5 comments about Box-Making Basics: Design, Technique, Projects.

1. This book will guide you through the steps, in detail, for making various styles of boxes. It also includes different plans with well-laid out directions. If you like to build boxes, or are contemplating making boxes, this book is what you are looking for. I go back to it time and time again! Great refference!



2. I also purchased the Doug Stowe book and I like this book equally for different reasons. I found the book to be a great technical reference and had different ideas for boxes. I like that the book starts with a primer on box making from start to finish (pun intended). The biggest improvement and my only gripe is lack of color pictures (although it doesn't detract from the book).



3. Unlike the Taunton's book, this one has full plans for several decorative boxes, with excellent discussion of how to build them. Some new box builders may prefer this book's method of learning by following an explicit plan for a complete box. The illustrations are clear diagrams and some b-and-w photos, mostly of finished boxes. There are many helpful tips for the tricky parts, such as fitting hinges. A very helpful book.



4. I had to return this book because it was printed with page out of sequence. I don't know if this was the fault of the author or publisher, regardless it made the book impossible to read. It looked like an interesting book if not for this flaw, and I was sorry to return it.
   
   Edited 5-23-08
   
   I found another copy of this book at a locale woodworking store and the pages were out of order in that copy also.



5. I am a beginning woodworker. Rightly, I decided to make the plunge in woodworking on boxes. This is a wonderful book. It takes you clearly and easily through every step. I've made every box in the book (except 3), deciding that this is the best way to learn woodworking. I've learned so very much. I'm going to finish the last three. If Mr. Freedman writes another book, I'll be the first to buy it. I just can't praise it enough (BTW: This is a genuine review. Not that others are not.)

5 comments about Home Machinists Handbook.

1. This Book it's a good start for somebody that is beginning in the world of machinist it's clear and an easy guide to somebody that give it's first step in machinist world and also a practice guidance for experience one's.



2. Very much for the beginner, but some good tips and techniques. More valuable for Sherline owners. Seems like there is too much detail in some places, especially in the chapter on hand tools. Later chapters on machine tools occasionally use terms that a novice would not understand. A glossary and better indexing is needed. It's a bit dated; 1983 copyright.



3. This book is very confusing. The diagrams are often several pages before or after the text that discusses them. The projects are incomplete or downright stupid. (For example, making parallel bars isn't a project, it is a trivial operation that should have been shown in the main test.)
   
   I would suggest anyone interested in a home shop purchase "Machine Shop Essentials: Questions and Answers [Illustrated]" by Marlow, Frank.



4. This book is geared towards an absolute beginner with no knowledge of machining, tools, or measuring. I thought there would be more details on how to use a lathe (i.e. setup, cutting techniques, etc). Just a basic overview of the tools used in machining. The small manual that came with my Sherline lathe was more useful than this. Other reviews on Amazon, led me to believe that this book was better than it really is.



5. If you want to get into scratch building models, this a great book to have.

5 comments about Tree Houses You Can Actually Build: A Weekend Project Book (Stiles, David R. Weekend Project Book Series.).

1. What a fantastic book! My kids and I have had so much fun browsing through and getting ideas for their tree house. From the basic tree house to more elaborate designs, it's in here. With the help of this book, you can actually build one affordably.



2. Excellent guide for treehouse construction. We used the book as a basis for our treehouse and modified one of the designs. This book was extremely valuable for us and guided us through alot of potential pitfalls. Highly recommend!



3. Color pictures of some fantastic tree house ideas. No limits on imagination here. One caution: Don't let the kids see it first! Can't wait to start one of these ideas.



4. I think you have to be a master carpenter to actually do any of them in a week-end but the detail is pretty good.....odd thing is, I bought this book and already had it at home! I must have really liked it!



5. Works for kids, works for adults, very clear and very helpful. Very graphics oriented and the sketches make the text very clear.
   Unfortunately does not even mention escalating tree houses beyond the backyard project - if this were a full-revalation book, you would see the new engineering miracle, the Garnier Limb.
   
   We were quite pleased - PS we are hard graders, hardly anything gets a 5.

5 comments about The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery.

1. As I went into some DIY woodworking projects and needed some help, I bought this one together with another Taunton series: Andy Rae's "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction". Excellent books both of them. The sections are very well balanced and the text is divided logically on joinery techniques from a manual and power tool point of view. It gives you freedom to choose the most appropriate technique but you also have the basics (without power tools) which is very helpful in order to understand it better. No fuss about gear and promotion of one brand or another, the book it is very careful about that and it gives you freedom to choose between category of tools and not vendors. The photographs are beautiful and high quality print (it is printed in Italy, famous for its publishers) and worth the money. Really, you have a lot to learn if you are a beginner or mid-advanced in the art of woodworking. Also, the book is a very good reference for those that are teaching these techniques given the quality of the pictures and clarity of text. Five stars, worth every penny IMO.



2. This is a very good book, very complete. The book assumes a basic knowledge of woodworking. The only thing that I could do without is some of the detailed process for using specific advanced wood working machines that most of us do not have, like a horizontal router, but I just skipped those pages.



3. very informative book, full of useful information and a lot of diagrams
   and pictures of how to do it.
   It rates high in detail and covers about all you need to know to complete
   a high quality piece of furniture.



4. This how to book is an important addition to a beginner furniture makers library. Good reference book.



5. I have purchased many woodworking books and this book written by gary rogowski is one of the worst books i have read. It is filled with numerous joints but little if any instructions as to how to put them into action. I was extremely disappointed. i gave it a ranking of 1 star only because it has identified many joints.Now i know all the names, i will just have to research another book as how to make them.

5 comments about Illustrated Cabinetmaking: How to Design and Construct Furniture That Works.

1. I bought this book because I have difficulty in two areas. One is in visualizing the construction details for a design I've sketched out. The other is in deciding what joints will be most appropriate. This book covers those two topics extremely well. In fact, better than any other book in my library.
   
   The text is very well written. He says what he has to say in a concise and easy to read way.
   
   I think it was written for intermediate and advanced level woodworkers, but I see a lot that would be of great value to beginners who want to try their hand at something a little more challenging.



2. This thick little book is filled with dimensional drawings of all kinds of furniture, including the very high-end furniture and some historical pieces. The author goes into great detail about every type of joint with some practical commentary on the pros and cons of each type. There are also detailed sections on legs and feet, table types, and drawer construction.
   
   My only letdown, as an amateur furniture hobbyist, is that there is little or no talk about tool usage and how to make some of these pieces. The author favored information about origins, history, and aesthetics. However, the book makes up for this with its great perspective drawings on every page, complete with dimensions and names for each component. This will be a great resource down the road when I need to know how to construct a unique joint or when I just want to see something new to inspire me.



3. If you're looking for a book on how to build cabinets, this ain't it. This is a primer on how to build furniture (which is often referred to as cabinet-making) but references to building cabinets are brief and limited. It's really an overview of furniture building rather than a hands-on, how-to book.



4. The illustrations in this book are very good. However, for those who are experienced woodworkers. this might not be what you would want for new information in cabinet making. Some parts are somewhat outdated with the new tools and fasteners that are available today.
   
   It was interesting reading and made a good donation to the local highschool shop class.



5. Like most hobby woodworkers I've got stacks of magazines and books around the house, the garage (shop) and the "office"; this book always seems to be floating around the top. I'm constantly refering to it anytime I even think about a new project. My biggest complaint is that it makes me want to build more furniture then I have room in my house for. This book isn't for everyone, if you're the type of person that wants the bill of materials and exact dimensions this book may frustrate you a little, but if you can look at a basic drawing and follow it then you'll be okay.

5 comments about Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish.

1. This book is not a list of grandma recipes, it explains wood finishes to enable you to create your recipes.



2. I checked the hardcover version out from the library and enjoyed the detailed instructions for specific finishing techniques, as well as the general information on the types of wood finished and illustrative photos. A received the paperback version as a Christmas present only to be thoroughly disappointed that the beautiful photos had all been converted to sepia tones. That eliminated all of the detail! Save yourself the disappointment and go straight to hardcover.



3. Excellent book on the fundamentals of finishing wood, including detailed description of the three major categories of finishes and their characteristics. You must do some interpretation to make it work for you, as Flexner does not give extensive details and options for each wood species. Instead, he explores the functional properties of finishes, dyes, stains, fillers, etc.



4. I couldn't resist the pun for the title, but it expresses my feelings about this book. I can actually say, for the first time, having read this book, that I understand the basics of finish materials themselves, how they work chemically, how they may be combined (alternatively, when they should not be), what processes each finish type is best suited to, the roles of solvents (thinners) and cleaners as well as the differences between them, sheen, dyes vs. pigment-based coloration, sealing and washcoats, finish leveling and rubout, and a score of other topics this book covers. I can tell you - precisely - the differences between evaporative, reactive, and coalescing finishes, how each builds a film, the strengths and shortcomings of each, the differences in repairability and protection, and more.
   
   This book removes the BS factor from the horribly muddled world of commercially-available finishes, explaining along the way WHY it's as muddled as it is - reducing to history, marketing, and the role of finish manufacturers as middlemen - the finish chemists being employed not by them, but by the ingredient manufacturers. The author demolishes a lot of myths along the way, literally by listing myths and the corresponding truth in sidebars throughout the book.
   
   There are specific topics and bits of advice that are priceless. Among them I would list the process for dyeing figured maple, pre-finish cleaning of oily woods, food-safe finishes, and a dozen or more ways to use shellac to solve problems.
   
   I don't agree with everything in the book. I think the author is too generous to the polish manufacturers, for example, particularly as regards silicone. While he discusses fisheye and silicone issues mostly as a refinishing issue, for example, I think it is actually destructive to existing finishes due to its propensity to migrate under finishes by way of cracks and other surface flaws. I also think he comes off as a bit harsh on oil finishes, though I don't know if that was intended.
   
   I found the book very readable. You will want to read it from beginning to end, as succeeding text builds on earlier concepts. The exception to that would be the final section, on refinishing and strippers.
   
   Understand this book and you will be able to select and apply finishes with complete confidence. Be aware, however, that despite the title, it is not a step-by-step finishing manual. The focus is on understanding the materials.



5. I'm not a pro woodworker, but a serious hobbyist who spends many weekends in his garage. I've applied finishes with cloths, brushes, spray cans, spray guns and foam brushes. I've done about 10 pieces of furniture before buying the book, and about 7-8 since I've read it.
   
   this book is one of the best I've ever read.
   first of all, it is very comprehensive, from finishes easily available at home centers to more unique ones only available at specialty retailers. it details all types of application.Bob Flexner often speaks out against popular myths about finishing, check out popularwoodworking.com, which recently published an article by him on the topic. one of the main problems in the woodworking community is that it's not always clear what is the role and effect of different chemicals and additives in finishes. in this book, he gets quite scientific -yet clear and readable- explaining what are finishes made of, how they work, how they cure, and what pros and cons they have. he bases the books on facts, tried techniques and comparative tests. very important, he speaks a lot about wash coats, or sealing coats, and such, and emphasizes what steps are important for a good finish, and what are overstated. for example, when and how much to sand before application and between coats, when to use fillers and sealers, and more.
   I find some of the information critical for various reasons: first of all, I find that finish manufacturers do not give you enough information on their product, and some of the info they do provide you is simply wrong!
   second, Bob Flexner takes out much of the guess work and trial and error, plus he has many pictures showing side by side different effects of different finishes, applications and so on.
   I like the section were he shows some projects and demonstrates the effects on different type of wood, I wish there was more of that.
   
   this book is entitled UNDERSTANDING wood finishes, and it does just that: giving you a well balanced understanding of all to do with wood finishes, so that you can do a better decision when it comes to finish your own project.
   
   what this book doesn't do? it doesn't twelve too much into painting, which in my opinion is a different skill, and it is not a shortcoming.

5 comments about The Only Wiccan Spell Book You'll Ever Need: For Love, Happiness, and Prosperity.

1. This book is very useful, and definitely helpful for those who are new to Wicca, and those who have practiced it for years.



2. I bought this book for my daughter who chosen the wiccan path. She really enjoys it almost as much as I do being a green witch. She said it is great for those who are new to the craft as well as to those who have been practicing it their entire life. I often see her reading this book when I go to visit her, infact she has opened it so much that the cover is wore out!



3. Just when you think every possible book on Wicca had been published already.Along comes this fine book on Wiccan spells and interpretation.This spellcraft book is ideal for camping sabbaticals and day-hikes in the wilderness.It's not weighty enough for a serious ponderous look.Yet,it can not be dismissed as a feather-weight either.You can't even use it as a 'Pagan Breviary' really.You can use it as quick resource for your heathen inspirations and ideas for Wiccan devotional ritals.Do yourself a favor,and read a copy of this excellent wicca-craft book.Bright Blessings & Blest Be!



4. It seems to me that magic is just another form of positive affirmations/prayers/spiritual practice. I enjoyed reading this and still refer to it every now and then.



5. It's great wiccan manual for spells, solitAary wicca as well as you can
   find many useful tips and explanations for starting with wiccan rituals.

1 comments about The Art of Turned Bowls: Designing Spectacular Bowls with a World-Class Turner.

1. If you have his earlier (now out of print) book on bowl design, this book is an outgrowth of that book. The first several chapters are just an expansion of that work, down to using some of the same photos and drawings.
   For people that don't have the first book, this books is 100% a great read and recommended.
   For people that have the first book, your real treat is the later chapters, which contain much new information.
   
   If you are serious about turning a well shaped object, buy, read and study this book

5 comments about Pyrography Workbook: A Complete Guide to the Art of Woodburning.

1. A wonderful book that teaches a beginner so many things! I cannot wait to start working with it!!!



2. I only did some pyrography when I was very young, and the patterns were already on the boards.
   
   I found the beginner patterns to be more advanced, in my opinion. (However, I haven't burned the copied one on my board, as yet. If I find time, it's ready to go!)
   
   I think I need something even more beginner oriented, as far as patterns go.
   
   Overall, there is a LOT of GREAT information in this book that's helped me decide on a burner, wood types to use, etc.
   
   I'm happy with the book.



3. Great book for beginners and experts with many ideas and tips Highly recommend it to others



4. A complete and detailed book, with a lot of necessary technical info and tutoring for beginners and advanced. Nice touch are the beautifull step by step examples you can make at the end of the book. If you plan to buy only one book on pyrography, this is it!



5. This book is excellent for someone starting in the art of pyrography. It covers all you need to know about techniques and the art and gives great examples of each . Deloy Robert Moore Artist

5 comments about Trim Carpentry and Built-Ins (Build Like A Pro).

1. I am a firm believer in the KISS method of doing things. (Keep It Simple Stupid") Every step is covered in this book so that anyone can learn from it. The "Build Like A Pro" series of books are all laid out like this one. The "Expert Tips" are great. They show you short cuts to help you do the jobs right, but in less time. This is stuff you only learn by doing the job everyday. They are trade secrets.



2. I bought this title from the Build Like A Pro series based on a good experience with their "Build a Shed" book, which was like having an experienced carpenter explain how he would approach and resolve each construction issue.
   This title was written by a guy who obviously has the years of experience under his belt but needs a strong editor to map out the writing process. The author uses terminology several times before defining it many pages later, and in general doesn't leave the reader with a full understanding of how to proceed.



3. This book is very attractive and informative, but I found it lacking some of the very basics, and the production steps are often not laid out chronologically. In the crown molding section, there is no suggested nailing plan, so as someone who has never done crown molding but is planning to attempt it, this book alone does not suffice.



4. This book is very well illustrated and gives some great examples. I was looking for more examples on built ins and hints on what to do when you have a crooked wall. This book did not have an hints or examples of what to do in this situation. However for individuals that have other questions on how to do trim this book would be an excellent addition to your collection.



5. A great book for beginners of built-in carpentry. It starts off where every carpenter should - discussing stock and how to estimate and select it. A few great tricks and tips along the way. Well illustrated. Read it.