5 comments about Hand Tools: Their Ways and Workings.

1. Just beginning my adventure in woodworking, this book has done exactly as it claims in the back cover. It feels like I have a readily available experience woodworker in my pocket whenever I have a question about a tool. The explanation is clear like a craftsman would teach his apprentice, and because of this, the obvious question of what tool should I get first and what tool should be my next purchase is easily answered, without actually saying. The drawings make the book almost timeless, not dated by photos, and the diagrams are reminiscent of the technical sketch you may see on a drafting table. I purchased other books along with this, but keep referencing back to this book to answer my questions about what tool do I need for the next part of the job. The writing is easily explanatory and conversational at once, and is quite enjoyable to read. You can either read it in a linear fashion, from front to back, or you can choose the tool you have questions about (from the Table of Contents) and move directly to it to have your question answered.
   
   Free bench plans if you've never built a workbench, are included. This is a book that could sell itself if you had a chance to open it up.



2. This is a beautiful book, the moment I read the first chapter I was wishing I'd bought the hard copy so I could put it in pride of place on my bookshelf.
   I loved the illustrations, which are on almost every page and give exactly the right amount of detail in a way that photos can't. But the best part is the author's wonderful writing style, which really conveyed a sense of the timeliness and pleasure of woodworking. Even when describing such mundane things as taking measurements, the author has a great knack of focussing on the human aspect of the process, the decisions that need to be made and the emotions that the wrong and the right decision evoke. This, to me, is the reason working with handtools it is such a satisfying pastime, and this book wraps up all of those experiences in a really beautiful way. Top marks.



3. I love this book. I have read some of the chapters two-three times now and get something more each time. As an amateur woodworker, I don't fully understand what each tool can do yet dream of outcomes that the masters create. This book explains in simple terms the what, how and what should be for each tool, be it a hand plane, chisel, hammer, etc. Most of my other woodworking books that speak of tools only touch on how to sharpen and maybe adjust but not the how it does it and how it should perform. This book heads to the top of my stack to reach for when I need some tutoring on a particular hand tool.



4. Watson knows how to teach! The hand drawn illustrations are marvelous, the descriptions of the tools & methods of using them are superb, the projects have practical value. This is a good example of a must have book for those working with hand tools. Even if you are experienced, you'll find good tips here.



5. I checked this book out from the library and now it is on my Amazon wish list, hopefully Santa Clause will put a copy in my stocking this year. This book is like a users manual for just about every common woodworking tool you would find on your Grandpa's work bench. The language is clear and the words are sparse, just the information you need, no fluff. The illustrations are perfectly drawn. I also recomend Country Furniture by Aldren Watson, it's a really good read if you have an interest in American woodworking history and practical application of hand tools.

5 comments about Shop Drawings for Greene & Greene Furniture: 23 American Arts and Crafts Masterpieces.

1. The two previous reviews by "experienced" craftsmen are laughable at the very least.
   
   A book of shop drawings is that. And this one is one of the best. It is not a tome for beginners or for those who do not have the ability to infer and who do not have spatial orientation necessary to derive results from DRAWINGS.
   
   The two previous reviewers must be very unhappy individuals to have to be led by the nose so much.
   
   As to this book. If you truly are a woodworker, this is a fine reference work. Not only that but it also deals somewhat with the philosophy of woodworking. That is always a good touch.



2. "Shop Drawings" is little more than it says it is. It would have been nice if it were more but it doesn't claim to be. If you have a background similar to Mr. Lang's as I do with drafting, then there is all you need to reproduce the Greene and Greene designs, at least from a dimensional stand point. You will however need to figure out the details on your own or reference some of the magazine articles on reproducing the Greene and Greene furnature. As Mr. Lang states in his book, it's not a how to guide. It's still a very good and informative book however and one you will want if you have visions of building some of this unique furnature.



3. This book is a welcome add to the many showing the arts & crafts furniture designs. The text and drawings are first rate and guide you through the design process. The author certainly has done a complete investigation to put together this fine review of the many arts & crafts furniture era.



4. This has to be the most beautiful book in the series of Arts & Crafts style shop drawings from Robert Lang, and I have them all. I have to say, almost every piece in this book is one where you have to decide that you are going to devote between 6 months and a year of your life to making. I have not yet made this committment, but I already see how reading this book has influenced some of the details on my other work. Gorgeous color plates of these masterpieces are included and everything is printed on archival quality glossy paper. Drawings are clear and descriptive text is concise and well written. Overall I recommend this to any student of Greene and Green (and Peter and John Hall, the craftsmen who actually built most of these pieces for them!)



5. I am a retired old guy who has developed a real love for the Greene & Greene style furniture. I build furniture for family and friends and almost all pieces have some or all of the Greene Brother's styling. This book has a good narrative about the Greene Brother's, quality photos, and outstanding detailed plans. If you love Arts & Crafts furniture design, this book must be on your shelf for ready reference.

5 comments about Veneering: A Foundation Course: Revised Edition.

1. The author of this book surely has a lot of experience with veneering, but in my opinion there are better ways to do things than some of the ways he suggests. For instance he uses regular wood glue (PVA) to apply veneer by letting it dry and then using an iron to reactivate the glue. I would never trust this to hold over the long run and PVA glue is not the best kind of glue to use with veneer anyway. It is to thin and it doesn't dry to a hard glue line so it will allow the veneer to creep with seasonal changes in humidity. He also never mentions using a vacuum press. While a press might not be for beginners, it is the easiest, best way to veneer a flat or curved panel.



2. I found this to be an exellent source of information on Veneering. I have been a woodworker for over 20 years but am just now getting into Veneering....



3. Nice, relaxed writing style. Good information for anyone interested in learning about veneering from the ground up.



4. This is a really, really good book. The format is excellent (color photos, well organized) and he covers all of the important topics including flattening veneer, substrates, shop-made equipment and of course, cutting and fitting veneer.
   
   However, there is a big gap in his coverage: the use of a vacuum press.
   
   I've used a vacuum press numerous times and have excellent results. Mr. Barton, on the other hand, has never wanted to make the capital investment (~$700) in a quality vacuum press and consequently a lot of his projects didn't go well. Because he didn't have success with a retrofitted vacuum cleaner and thin plastic bags (both are inadequate for the task), he ignores a very useful tool.



5. This book is okay. There really aren't that many new books on this subject, and it's cheap, hence the 4 stars. It's worth buying, though more for non-professionals.
   
   I was hoping to learn more than I was able to in this book. This book covers small veneering projects. If you build cabinets, entertainment centers or other large pieces, you'll find better sources for info online.
   
   The section on vacuum pressing was a joke. I feel as if he was forced to include the subject by his editor and he made up the most ghetto vacuum press I've ever seen (don't waste your time or your tools following his instructions). On that subject, don't let some moron try to convince you there is something wrong with a vacuum press. It's simply the only economical way for a small shop to properly adhere veneer, especially on large panels. If you hate excellent results, good tools and modern ways, then avoid the vacuum press.
   
   He also makes strong statements, then ignores them in his projects (I'm thinking about facing MDF, specifically). I turn to books like this to guide me with examples and I lose faith in the authority when they cannot follow their own advice.

1 comments about Black & Decker Complete Guide to Custom Shelves & Built-ins: Build Custom Add-ons to Create a One-of-a-kind Home (Black & Decker Complete Guide).

1. This book is what I expected and has lots of great ideas for shelving options which is why I bought it. I may end up having someone else build them, but the book is still a good one.

5 comments about The Toolbox Book: A Craftsman's Guide to Tool Chests, Cabinets, and Storage Systems (Craftsman's Guide to).

1. Tolpin is a refreshing change from the old bland how-to's that have been republished with outdated material year after year. This book is no exception. I love how the author takes you through the history and evolution of the toolbox. The color pictures are gorgeous.(Or maybe it's the toolboxes?) This is a must own for any tool lover. A great gift idea for that person you know with the messy shop!



2. I just received this book. Wow! Because of all the good reviews, I expected a good book. This is one beautiful book and is way above my expectations. I would have been satisfied if it only contained photographs and illustrations without the text, they are very clear. I have not purchased a book that has impressed me as much as this one, ever. I can only add my positive comments to the many reviewers before me. It is well worth your investment whether you just want to scan through a beautiful book or are a serious craftsman wanting to build fine furniture for your tools.



3. Lots of pictures, ideas, descriptions and this book serves its purpose of giving me ideas on current and future projects.
   
   Recommended



4. I'm setting up my first workshop. I bought Scott Landis' Workbench Book for guidance on building my workbench and this book for guidance on workshop tool storage. I found Landis' book extremely useful, but this one did not really have what I was looking for.
   
   This book is called the Toolbox Book for a reason. While the subheading is "A Craftsman's Guide to Tool Chests, Cabinets, and Storage Systems," the focus of the book really is (often spectacular) handcrafted toolboxes. Only one chapter -- 14 pages -- is devoted to "Designing In-Shop Tool Storage," and much of that is about the generic design process (how to make a story stick, how to draw your design first, etc).
   
   So if you're a novice like me looking for practical workshop tool storage ideas, I don't think this book is worth the money. I definitely didn't learn any more here than I have just browsing woodworking sites on the internet.
   
   None of this is a knock on the book, really. It's a beautiful, well-written book that's gotten glowing reviews from other readers for a reason. But I think its audience may be more limited than the subheading, and some of the other reviews, might lead you to think.



5. Mr. Tolpin combines his journalistic background with imagery and thoughts of both the useage and construction of the Toolbox. Everything from Masterfull pieces in the Smithsonian Institute to Ancient functional pieces are discussed and illustrated. Due to this book, I have decided to build a pair of wall mounted boxes to display old tools and bring comonly used tools to a better location when I'm working.

5 comments about Woodshop Dust Control: A Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Own System: Completely Revised and Updated.

1. This book provides a complete and detailed writing on the methods for woodshop dust control methods. It covers different strategies for controlling dust from simple respiratory protection devices(masks), shop ventillation and air filtration and dust collecting machines (portable and central units).
   It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each method for different situations and how to optimize each strategy for a given situation. Great and interesting book. Written in practical and easy to understand manner.



2. A very good starting point for anyone interested in woodshop dust control. Does a good job covering the hazards and methods of control of sawdust. It then goes on to describe methods for designing and installing a central dust collection system.



3. Basically what I found is just when the book was getting into enough detail to be useful the section would end.
   
   The book is fine if you haven't ever read an article on dust control. But a two page section on dust control from sanders right at the end of the book??? Come on give us a little meat here. Little detail is given on how to control dust with jigs or with equipment that doesn't have dust control.
   
   I gave it 2 stars because I found it wasn't technically detailed enough to be useful and very vague in areas that really needed attention. Took me 3 hours to read it..I'll put it on the book shelve where ironically enough it will probably gather dust.



4. Very detailed, Easy to read, very helpfull in setting up shop.



5. The book is ok, but I wish he would spend more time on running a DC system in a small home shop. Also, a topic I was interested in (grounding a pvc based system) was brushed over in less than a page.

5 comments about Danny Proulx’s Cabinet Doors and Drawers (Popular Woodworking).

1. This is an excellent resource for coming to understand how to create different types of doors and drawers. Easy to understand and excellent pictures make it easy to use.



2. The book should just be titled Cabinet Doors. It's very incomplete on the drawer section. Also you'll need another book to fill in the gaps. I was disappointed because it should have covered more information.



3. The other reviewers covered the book well enough. I'm adding my 5 stars. Well written and a good reference.
   
   I coupled it with 2 books from Jim Tolpin: " Building Traditional Kitchen Cabinets " and " Jim Tolpin's guide to becoming an pro cabinet maker ". Amazon has them, check them out.
   
   They all fit well together. Enjoy.



4. This book provides simple descriptions about how to make doors and drawers. Although I have made a few in the past this book gave me some new ideas.



5. This book was great, gave me lots of ideas and helped me build a nice cabinet for my wife. Now she wants me to build the kitchen cabinets. very detailed book with lots of advice for keeping safe, what to look for and pretty much how to do everythng but the staining (I figured that I would look for another book for this).

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Home Carpentry : Carpentry Skills & Projects for Homeowners (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library).

1. This book doesn't include any text about stairs. I guess most complete homes don't need stairs. I find this book more of a coffee table book than a book I can count on for howto information.



2. Had to give 1 star to off set the other reviews. My problem with most of these carpentry books is their lack of conviction to a topic. I have been a carpenter for way longer than 4 years (the accepted journeyman level). In truth it takes a lifetime to keep up with new practices and master traditional techniques. If you need to read 93 PAGES OF 277 on what a particular tool is or how to set up a saw then you really are not ready for complete carpentry. You need to develop your understanding of the tools.
   
   Taunton Press is my recommendation for high quality information. Most of their publications assume you know how to use your tools. I would like to see quality books on specific skills. The complete all in one would have to be text book size and come in volumes. One good example is Lewis Vogt Carpentry 3rd edition. Used in construction management courses.
   
   This book is just fluff. A weekend warrior might find some good info to improve his garage or better use his tools.



3. I bought this book for a garage project of mine and the decent reviews it had. I must say the reviews are well deserved. This book offers plenty of photos and well explained "how-to" guide lines. Detailed explanation with photos of all the tools you'll need for your project. I can now do my projects with confidence considering I am a novice at carpentry. Excellent choice for the novist.



4. received book in a timely manner and in excellent condition



5. The Complete Guide to Home Carpentry : Carpentry Skills & Projects for Homeowners (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library) Item appears to be very thorough; great illustrations!

No comments about Tops: Making the Universal Toy.

5 comments about The Art of Inlay and Expanded: Design and Technique for Fine Woodworking.

1. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for exquisite inlays in wood. The pictures worth it, trust me. Good shoots of very nice work, of different styles. The book also cover how to cut pearl (and also other materials) and inlay by your own, showing tools of the trade and sources of drawings and information. Delight it!



2. I didn't have any formal background or knowledge of inlay. This book went through the fundamentals and gave good insight on what to start with and little tricks of the trade. I recommend this book for the beginner.



3. This is undoubtedly an inspirational book. However, it lacks much detail for the studnet, interested in learning wood inlay. It doesn't move beyond the basics of cutting inlays and so farth. Anyone can figure that much out. If you want a complete book for inlaying, look elsewhere; if you're interested in the work of Larry Robinson, then look no farther.



4. Easy read, plenty of ideas, Understable and descriptive. Explains the art clearly from tools to materials and ways to produce art for final work.
   You will finish with a good understanding.



5. I bought this book to learn how to do inlay. The subtitle for this book "Design and Technique for Fine Woodworking" is misleading. Don't get me wrong if you want to look at great inlay work this book is for you. But if by some chance you actually want to learn how to do it yourself don't waste your time or your dollar. I recommend, "The Art of Wood Inlay" by George Stevens if you are looking for useful how too information.