5 comments about The Complete Book of Woodworking: Detailed Plans for More Than 40 Fabulous Projects.

1. I've been hesitant to review this book because, despite its title it is by no means a 'complete' book, and yet it is well written, and what it does it does well. It is well written, and covers many of the important subjects - Setting Up Shop, Designing Projects, Introduction to Wood, Joints, Finishes, etc. And it provides a host of projects suitable to the beginner. It's hard to fault what it does do, but there are several problems with what it doesn't do.
   
   First and foremost of these gaps is that the book is entirely power tool oriented. Given that a woodworker rapidly gets surrounded by a host of machines, it never hurts to spend time on saws, planes, and the other hand tools that are part of good woodworking. Good hand tools are berely cheaper than machine tools, and selecting the right ones is one key to achieving top-grade results.
   
   The book flies too high to provide important detail on the tools that it does cover. Power saws, planers, drill presses and anything else require knowledge in order to be used safely and successfully. And to make the right choices when purchasing. This book would serve best the beginner who has access to a full shop, not one who is in the process of putting a shop together.
   
   The projects are very straightforward - too simple in some cases to keep the attention of someone who wants to attain levels of artistry. There is no effort to rank the projects by complexity, or connect the skills required to section of the book. This can trap a beginner into a task that takes experience to complete. I'm also informed that some of the shopping lists are incorrect, so make a point of checking before buying. Nothing is more irritating than having something become scrap because you followed the directions.
   
   So be warned that this book is of the greatest value t someone who is both a complete beginner and has access to a full shop. Access to a competent woodsmith wouldn't hurt either. If you fit in that niche the this could be a satisfactory purchase. If not look about you. Several of Taunton Press's efforts may be more useful to you.



2. I just got this book a few days ago, and I've had a hard time putting it down. There are lots of full-color pictures, with thorough descriptions of almost every aspect of woodworking. I've already learned a lot about different types of wood, how to make several kinds of cuts with several kinds of tools (including suggestions for what to do even though I don't have a large selection of power tools), and have some projects picked out to start as soon as I can get the lumber! It is a very thorough book, unlike several others I looked through at my local bookstore. I would highly recommend it to anyone who's interested in woodworking! It is both fun and informative. Almost half of this substantial book is general background information and instruction, including a detailed glossary, and the rest is a good selection of detailed, well-illustrated plans.
   Enjoy! Go make sawdust.



3. I am new into woodworking and this book is the best intro to woodworking I have seen. This is outstanding.
   
   The second half includes doezens of plans for different wood projects. Although I don't plan on making any of these, it gives a great insight into how to build different things.
   
   Anyway, this is highly recommended.



4. I used to like woodworking when I was in middle and high school, but I haven't done it since then.
   
   This book walks through a lot of good information on woodworking and also includes plans for around 40 projects. The book is easy to read and accessible to all skill levels.
   
   If you are new to woodworking or haven't done it in a while, I would highly recommend getting this book.



5. I had high hopes for this book because of the reviews here, but I thought the book included WAY too much basic instructional woodworking (and yes, it is all power tools as another commenter wrote).
   
   So since more than half the book is taken up with instruction, I thought there wouldn't be enough room for 40 projects. Thing is, the projects are mostly VERY simple and functional. There really does not seem to be any sort of eye towards craftsmanship and design. And they are almost all ugly. The picture frames included are literally the ugliest I've ever seen. Obviously, style is in the eye of the beholder, but I can't be making furniture to go in my home that looks like that, and my home is Ikea, Crate and Barrel, and Bombay to give you an idea.
   
   This is one book that won't be getting much use, I'm afraid. The only good thing I can say about it is that the projects are explained thoroughly (or appear to be, I haven't made any of them) and the techniques described in the front probably will make the book worth having around for reference.

5 comments about In the Arts and Crafts Style.

1. An arts and crafts website recommended this book as the place for beginners in the movement. Following their lead, we purchased the book and have not regretted it.

   The advice is true. This is excellent background for the movement, giving it a skeleton which can be used to hang more and more on, including sources, wonderful photographical examples, and resources. We're finding it is desirable and so, so useful to restoring our bungalow to have a wealth of books on hand such as these to give ideas for restoration and decorating.




2. What a lovely book, for the A&C afficionado and the newbie alike. Dividing her content into Influences & Innovations; Hallmarks of the Style; Furniture; Objects and Accents; and Case Studies, Mayer presents a stunning and inspirational tour of homes and objects from the Arts and Crafts Movement. My sister gave me this when she realized I loved the style, and I nearly wept. How amazing to have someone understand your passions!
   
   The only disappointment in this book is the inclusion of a case study "American Gothic," which highlights an anti-A&C aesthetic with a profusion, Victorian-aesthetic in its genesis, of tiles, metalwork, and pottery, that Stickley, Voysey, et al. would have abjured. Still, this departure from the style's reason for being serves to remind us of how valuable that reason was.



3. I am a librarian and a woodworker and thus have access and interest in many books on this subject. "In the Arts and Crafts Style" is a beautiful book that is deserved of much praise. The color photography is as plentiful as it is beautiful. I appreciate that the subject matter for this book does not seem to be drawn from the same dozen houses that so many others have used (As much as I like them, how many times can we look at the same pictures of the Gamble House, or Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio?). The text in this book is very well written and conveys clearly what is so special about the subject matter. I was also very impressed with the excellent resource list given at the end of the book.
   
   If I had an axe to grind about this book it is that the best photographs of A&C furniture are not contained in the (relatively short) chapter on furniture, but rather they are scattered throughout other chapters. This is a minor irritation in an overwhelmingly well done book.
   
   I highly recommend this book for any collection relating to historic homes, furniture / interior design, and lovers of the Arts & Crafts lifestyle.



4. I am new to the arts and craft decorating style but absolutely adore it and I thought this book gave a really good feel for the interior decorating schemes in general, lots of photos showing repeating common motifs (?motives?) and furniture and also a section at the end showing houses that have used it in a modern sense. I think it is a really good, well presented book!! :)



5. I love interior decorating but am a newbie to the A&C movement. When I saw this title in the discount bin at my local bookstore, I was struck by the simple, beautiful cover and brought it home with me. What a treasure! The photography is amazing - full-color spreads of beautiful furniture in similarly captivating surroundings. This is a sight for sore eyes indeed and a study in a renowned aesthetic movement.
   
   The book begins with an introduction to the movement and is divided into five chapters:
   Chapter One details influences and innovations with reference to the movement's English roots.
   Chapter Two covers Hallmarks of the Style: Attention to detail and the character of the home, then and now
   Chapter Three focuses on the furniture: arts and crafts classics and collector's choice [by renowned furniture makers such as Charles Rohlfs,the Roycroft community, etc].
   Chapter Four is on Objects and Accents: The Crafted House and Details of Design
   Chapter Five focuses on Case Studies. This is also my favorite chapter as various residences built or decorated around the A&C style are featured. The photographs are simply beautiful and defy description!
   
   All in all, I think this is a wonderful introduction to the A&C style and makes for delightful reading, providing lots of inspiration and ideas for those new to the A&C style as well as long-time afficionados.

3 comments about Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Period Furniture Details.

1. If you already own Lonnie Bird's Complete Illustrated Guide to Shaping Wood you will be extremely disappointed with this book. It seemed that 80% was duplicate material. The book descriptions says that this book expands on the techniques covered in Shaping Wood. To me, it looked like nothing more than a page for page copy.



2. This is a valuable aid in making details. Another reviewer states that 80% of the book is in another book by Bird. This might be a bit of an over statement - no matter if just 20% is new material the book is worth it. I own both of the books he addresses - I noticed the duplication right away. The real question is "will this book make you a better period furniture maker?" I am 57 years old - own every tool required to make period furiture - hold a Masters certification from Marc Adams School of Woodworking - have taken course work with some of the top people in the field - I am now working on a Philidelphia Low Boy and am wooking with Allan Breed (instructor) - and this book is helpful and even insightful. I know at least four of the eighteen of us in class have purchased this book.



3. I am surprised at the low book review. This is one of the best teaching books I have read. Lonnie Bird is an artist at conveying woodworking concepts. This is not a step by step how to guide to a completed project. Every detail that is covered is very well covered. I have both of the Lonnie Bird books and believe they complement each other. I highly reccomend this book and this author! If you want a good step by step book on Period Furniture try: Glen Huey's "Building Period Furniture" Both of these books are excellent. See my review under this book on Amazon.I have bought many books that are barely worth taking home. These two books are worth more than they cost! The printing and pictures in This book are superior as are all others I have read by Taunton press.

2 comments about Building Garden Furniture: More Than 30 Beautiful Outdoor Projects.

1. A beginner could enjoy the pictures but would not yet own the requisite tools for all of the projects. Completed projects rival area high-end specialty gardening stores. Contains materials lists, recommended woods and finishes, and easy-to-understand drawings. A pleasure to own.



2. This book has the most attractive furniture I have seen in any how-to books. However, when I created a garden bench (the back slats of this particular bench are cut to create a diamond shape of open space between the upper two slats and lower two slats) I found errors in the layout, (drawings and measurements) of the center rail. Either the rail must be cut lower, or the mortises must be moved. My bench turned out beautifully despite the required modifications. I will make other furniture from patterns in this book, but I will definitely check the layout measurements before I mark and cut--rather than assume they are correct!

No comments about Irish Furniture (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in Britis).

5 comments about Stickley Style: Arts and Crafts Homes in the Craftsman Tradition.

1. An excellent book for both the Stickley and Arts & Crafts Movement enthusiast. We recommend it.



2. woodworking projects. We moved in this Arts & Crafts house built in 1912 two years ago and started remodeling a bit by bit. Also my woodworking hobby has taken off along with the remodeling. The more we have done on the house, the more we like and the more we want to know about it. I have been in the stores looking at those expensive mission style furnitures and mimic the design on my own piece. I designed every piece I made for the house. Then at the point that we think we need to know more about the history of Arts & Crafts and bigger picture, we bought this book. It is surprisely good book that contains everything we were looking for. Gorgeous pictures, stunning furniture. When we were refinishing the master bedroom, we were looking at the book constantly for ideas and colors. Now the room is done, I am looking forward to making my next project - morris chair. Again, I already know what it will look like from this book. Well, this book is not only for people like me who needs reference but also very nice one for those Arts & Crafts enthusiasts.



3. This book is full of lush photographs of Stickley homes. I bought it because it was well-designed, as well as informative. The photo references are impressive, and overall the book pays the same attention to detail that Stickley did. For example, I was impressed that beneath the dust jacket, the cover of the book itself was a beautiful print of a Ginko Flower textile. Almost every page has full color images, and at the back there are individual photo references for furniture, lighting, and decorative items, much like a catalog. The whole thing is indexed as well. Useful as a reference book for research, or an art book to just enjoy.



4. Knowing what a nut I am for Stickley and all things relating to the Arts and Crafts movement, my wife bought me this book for Christmas. Believe me when I say that this book is not something you are likely to skim once or twice and then put away. I read the whole thing and found it to be an excellent resource for all who love Stickley's furniture and the Craftsman lifestyle. As a woodworker I can attest that there are loads of great photographs to inspire you to build reproductions of Stickley classics. As a DIY-er I appreciate the home improvement and color scheme ideas that I was able to gather in this book.
   
   As a librarian I have already read and reviewed many books on this subject. I can honestly say that (to-date) this book covers the Arts and Crafts lifestyle as well as any other and is second to none when it comes to understanding the rise and fall of Stickley's style. Highly recommended.



5. Great photos and informative text about Stickley and the Arts and Crafts movement. Our house is mission-ish and this adds to the enjoyment of the design.

1 comments about Weekend Furniture Facelifts: 70 Great Ways to Update Your Furnishings (Hamlyn Home & Crafts).

1. What a great little book; good photos and information. If you need a few good ideas this is well worth the money.

2 comments about Painted Furniture Decorating Ideas & Projects.

1. Categorized into rooms,(aka living, bedroom, dining) this book starts off demonstrating how the painting of existing furniture can accentuate a room. In some photos, everything is monochromatic, in others - brightly decorated with bold colors and patterns. All photos are color, and show the entire room. Complete instructions for each project are in the back, along with some stencil patterns used.

   If you're looking for a primer on faux painting, this isn't it though. It does cover antiquing & crackle finishes.

   I liked looking through it, but there's nothing really impressive. ...




2. This book has inspired me to be more adventurous when it comes to painting my furniture. I have a hard time imagining what I want in a room, so this book is just what I needed because it provides the inspiration as well as step-by-step instructions. There are plenty of examples from funky to formal, which will help you make your room lively and personal.

1 comments about Flea Market Furniture Makeovers.

1. My first encounter with this publication was through our local library. As an avid reader and collector of endless ideas for my home, I found this book to be inspirational. Okay, so my mundane painting classes did not create a Rembrandt, but I still can pull off these interesting projects with a little cunning imagination. For those of us who lack painting skills you can choose a few alternatives for making these items come to life. My choices would be decoupage and/or stencilling. For those with a gifted paintbrush these projects would be fantabulous. One or two of these cleverly executed pieces would be great accent pieces in a home.

5 comments about Chests of Drawers: Outstanding Projects from America's Best Craftsmen.

1. What's wrong with this book?

   1. Most of the projects in the book are for the very experienced craftsman. The projects seemed complicated just to be complicated. I'm not saying they should be super simple either but I think Taunton missed the mark on these.

   2. These projects are for the woodworker who has a full set of power tools in their workshop. I also purchased Tauton's "Tables" book and loved the fact that many of the projects where done with minimal power tools. In this book the concept of "hand cut dovetails" are dovetails done with a jigsaw and a router. Way too many expensive jigs, routers, biscuits and pocket joints.

   Since my next project is a chest of drawers for my son, I was really hoping to find inspiration in this book based on my other purchases of Taunton's books. Unfortunately I found none in this book. The ultimate test for me is to show my wife projects from books to see which one(s) she likes. She also found nothing in this book that we would want to build. Hopefully further book's released by Taunton can avoid these mistakes and make a book which most woodworkers can enjoy.




2. I consider myself an "advanced beginner" as a woodworker. I own Desks, Bookcases, and Beds in this series (and have completed projects from the latter two). Chests of Drawers does not live up to the high standards of these titles for two reasons:

   1. Intentional difficulty-It almost seems as though the author tried to come up with the most complex solution to any joinery problem. For example, is there not an easier way to do the joinery for the Contemporary Chest (a beautiful piece, by the way) besides making 180 loose tenons and 8 dozen mortises? The triple dresser is gorgeous but I am not sure that could be made to the same quality outside of the Thomasville factory.

   2. Lack of variety-I am sure that many of these projects can be modified but if I wanted to substantially modify them, I would just design something myself (something I don't feel comfortable doing yet on a project of this magnitude) and wouldn't need the book. The Pennsylvania Dutch chest, though nice (I mean, I am Pennsylvania Dutch) probably isn't something that needs to take up space in a book called Chests of Drawers. Something in the Arts and Crafts style would have been nice as well as a true Shaker project. Beyond that, one or two variations of a simple, but well constructed chest would have been helpful.

   I was disappointed in this book and cannot recommend it. I probably would have given it one star, but most of the projects are truly beautiful. I am sure someone can make 'em!




3. This book has its good points and bad points. I bought because I was really interested in the chest on the front cover. This chest is probably the most difficult project in the book and it has some very good points.
   
   But other things are lacking. For example, the author doesn't explain how to make the "stiles" of the frame (which are curved in the front plane) flush with the "rails". This is an important aspect that is simply overlooked.
   
   But the most glaring omission is how to finish the piece. The author writes "Apply a finish of your choice." I almost returned the book! The beauty of the chest is that there are two shades of mahogany. The author completely ignores this. Uggh!! (I plan to use potassium dichromate to darken the wood where appropriate--I hope it works.)
   
   Also, I think the author should have given alternative methods for accomplishing the curve on the front. You can make the drawer fronts from thick stock that is curved on the front and flat in back using a bandsaw to make the curve. This eliminates the need for angled dovetails. This method would *greatly* simplify the construction and make it appropriate for intermediate woodworkers.
   
   I certainly would tell a beginning woodworker to stay away from this book. I'd give it a lukewarm recommendation for the intermedate woodworker.



4. I liked this book! I have purchased a number of books lately looking to "notch up" my furniture building skills. There are plenty of books showing general, basic construction technique but most stop short of showing how to make many of the more difficult designs. I really liked the Tall chest and the Queen Anne chest (I am not a fan of contempory styles). This is not a beginners book (unless you want to see what to aim for) but I personnally found it instructive and will add it to my other favorites.



5. This is a good source of creating unique storage furniture for your home. A good source for your library.