit and Price TablesITools of the AmericanIndianIPennsylvania Goosewing AxesICollecting LevelsIBritishToolsIItUs a WrenchIForeign Wooden PlanesIKing of the Adjuvant ToolsIARare New Jersey AnvilITool WoodsIThe Ice AgeIand, of course, manymore. This book would make a wonderful giftQitUs easy to pick up andbrowse through. Some of the material is light and anecdotal, some isinformational; the facts are all there. 176 pages. 6" x 9". Fullyillustrated. Soft cover. ... Read more

Product Description

Dedicated to providing integral information about woodworking tools and techniques that other manuals overlook, the books in this series contain safety facts, explanations about basic project setup, and tips for maximizing tool performance. Filled with clear diagrams and instructions, these pocket-sized, durable manuals are ideal for quick reference in the workshop.

A comprehensive guide that is twofold in purpose, this manual explains both how to set up circular and jig saws and how to safely and effectively use these tools. With up-to-date information such as how to choose a saw, the easiest way to sharpen blades, and tips for reducing wood splintering, this manual also includes safety warnings and instructions for cutting wood with circular and jig saws.

Product Description
'Machine Woodworking' provides students with all the basic information needed to reach NVQ level II in wood machining. It covers calculations, timber science, and all the relevant machines, and is completed by five simple workshop projects which can be used to practice and test the necessary skills. The use of each machine is explained, with ample diagrams and photographs where appropriate, and each section is rounded off with the relevant regulations and additional multiple-choice questions to test understanding.



Each type of machine explained in easy to follow styleFully illustrated with diagrams and photographsComplete with tests to assess the reader's understanding ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very,Very Basic
This is a good book for those just starting out in woodworking and have no clue about hand tools. It describes the usual hand tools adequately. However, it is very short on technique. If you're interested in how to do woodworking without power tools, this book won't help. I don't know why the words "Mastering" or "Techniques" are even in the title. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more