No comments about Sourcebook of Scandinavian Furniture: Designs for the Twenty-First Century.

No comments about Seashore & Nautical Patterns for the Scroll Saw: More Than 50 Patterns Featuring Lighthouses, Nautical Symbols & Life by the Sea.

2 comments about Southwest Scroll Saw Patterns.

1. This has very unusual patterns - some are appropriate for beginner and others for the more experienced. The patterns could possibly be used for sewing appliques, beadwork, or other mediums other than wood or metal.



2. This is an excellent workbook / pattern book for both the beginner and intermediate scroll sawyer, another Spielman success with the contribution of Dan Kihl. There are about 150 full size patterns in the 154 pages, and with the suggested variations on each project, the possibilites are endless.

   As usual, the first 22 pages deals with instuctional guidance with photos. Some good instructions on wood selection, transferring patterns, definition cuts, and stack sawing. Then, for the more experienced, Spielman gives advice on combining various metals, plastics and leather with the traditional wood projects. It takes an ordinary project to an extra ordinary project with the "simple" inclusion of different medias.

   Also for the more advanced, tips on segmentation and inlaying are provided, again, with photos. Perhaps the most interesting chapter, is on finishing tips, including acetic-acid bath of copper combined with shiny copper inlays. The eight pages of color photos offer great assistance with how different finishing techinques can look.

   The are some very unusual patterns in this book and with the combination of the various techniques discussed and presented with photos, makes this book a must to have and you will refer back to it time and time again, just like I do, for some different ideas to apply to other projects.

3 comments about Danish Chairs.

1. A compilation of chairs from Danish designers; Danish Chairs is an invaluable source for the Danish enthusiast. It provides multiple views of every piece and gives a short biography for each designer. It is an informative reference for any collector.



2. Well laid out book, with good details on a wide range of danish chairs. Clear, large pictures, excellent useful text. Valuable to any researcher. What more could one say?
   Buy it.



3. Siendo el diseño escandinavo un capítulo aparte (y radical por cieto) en la historia del diseño de mobiliarios, este es un excelente libro, que da una visión resumida y global sobre el tema.
   Recomiendo fervientemente ver el capítulo de Finn Juhl.
   Un comentario aparte merece la edición: un diseño gráfico que sobresale.

3 comments about Step-by-Step Basic Carpentry ("Better Homes & Gardens": Step by Step).

1. I discovered this book when I visited the Better Homes and Garden's website; they have select items from the Step-By-Step Basic Carpentry that I found very useful. As a matter of fact, I found them better than my orange 1-2-3 home improvement "bible" that I also own. It contains detailed procedures for every task, including caveats, hints and gotchas. It is well illustrated and well written. I recommended to all my friends and everyone found it to be useful and easy to follow. Happy home improvement.



2. This book is exactly what is claims to be - Basic Carpentry.

   Mostly geared for the novice, it will clearly explain many basic improvement and repair tasks around the house and workshop. It does NOT go into more advanced techniques, just gives you the basics.

   It's a must have, and an excellent starting place FOR THE UNINITIATED. Covering what tools to start with as well as what tools you will one day want to have - what they're used for and better still what to look for when you buy them (what do you look for in a router? They suggest no less than 1 hp...) Don't waste money on features you don't need - they give you an idea of what's important and what's not.

   Other books in the series work well together with little duplicate info - giving the basic homeowner/apartment dweller the basic knowledge to improve their surroundings.

   If you already have a firm grasp on this subject - stay away, a more advanced book will be more usefull!

   Definatly makes a great gift for a first time homeowner (and we all know one of those)!




3. This book has a lot of maintenance type projects in addition to basic carpentry. Some projects seem more advanced to me.

5 comments about The Art of Fine Tools.

1. This is not a very practical book, no not at all. If you have a real appreciation for old tools it is well worth owning. Okay it is tool porn. That's right - unadulterated, unforgivable, unjustifiable tool porn. It is a shame that innocent tools are exploited like this, but you will love it.



2. This is a spectacular collection of color photographs. The author has obviously sought out tools of great beauty and the editors have assembled them with care. Anyone interested in handtools and their history will be delighted. Those who are unable to understand the words in the book's title will perhaps be disappointed as the book is about art in an unexpected form.



3. This is a really nice book for those interested in fine tools. I was hoping to find information on how they were made. If you are a toolmaker, this book really does not include any drawings, sizes or build methods. If you are just looking for a nice historical record of works of art in tools - this is the book to get. Great pictures of Paul Hamler's miniature tools for those interested in his work too.



4. As a "tool nut" I have had a fascination with tools of all kinds since I was a little boy at the knee of my craftsman grandfather. This book is candy for my tool sweet-tooth. The succinct narrative enhances the artistry of the photography and makes for an easy, but very interesting read and I have learned a lot from it. This book is one of my treasured volumes. My only complaint is that there are not more fascinating tools included in the volume.



5. Incredible research time spent on hand tools! For those that like collector tools this is the best book written.
   Great photos & precise descriptions. No aficionado should should be without it.
   Display it in a prominent place and your friends will be jealous!

2 comments about Just Chairs: Over 600 Designs from Around the World.

1. I suppose it all depends on what you expect this book to be. I was expecting a history of chairs, with 600 pictures of the chairs. What the book consists of is pictures of 600 mostly modern chairs, essentially all factory made, and almost all made from metal and plastic.
   If you're looking for pictures of chairs through time and how they developed over the centuries, look elsewhere.
   Extremely disappointing book.



2. Bernie is totally right in his description of this book, and I find it great! The first half of it is devoted to pieces from XX century and the rest to ones from century XXI. The vast majority of them are production models but there is a closing chapter about the chair as a piece of art. As a designer I find all of them very inspiring.

1 comments about The New Woodworker Handbook: The Basics for Spending Wisely, Working Safely, and Having Fun in Your Shop.

1. I felt comfortable buying this book as I was familiar with the author prior to purchase. I have been a big fan of the author's web site for over a year. I have used his tool reviews to make purchases and enjoyed his writings on tool set up, use, and safety. Tom Hintz knows the subject and just as important, he can relate this knowledge to you in a friendly, fun, accessible manner. This woodworking book is filled with information, yet is an easy and enjoyable read. The author's sense of humor shows through just as his skill and concern to do it right. I enjoy woodworking and reading about the subject, and this is my new favorite in my book collection. The author utilizes hundreds of color photos, along with detailed drawings, tables, and examples to fully demonstrate his points. The author has a focus on accuracy and safety that really make these critical subjects integral to all the process and not as afterthoughts. The ten chapters have added bonuses worked in such as the numerous "Tips" or "New Tools" sections that expand on the subject being discussed. After reading this book you will be more productive with the tools you have and you will be a smarter consumer as you add to your shop. The information provided gives me the confidence to try new ways to make dadoes or try that half lap joint that I had been hesitant to attempt.
   
   The ten chapters are as follows:
   1) Setting up shop (32 pages)
   2) Buying Tools (48 pages)
   3) Tool setup, alignment, and maintenance (18 pages) - very good info, maximize the accuracy of your tools.
   4) Working safely (14 pages)
   5) Selecting wood (12 pages)
   6) Preparing the wood (8 pages)
   7) Adhesives and fasteners (16 pages)
   8) Joining wood (30 pages)
   9) Finishing (14 pages)
   10) Skill building projects (54 pages) - Six projects. I really like this section in particular. The projects include a basic lidded box, tool box, bedside bookcase, shop wall cabinets, base cabinets, and a coffee table (I find this table design a little "clunky" but you could adapt it and there are several skill building steps involved). Tom walks you through the steps in a way where you can refine an existing skill or pick up a new skill or method.
   
   Tom Hintz has an earnest, knowledgeable approach to woodworking. You feel and share in his enthusiasm for the projects. For me, this is a book that I am enjoying as a recent purchase, and I know that it will frequently be pulled from the shelf for reference in the future. I am a careful shopper but I am extremely pleased with this purchase. I am sure that this will be valued by anyone who enjoys woodworking.

3 comments about Gunstock Carving: A Step-by-Step Guide to Engraving Rifles and Shotguns.

1. The results achieved on my first attempt were very satisfying. I was surprised on receiving the book that most of the work is done thru a pattern with rotary tools. The text is plain and complete, and the illustrations better than average. I was particularily happy with my results (after a bit of practice) with the fish scale checkering. A real bargain.



2. I ordered two books on this subject at the same time. This book was clear and to the point--and very helpful. The other "Custom Gunstock Carving" was a big disappointment.
   The Janney book was better illustrated, better written, and had better sequences of what to do next. Gunstock Carving had a list of suppliers which was extremely helpful especially for us beginners.



3. This book explains the specific use of ultra high speed pneumatic rotary engraving tools in the art of gunstock decorative carving.
   It contains a couple of hundred color photographs showing in great detail the layout and steps to create fishscale and basket weave checkering, oak and acanthus leaf carving, and a wildlife scene. The author does a great job of answering all questions you might have as he takes you through the complete process step-by-step and tool-by-tool.
   Also included are full page photocopiable patterns for all of the previously listed items and more. And to top it all off, for the reader's inspiration the author included 23 color photos of other finished carving.
   If you want to do decorative wood carving with an ultra high speed engraver, this book is a must have.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Decks: A Step-By-Step Manual for Building Basic and Advanced Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library).

1. I thought this book said it all. It delivers just what you need, for information. This book is great for the first timer and for the advanced deck builder.



2. this book is great for beginners and has lots of pictures and step by step. lots of detail in this book even up to all the tools and parts you will need. im very happy with it.



3. I checked out many books from my library (which did not have this book). This book beats all other deck books I've seen for the following good points: * Awesome pictures & drawings: B&D accomplishes with a picture what others can only do with a drawing. * Great mix of design ideas with how-to detail for each design flare. * Very complete how-to teaching style with a level suitable for beginner to advanced. * Clear, consise writing style.

   B&D has fast become my favorite home improvement book source. Their advanced wiring guide is also very good!




4. This book has great step by step instructions on how to build a deck in general. It also has several start to finish guides (with good pictures) for specific kinds of decks, and the special stuff you do for those.

   The one complaint I would have is that the deck was tailored to building a deck with a cantilevered beam. I was building a corner-post deck, and some of the examples didn't show both. (Some of them did, but I could have used more detail.)

   I've also heard the Home Depot deck book is good.




5. Tons of photos, very good step by step instructions. Great for the begineer to intermediate DIY'er.

   However, be sure to check your local building codes before making any plans. It will save you a lot of money. This book (like most deck building books) are written with people in the North Eastern US in mind. Readers in the South East don't need such deep footers for example. It goes the other way too, the directions for attaching a deck to your home were insufficient for code in my local area.
   This book, like most other deck books, focuses on tall decks and really doens't discuss much about ground level decks.