No comments about DEWALT Blueprint Reading Professional Reference (Dewalt Trade Reference Series).

5 comments about Cabinetmaking Procedures for the Small Shop.

1. As a professional furniture maker building his first kitchen, I found Fristad's book the most useful of the three I read - the other two being the best sellers. This book is about production; how to make money; how not to make mistakes; how to streamline the process; how to get the sequence right. It covers both frame and frameless cabinets. No pictures, but lots of good drawing that are really all that are needed. While you need to know the information contained in the other books, this book fills in all the gaps that the others leave out. I recommend this book both to pros and people building a kitchen only for themselves.



2. Nor should it be your first. The authors have more than 20 years of experience in cabinet shops. They have good advice and smart tips. This short book (96 pages) strikes me as being a great employee training manual. If you are new, this is a good place to begin learning how to build cabinets. The authors explore issues like face frame cabinets versus Euro or frameless case constrution. But there is not enough detailed instruction for a novice to design or build cabinets based just on the information in the chapters.

   If you are experienced, this book will remind you of the many things you are suppose to know. For instance, make sure your cabinets will fit through doorways and up stairs. The authors remind you to account for the floor material so a dishwasher will still fit under the cabinet when the 3/4 inch flooring is installed. There is a brief discussion about schematics and how to measure jobsites.

   The authors discuss business practices, contracts, estimating, shop drawings and equipment choices. This is a lot of ground to cover in a few pages so they can not go into much detail about any aspect. The reader can find books that have more detailed instruction on cabinetmaking and other books that cover how to run a woodworking business. If the authors of this book are a bit overly ambitious, I respect their solid advice and practices based on hard experience in the field. They have a refreshingly positive attitude that makes the book a pleasure to read.




3. The title of this book is spot on. The book is a detailed procedure for making cabinets in a small (1-3 people) shop. The authors give detailed advice on the procedure they have used for many years to make a profit and still have time to spend with the family.
   
   But that is also the limitation of this book. For example, the authors glue face frames to the cabinet and they give great advice on this. However, there are other popular methods, such as biscuits and pocket screw holes. Both of these methods warrant only a superficial discussion. And both of the methods are popular and have pluses and minuses. But alas, the authors only really cover dowels and gluing.
   
   Recently, I was asked to design an entire kitchen of cabinets. I used this book a lot to answer some very specific, detailed questions regarding carcass construction. The example drawings are pretty darn good.
   
   The authors' discussion of door building is a bit brief. They state that it is really important to keep doors flat. Duh. Any suggestions for making sure they are flat? Jigs? What about procedures for gluing up 15 doors at a time? Any idea regarding storage racks? They suggest having a third party do all of the work. Sorry, but my clients want me involved every step of the way including selecting appropriate grain and making sure there is continuity.



4. The book is easy to read and gives you an overall idea about cabinets construction, good advices & tips, however if you are new in the business starting your own shop you will need additional infomation to move forward to build your own cabinets.



5. ALOT OF GOOD INFO I NEEDED BETWEEN THIS BOOK AND A FEW OTHERS I THINK I CAN BUILD WHAT EVER I WANT

4 comments about Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking.

1. This is the first of three volumes by Tage Frid that are literally a brain dump of techniques and approached to woodwork. Frid is a true working craftsman. He began as an apprentice at a time when most work was done by hand, and survived the transition to machinery without missing a stroke of his plane. Teaching both at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Rhode Island School of Design, Frid has influenced over a generation of professional and amateur wood workers.
   
   This book is an exhaustive study of joinery. Frid starts with the traditional sections on wood, the tools, and the preparation of stock. Sections then follow on dovetails & other multiple joints, tongue and groove constrution, mortise and tenon, and mitered joints. What is different from other books on the subject is that Frid's explanations are clear and well illustrated, he covers many of the 'tricks' of the trade, and he will address a problem from several directions.
   
   If you could remember everything in this book you would be a woodworking wizard. If you are more forgetful, like me, you will keep this book in the shop where you can grab it when planning out your work. If you have to have only one book on joinery Tage Frid's work may be all you need.



2. These are great books full of good information. Not all of his furniture is
   in a style that I would choose, but it's constrution is great. The DVD is good.
   Although not packed full of woodworking skills, it's nice to watch this master work
   in his shop. You'll wish you could spend a few days working with him.



3. I first came in contact with this set while in college studying woodworking about 6 years ago. While in school I referenced it many times for a complete 'how to' to a 'how do I do that again.' Now, I am still in the woodworking business, and this is a great set of books to have around to consult for what ever reason, thus, I recently got my own. I especially like a chart he has for doing compound angled miters- I must have looked at that a hundred times. Though the pictures are obviously dated, the skills and basics techniques he writes about are timeless, and are a fantastic jumping off point for someone to figure out how to make anything. He teaches you everything you need to know, I highly recommend this set.



4. Excellent set of books, and the DVD is invaluable. You get to see a master at work while he gives reasons about his methods.

1 comments about Lawnscapes: Mowing Patterns to Make Your Yard a Work of Art.

1. So we got this book for my father-in-law because this year he finally purchased the John Deer of his dreams. As you see, it went along nicely. It was kind of a gag gift, but with him retiring soon, we all figure the gag will come when he actually uses the directions and makes some elaborate pattern for next Thanksgiving at his house.
   
   Seriously though, without being overly complicated, this tells you the basics of how to make lawn patterns.If you are really looking to learn this skill, you might want to find something with more tips, tricks, hints, etc. But, if you just like playing around in the yard and want some simplie how-to, this is a good choice.

5 comments about Easing the Teasing : Helping Your Child Cope with Name-Calling, Ridicule, and Verbal Bullying.

1. This is truly the best book about grade school teasing on the market! I didn't know what to do and my 8-year-old daughter didn't want to go to school anymore. She is a very sweet capable child. However, she has a wandering eye that often looks cross-eyed. She wears very thick glasses and is a bit shy. First she no longer wanted to ride the bus because of 2 kids that continued to call her "buggy bug eyes" and other mean things. So, I began driving her to school because the name calling was breaking my heart. Then after 2 weeks, she began to cry that she no longer wanted to go to lunch or out to recess and I didn't know what to do. The social worker was working with the teacher to discipline the teasers, but the behavior was still going on. The parent library at my school had a copy of "Easing the Teasing" and I read it and worked with my daughter. We practiced responses that she felt she could tell the teasers. She actually enjoyed these role playing rehearsals at home with me. And, after 10 days, she was ready to go on the bus and try them out. Her favorite calm responses were "Really?" or "So?" which really caught the boys off guard. Her reply communicated to the teasers that the put-down really didn't matter or bother her. It's like shrugging your shoulders. Two days later on the playground she responded confidently to the taunts with "Do they look like grasshopper eyes or bumblebee eyes today?" That moment was the end of being called " buggy bug eyes"! Although my child is quite shy, with enough practice and "self talk", she was able to do this and proud of herself that she solved the problem. Thanks Judy for a superb book! I'm sure this will help so many children successfully put an end to the cruel teasing while enabling them to nurture their own self-esteem at the same time.



2. This book should be on the shelf of every educator and every parent.



3. This book consists of great definitions, anecdotes, actual experiences of supervisors, teachers, parents, children and "bullies" who bring discomfort, hardship, cruelty and inappropriate behaviors to those whom the bullies encounter. Easing the Teasing offers the reader a multitude of solutions for adults to follow to lessen the hurt which results from the bullies' behavior and atypical behavior in schools, playgrounds, neighborhoods, homes and community settings. As educators, it is essential for us to be aware of teasing and try our very best to discourage bullies and their nasty behaviors. All of the chapters in this book offer the reader suggestions, real life experiences, strategies in empathy and compassion for us to utilize when dealing with bullies in our jobs and guidance. Easing the Teasing is an up-to-date, current, and powerful book, and should be valued as an extremely beneficial resource in every educator's library.
   
   Ray Kandelman, Administrator and Educator



4. As a bullying prevention educator, I speak to thousands of students each year, and I haven't read a better book about teasing. Some books on the topic are so overly academic that they lose the reader. Ms. Freedman's personable, down-to-earth style immediately draws you in. After reading a chapter, you feel like you've actually spent time with the author, hearing first-hand accounts and real-life success stories that offer hope and inspiration. Ms. Freedman not only shares innovative, kid-tested coping skills, but she explains how, when, and where to use each strategy. Insightful touches like "The Teasing Top Ten" (gleaned directly from kids) as well as "Success Stories" (what has worked straight from the mouth of babes), further help this book stand out from the rest. The thank you letters and drawings I've received from children, parents and educators since I've started including the techniques in my presentations serve as a testament to the value of Easing the Teasing.



5. I have read many books on teasing and bullying and this book stands out by far as the best of them! This is a well written book that helps you learn to combat the emotional effects that your child feels when being put down and teased by their peers. The author actually provides you with strategies to help your child cope with and get themselves out of these situations. This book has taught me to understand and help my child and I would highly recommend it! (Thank you to the author, Judy Freedman, who has made a difference in the life of my child.)

2 comments about Residential Construction Academy: House Wiring (Residential Construction Academy).

1. I thought this was a great book. It explains the process from A-Z and throws in NEC code references. For those without any wiring knowledge at all, it will be very beneficial to get you up to speed. I will use this book along with Rex Cauldwells book and the Black and Decker home wiring book to wire my next home.
   I also have the Residential Series Plumbing book also, which I highly recommend.



2. I ordered and received this item and was totally satisfied with the entire process and the product

5 comments about Simple Home Solutions: Good Things with Martha Stewart Living.

1. The book delivers what its title promises to deliver: great advice for one's household, wrapped in a wonderful package - the look of the book is, as always with Martha Stewart books, exquisite and right on the money. The only question you should ask yourself before deciding to buy this book is whether you wish to pay for something that is esentially a picture-book with advice that can be found on martha stewart's web page, or that you are already aware of. For me the answer is yes - the book is inspirational for anyone with a sense of aesthetic and the desire to make their home a more beautiful place to live in. The advice is useful indeed and all in one place.



2. A great book with very practical and inexpensive ideas for all kinds of homekeeping. I am not as type-A as Martha, but you've got to hand it to her - her books are useful, inspiring and usually quite practical (unless it's a craft project - I mean, PLEASE, like I am going to make my own acorn placesetting things). I only rate it 4 stars because I wish there had been more ideas in the book - her books tend to leave you wanting more ideas since what is presented is usually quite good.
   
   One reviewer says this will be a repeat of things you've seen in the magazine. Probably good advice to avoid the book if you already get the magazine. I don't suscribe to Living, so this was actually a nice surprise. As always, smart design, nice pictures and great & very do-able ideas. I flipped through it in a bookstore and now I am getting it for a better price at Amazon.com.



3. I read a copy fo this book from the library,but I liked it.I am a photo person ,so anything with pictures works for me.This books has lots of pretty pictures and tons of tips,mostof which are no-cost tips. I love MARTHA STEWART !!



4. This book is full of clever ideas and shortcuts. I only hope that I will remember to look them up when I can make use of one of them. As you look through it you will constantly think -- Why didn't I think of that? I never buy the magazine, so these were all new to me. Even if you have seen these tips before, it might be valuable to buy this book anyway as a convenience. You are probably more apt to use these shortcuts if they are compiled into one book rather than spread through a dozen magazines. I hope Martha comes out with more books like this one.



5. this is a great book! Lots of practical ways to organize, store and care for your everyday items! I got one for me and one for a shower gift for a friend!

5 comments about The Farmhouse: New Inspiration for the Classic American Home.

1. An informative book with good examples and photos.



2. One of over $1,000 worth of books I ordered prior to starting our remodel, The Farmhouse is above and beyond the best book I bought for our tastes, and is the primary resource I have given to our architect. No country shabby chic here -- the style is spare, warm, and elegant. Great photos and text. This book will save us thousands by beautifully getting across our ideas for our new Boulder, Colorado home. Those who like this book would also like Jeremiah Eck's The Distinctive Home.



3. This book is a valuable resource as my husband and I plan our "farmhouse" that we intend to build next year beginning in February. It gives examples of restorations, new construction built to look like the old classical farmhouses across the midwest, and amazing interiors. I love the shaded boxes of information, emphasizing the importance of features such as shape, the color white, porches, etc. It is a lesson book for those wanting a basic education on how to talk farmhouses. We bought three books, and this one is far superior to the others.



4. Written by an architect for the layperson, Jean Rehkamp Larson makes you feel the elbow room of the farmhouse and surrounding countryside without being too technical. Showing several house styles from historical to contemporary, Larson teaches us what characteristics make the American farmhouse a house style that is as ingrained in our minds as baseball and apple pie.



5. I am a Manhattan city dweller struck by childhood nostalgia about what it is like to live on the country side. For types like me, interested in farm-house inspired modern architecture, this book offers a great visual feast. If you are looking for real farm houses, however, look elsewhere.

5 comments about The Lathe Book: A Complete Guide to the Machine and its Accessories.

1. As an advanced woodworker I decided to try my hand at turning so I purchased this book based upon the other reviews. The book is written in a confusing, disjointed, and rather condescending manner. Conover seems to want to impress with his "expertise" at the expense of clearly disseminating information.

   Additionally, photos are extremely small, poorly cropped, and show no worthwhile detail. He states that a minimum entry level lathe will cost you over $1,000. That must be Canadian dollars since he recommends equipment as if he's employed by the Canadian Department of Commerce. There are numerous run-on sentences in the book that will leave you scratching you head and asking "what the hell is this guy talking about?"

   If you want to get started in turning, this is not your book.




2. I actually used this book to help me become more informed before I made a lathe purchase.
   It gives a great overall overview of many sizes and options.
   Quote from the book, "New entry level lathes cost from $500 to $1000 dollars. Also gives positive comments to mini lathes @ $300-$400. That would include bed extension with which you could turn countless spindles. $575 Delta/Jet 12 inch, nice start as well.
   Great overall picture of turning, tools, sharpening and accesories. Speaking of pictures what's shown is fine for what's being illustrated.ie; size and content.



3. This book appears to be excellent for accomplished turners. I am an absolute Green Horn. Photography is excellent, writing crisp. Lots of information on handmade accessories and sharpening tips.
   
   I probably need a book about basics.



4. great book for the beginner, talks about everything you need to know for jumping right into your lathe, from mounting stock, to keeping your tools sharp, was a very useful book



5. Ernie Conover is one of the best(if not the best) writer of books on using the Lathe in the United States. I have all of his work and could recommed any or all for the serious wood turner. The only other writers who would come close to Mr. Conover are two gentleman from Australia. My wood turning library exceeds 24 books, Ernie is the best.

5 comments about Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit, and Use.

1. This book is much more than a owner's manual for Japanese tools. The author, Toshio Odate, grew up with a father that was a woodworker and he apprenticed with his father.
   
   The author shares many of his experiences; the unique methods of teaching are really quite different than American methods. For example, as an apprentice, there is no formal instruction--the apprentice must learn by observing the master while the apprentice is working--and woe be upon any apprentice that takes his attention away from his work. How one 'learns' in this situation is beyond me but apparently it works.
   
   A couple of other examples: Odate-san left some stones freeze one evening during the winter which cracked them. That warranted a substantial beating.
   
   Odate-san saved his extra money for a year and purchased a quality hand plane which is master promptly confiscated and he never saw it again. Apparently, because Odate-san was stil an apprentice, he was not worthy of quality tools and would never be allowed to see this tool, which he saved for for over a year, again.
   
   I can't comprehend why breaking Odate-san's heart was a good way to teach him woodworking skills, but he seems to be over the hurt inflicted by that episode. And now he is a master woodworker that is reaping substantial royalties from the books he wrote. So, that system seems to work.
   
   The author provides many details regarding the use of Japanese tools. There really isn't much else you need to know. Also, the drawings are very good but a few more photos (in color) would be nice.
   
   The section regarding sharpening could be expanded with some additional information and techniques, such as hollow grinding, the use of sandpaper and the benefits of synthetic stones.



2. Toshio Odate is a national treasure. I was lucky enough to be trained by him 30 years ago when he was teaching at Pratt Institute. He is a rare man who is bigger than life. His essense, love and respect to wood and the tools that he uses to create magic in wood are openly expressed in his book. You will walk away from reading this book with a new view on life and what it is to truly be a master.
   Michael, NYC



3. Everyone has accalades for this writing, It is along the lines of philosophy, spirit, and tradition. Craftsmanship and artistry as well as guidance are something I have sought for 6 years now. Even offered to be a gopher for other woodworkers I have admired. "Norm" has taught us how to use "Power Tools". He has shared woodworking techniques, the New Yankee way. Sam Maloof teaches us his love of wood. Some of the masters we revere have demonstrated the "way they got there". It is a step by step process. Odatesan guides us through the mentoring process in the tradition of the writer, with pictures, and stories.
   
   I can't get the master to guide me from the outside, so I am fortunate to have this book to guide me from the inside.
   
   The "spirit of wood" is a personal journey. This book is helping me through mine. Glad I found it.



4. The Linden Publishing edition has a lousy binding. After a few uses the pages came off in scores. Avoid the Linden Publishing edition.
   
   The content itself is of course ***** five-stars.



5. This is a tremendous example of the art of japanese woodworking. From the set up of a simple work area to the explanation of the tools, how to properly care for, sharpen, and use this text will fall apart you reference it so often. I just had to find another in hard cover....