5 comments about Complete Step-by-Step Upholstery.

1. I have an old leather chesterfield couch that needs to be repaired in sections. I have no doubt that this is going to be a great help. The projects are all step by step with great color photographs. It also goes over all the tools needed. If my project turns out half as nice as the pictures I will be thrilled.



2. This book directs the reader through several projects, beginning with a very simple one to one that is quite complicated. Covers a wide range of techniques, and displays each step quite clearly with many good photographs. The book is particulary valuable for upholstering antique pieces with materials similar to what would have been original to the piece. There is not a piece of foam used in any of the projects. Some upholsterers find that the vegetable fiber is more difficult to smooth out than foam, particularly for the inexperienced student. But if you want to see traditional techniques beautifully illustrated, this is the book for you.



3. This is an excellent resource for beginners and experts alike! Great photos and step by step instructions.



4. I purchased this because I am interested in starting upholstery. This book is European & the techniques are rather old fashioned. They use "vegetable fibre" as stuffing? The sources are all in Europe. Maybe if you are a purest, this might be a interesting historical reference. Not for a beginner.



5. This book is precisely for the beginner who wants to know how to do upholstery the traditional way -- not simply slap a piece of foam in place and call it a day. The steps involved may put some people off because it seems to be a lot of work. But upholstery IS a lot of work; and done this way, will last more than one's lifetime. If you are someone looking for shortcuts, then this is not the book for you. If you are interested in learning proper techniques that will stand the test of time, this is definitely a great reference -- you won't be disappointed.

2 comments about Furniture You Can Build: Projects That Hone Your Skills (Getting Started in Woodworking).

1. Furniture You Can Build: Projects That Hone Your Skills by expert carpentry and craftsman Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk provides a definitive understanding of woodworking and craftsmanship of particular pieces collectively compiled to assist one the novice carpenter in bettering and furthering their skills as a woodworker. Introducing readers to simple, yet beautiful and impressive pieces, Furniture You Can Build deftly showcases and provides step-by-step instructions for creating desks, bookcases, beds, blanket boxes and more. Furniture You Can Build is very highly recommended to all so-it-yourself weekend enthusiasts and hobbyists looking for woodworking projects that will easily enable them to follow and produce the pristine pieces they see laid out in the pages of this impressive "how to" guide.



2. Excellent projects and good basic skills. Each skill is taught as needed--when you need a router table for one of the projects, he shows you how to build a router table. Also so good insights to less beginnery items--sharpening and using a scraper, for example.
   
   My one star off is for the fact that measurements shown in the diagram for the first project (desk organizer) do not match the measurements given in the text! Very disconcerting for the beginner this book is aimed at.

5 comments about Making Workbenches: * Planning * Building * Outfitting.

1. This book is well written but it doesn't cover all aspects of wood workbench design and construction. It covers a simplified design that allows for a "traditional-looking" bench with a pattern of 3/4" holes over the top and front apron for anchoring work to the bench. I was hoping for coverage of the construction of a traditional european wood workbench using classic joinery and hardware. Unfortunately, it was not the case.



2. A workbench is more than a flat surface used to bang boards together in lieu of the floor. It is an incredible tool. This book provides many helpful insights on how to utilize this tool in your own shop. I found the chapter on the variety of vises and hold-downs especially useful, and even included manufacturers. The book is well written, well illustrated and interesting. Not to mention the two distinct bench plans and associated variations. Surprizingly enough, I had a difficult time putting it down. It has helped me to get truely excited about spending quality time in my shop. I would highly recommend this book and have recently purchased the wood joiner's handbook by the same author.



3. This book, unlike the others, gives you a step by step description of how to assemble the bench. I have some other books, and they go into the different types of benches very well. They also have some blueprints for specs of the different types. This book by Sam Allen makes it easy to understand, for us novice bench builders, how the whole thing comes together. Just one blow up diagram of his, instantly explains, how each section, from the top, the front edge, the tool tray, legs etc, all come together. Until now benches appeared to me to be made up from a lot of 4 inch stock. Not so, only certain areas are. Anyhow, this is a great book to get in your quest for the ultimate bench, and the price is wonderful for something so well illustrated. Buy it you won't be sorry.



4. The first 4 chapters are useful background. The remaining 6 chapters appear to be publisher fluff. Chapters 3 and 4 which are the blueprints of a workbench are inadequate and while not incomplete, certainly not clear. Photos are all black and white with horrible contrast. Aspects that should be exceeding sharp for construction clarity is a muddy gray. This is a idea book, not a 'how to'.



5. This is just an outstanding book for any beginner or advanced woodworker who wants to build their own bench. There are even schematics and detailed plans for those who want to attempt this. What I liked most about the book was the general overview of devices, joinery, and various levels of expertise. After reading Christopher Schwartz new book, I was really surised that anything else could compare and I am a fan of Chris's work. This is truely one of those must have books if you want to actually build and not think about a bench.

3 comments about Tables: Outstanding Projects from America's Best Craftsmen (Projects Book).

1. This book contains lots of information about building tables. There are several detailed plans, and not of just one style either. There are Shaker, Arts & Crafts and more styles. Small end tables, dining tables, ovals and glass topped tables.

   As with most information from Taunton, it is very thorough. At the begining of the book is a section on the different ways to connect a table top to the base, and when you would want to use each.

   Different methods are discribed in making the tables, and as usual for Taunton, there is a lot of hand tool usage.




2. I'm a big fan of Thomas Moser, although I think his furniture is priced a little over my league. So I thought I could make some pieces similar to his to replace the junky stuff I bought when I first got out of college. I bought this book because I liked the basic Shaker projects and I wanted to adapt them to my needs. This book is instructive in a generic sense (although I wish there would be a little more theory on chosing lumber, dimensioning the aprons and joinery, and building table tops) and it also has soom good projects, particularly in the Shaker style, although there are some contemporary and Craftsman style pieces as well.

   I built the two variations of the table on the front cover. The first one I built with a drawer and finished it with Tried and True Oil Varnish. The second one I built without a drawer, shortened the aprons and finished with polyurethane. One thing he suggests is that you take your time when gluing up the legs and aprons to make sure that they are square. When I built the first table I measured for squareness then applied more pressure on the clamps. Being green to table building, I did not realize that this would throw off the squareness. It did, and by the time I realized it the glue was set. The moral of the story: the next time I used slow-setting white glue and took my time after the clamps were applied to meticulously test for squareness.

   His best advice in the book is to not stain cherry, which I totally agree with. Cherry darkens nicely with age, so oil or polyurethane make it look very nice.




3. I expect this to be a very useful book...and I look forward to trying a few of the projects. However, right from the start I find some misleading disappointments.
   
   From the Intro chapter I quote: "If you own a table saw and a few fundamental hand tools, you'll do just fine." And then the very first project calls for a router, drill press, band or jig saw and a lathe. Sorry, but most medium-equipped work shops don't include a lathe.
   
   Also, the Intro chapter presents five examples of "typical trestle tables" yet only the last project is in the trestle style, and it appears rather difficult...again calling for a lathe.
   
   How about some honesty in the Intro section...as presented in the "Search Inside" found on the web page?

5 comments about The Furniture of Sam Maloof.

1. I bought this book at the gift shop located on Sam's property in southern California. This book is by far one of my most prized possessions as I was lucky enough to have it signed by Sam himself. I stopped by to visit his museum and to my surprise I saw Sam drive up. He was kind enough to stop and talk with us and even show us his woodshop. This is an amazing book describing Sam's work and love for woodworking. If you have an interest in fine woodworking, this is an excellent book for your collection.



2. This book is a detailed biography of Sam Maloof. It has many detailed pictures of Mr. Maloof's work. Of course there are many photos of his famous rockers, but there are also photos of his tables, baby rockers/cradles and early furniture. The book is easy to read. The sentences are not verbose nor are they staccato.
   
   But, the author seems to catalog every single show, large or small, that Mr. Maloof's work was exhibited in. (Apparently Mr. Maloof's wife, Freda, collected volumes of memorabilia about her husband' career.) Being a woodworker, I was also very intersted in technical details, but this book is somewhat lacking.
   
   If I could give this book 4 1/2 stars, I would. It's not quite a five out of five. But it's more than a four star effort.



3. The book is a long list of Sam Maloof's accomplishments during his long life. It is very interesting but a little dry.
   
   I would have liked to see more photos of how Sam building his furniture.
   
   All that being said however, there is not enough written about Sam Maloof and so I enjoyed to book.



4. This guy is a genius with the chisel, file and saw. He creates art works with wood, and I'm betting the trees consider it an honour to find there way into his workshop. Bravo Sam!



5. i like books with the "preview" feature.
   the description says, paraphrasing "lots a pictures,drawings". but not a single piece of woodwork shown. now seeing his family photos is a sweet gesture but hardly enthralling when looking for ww pictures.
   
   ahhhhh,im gonna go buy it,,,,but geeezz, pictures about the book IN THE PREVIEW would be awful helpful.
   roy

4 comments about The Poetry Of Home.

1. The book received was in excellent condition. After reviewing the contents, I returned the book. It was one of those book with a pretty conver and as they say, never judge a book by it's cover. I did not find it a good reference book for decorating. It was written in a flowery poetic manner with no pictures. I would not recommend this book to any of my colleagues.



2. This book is a wonderful compilation of Charlotte Moss's favorite writings on the home (not a decorating book at all). I enjoyed it considerably and find it to be a welcomed changed from all the decorating books - it is a terrific way to relax and enjoy "home" literature.



3. The book arrived in timely fashion and was in good shape.



4. The book is a gem of a production. The quotes amount to a commonplace on the subject of the 'home' which should make this a standard work for the future. My single regret is the lack of a more complete citation of the sources.

No comments about Custom Slipcovers Made Easy: Weekend Projects to Dress Up Your Décor.

No comments about New Holland Professional: Upholstery: The Complete Guide to Professional Results (New Holland Professional).

5 comments about Making Japanese-Style Lamps and Lanterns.

1. haven't make anything yet but the book was fun to read was in mint condition. will make a couple for gifts very soon. easy instructions. every one should have one. great projects to involve those teens that are making you pull out your hair. they will want to make more.try this book you won't be sorry



2. This book is an excellent resource and presents many beautiful shoji lamp styles and accommpanying plans to make them. Reading it has resulted in our having now completed 8 lamps, 6 for our own home and 2 for friends. We recommend the book!



3. This is a beautiful looking book describing some wonderfully nice looking and creatively constructed lamps. The photographs of the lamps are high quality, and the book is like the works illustrated, clean and simple in presentation. I was going to give it 4 stars based on a gut feeling, but felt I was stretching to find something negative, thus I've given it the benefit of the doubt. I can see that others note where some measurements are off in places, but the presentation and style and beauty of the final product made me go for the higher rating in the end. Just be wary during construction, you will be fine.
   
   The 18 designs are amply distributed around various types and themes. You will need a reasonably well equipped workshop to complete many of them or a willingness to work the wood in various ways otherwise (including the optional use of Japanese hand tools). I bought the book mostly for inspiration as to ideas for my own lamps, and as to that, the book fit the bill fine. One could extrapolate the designs in this book and enlarge them to make some really wild house/room lighting. So if you lean toward this kind of style, you will probably find this book to your liking. You must follow the guidelines for lamp distance and temperatures if using the paper approach here. I'd consider substituting an approppriate plastic or glass where possible, and when it wouldn't impact the artistic presentation of the lamp.
   
   All in all, when considering the content and potential for reward even if building only one, you will find that this book is likely going to represent money well spent. I look forward to any sequel.



4. This book is full of beautiful projects, but beware. It is also full of errors and inconsistencies. Be sure to read the instructions fully to make sure everything makes sense and that instructions at different points agree. Example: on one project it tells you to use half inch wood, but the assembly instructions call for 3/4 inch wood. In another place a drawing shows a part to be 8 inches, but when you extrapolate it makes the project 7 feet wide.
   I expect to build several projects, but I now know to proceed with caution.



5. As a source of ideas on building Japanese lanterns, this book is fantastic. I had to take some points off on the instructions, though. I built the Morning Glory table lantern, and the instructions didn't quite match the picture of the finished piece, although I spotted it right off and was able to correct for it to match it to the picture.
   
   If you're a novice woodworker, you WILL be able to build these pieces if you have the tools. However, you'll need to be careful with the measurements and read the instructions thoroughly beforehand to figure out where they're wrong.
   
   Also, a suggestion based on my experiences: although you can get shoji paper with a higher percentage of synthetic materials to make it stronger, that paper may have less shrinkage when you spray it to get the "tight" look that is associated with shoji screens. You can still use the partly synthetic shoji paper, just make sure you fit it well when you glue it to the framework of the lamp as it won't shrink as much as you may think.

5 comments about Junk Style.

1. Brilliant & beautiful, lots of nice photographs, plenty of inspiration, etc, etc. Just get it! :)



2. There are a couple of things that could have made Junk Style better and appeal to a broader audience. Most of the pictures are set on a stone or hardwood floors, and I can only think of one that was set on carpet. I'm not a big fan of carpet, but that is what I have to work with in my house and would have liked to have seen what other have done with junk finds in carpeted rooms. I would also like to have seen more pictures with colored walls. The author seems to have a strong bias towards white walls, at times making the rooms seen somewhat lifeless and sterile.

   With the criticism out of the way, I'd also like to say that Junk Style was very inspriational to me. I read through it twice in the first day that I received it. The photos are gorgeous and some of the finds inside are quite worthy of jealousy. I would recommed this to anyone who enjoys spending time at yard sales, flea markets, and other second hand stores.




3. I love this book! As an avid junk collector (much to the humour of my family!) I found this book to become one of my favourites.
   I have read this book so many times- there are just so many inspiring pictures in this book. The book contains many different interiors and all different types of junk style. A great book.



4. I am an antiquer and flea market junkie. This book is OK, but it isn't the best. (I also don't like the word "junk.") The points this book makes about mixing things and repurposing things is better made in Flea Market Decorating, a book which also shows a broader variety of locations types as well as flea markets from around the country. I also like the original American Junk book, but it only shows objects versus nice big photos of real rooms.



5. I bought this used and I'm glad I didn't pay full price. I found nothing new.