4 comments about The Weekend Crafter: Woodcarving: 20 Great Projects for Beginners & Weekend Carvers.

1. The projects in the book are easy to do and the results are very impressive. This book covers some basic techniques and provides patterns for these projects. Each are illustrated with color photographs and step-by-step descriptions. If you are looking for an in-depth discussion on wood, tools, and sharpening techniques, this isn't for you. If you are looking for some easy projects to start off with, buy the book!!



2. Great as a gift for someone with woodcarving as a hobby!



3. I like the selection of projects. Very nice patterns too.



4. If you are just starting out in the craft, this is an excellent book to start with. The book illustrates and gives step by steps on a wide range of woodcarving techniques. These include relief, 3-dimensional, and pierced carving. Each project includes the recommended dimensions, wood type, and a list of the tools needed to complete them. There are also small sections describing tools, carving techniques, and methods for transferring patterns. These do not go into great detail, but enough to give you the general idea.
   
   Just a note on woodworking books in general - Once general technique for carving is covered, there is little else that can be taught by text. One has to actually carve the wood ;) No book will do that for you.

5 comments about World Woods in Color.

1. Pick it up, thumb through it, and enjoy the well-printed pictures of each wood sample. There are over 250 of them, all unique, all showing the characteristic grain and coloring of the species. The eye-candy is just the icing on a very substantial cake, however.
   
   Suppose you cut down an apple tree and decide to keep the lumber - do you season in the round, or cut it first? How long will it take? As well as the right way to season each wood, this gives its resistance to insect attack and special considerations in machining, nailing, veneering, and gluing. Only so much can be said in one page, but Lincoln covers the basics in a systematic way.
   
   Appendices cross-reference the common and latin names, and list suppliers and organizations that provide information. Those tables are helpful but weak. Suppliers come and go too fast for that list to have lasting value. The "table of uses" of each species in each application is also helpful but limited. Veneer is not mentioned in that table, even though Lincoln discusses it elsewhere. The indices could also handle conflicting names better. I just gained access to some fresh-cut American linden, and wanted to know how to season it. The word 'linden' has only one index entry, even though the name is applied to several species, and that entry doesn't match the linden I have. I was supposed to look for 'basswood.' Now I know, but lists of synonyms would have helped. More information about each wood would have been useful, too: which woods create dust with breathing hazards? What about the percent change, radially and tangentially, during drying? How does the appearance change when quartersawed?
   
   Still, the book's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It's just pretty to look at, for one thing, but it has good information as well. I'm happy with it.
   
   //wiredweird



2. Well, it's the middle of april and I ordered in February. I still don't have the book. Why pretend to have a book when there aren't any in stock and no affiliates have it either? They keep saying "we'll find a copy eventually" and keep taking people's money on it. I noticed that they still say that new purchases of it ship within 2-3 weeks. Bull-pucky.



3. What made this book so great it is exactly what I was looking for. I'm a wood turner and I like to pass on the information about wood used in bowls customers purchase. The information also helps me with matching woods and finishing the product.
   
   Steve Portrey



4. For anyone who is a woodworker by trade, this book is indespensable. The large color pictures of the wood allow you to show clients what the different species are without having to have lots of wood peices laying around cluttering the shop up.
   It is also very informative. While there are lots of species listed that i have never heard of, there is also a good description and usage list for each type of wood.



5. This book was written in the 60's and could use a revision. One thing that isn't bad but you should know is that the author is from Britain and he writes the book from the position of wood availability and use from a British point of view. This is not a drawback but when it comes to me getting or identifying woods I can get in Colorado (USA) it is a shift in perspective. If you are a novice woodworker or make simple items in your garage and don't need to know every detail about every wood species, I wouldn't invest the money in this one. If you are a serious woodworker and you are working with woods both domestic and exotic, this book would be nice to have around.

5 comments about Constructing Staircases, Balustrades & Landings: (Building Basics Series).

1. I'm in the process of remodeling my house and am replacing a stair railing. I used information from instructions the stair parts manufacturers produce and help from a stair parts salesman to figure out the parts I would need but needed some additional help in actually installing it. I found this book at a woodworking show and thought I was set. Unfortunately almost all it covers is the design and constructions of the stairs themselves. The design and construction of the railing is barely touched on. I got more information from the manufacturer's instructions and the instructions that came with some of the installation hardware.

   I can't really comment on how good the stair construction information is since that's not what I was interested in, but I can't recommend this at all if your looking for information on stair railing design and construction.

   If you're looking for railing information I would recommend the book "Stairs: The Best of Fine Homebuiling". (ISBN 1561581313)




2. Like the photograph on the cover, this book is not what it seems. The text is simplistic, skimming the surface of a topic that people can devote a rich lifetime to studying.

   I bought it on the price and the strength of the cover photograph, because I'm Scottish (i.e. cheap), felt ambitious, and wanted to build a circular staircase from scratch.

   The book doesn't touch on that subject at all. The cover "photograph" is actually a poorly-rendered computer graphic, and the text inside matches it well.

   (By the way: DO NOT attempt to build a circular staircase from scratch unless you have years of woodworking under your belt, a very complete workshop at your disposal, are completely comfortable with extremely complex geometry, and have a source of income that allows you infinite free time :-)




3. I purchased the "Constructing Staircases, Balustrades & Landings" book after getting frustrated by the lack of details in the general purpose books out there, reguarding stairs.

   The book is GREAT! I learned a LOT about the basics in just the first two chapters. At under [$$], this book is a steal if you are looking for info on making your own staircase!




4. I purchased every book I could find on staircase building including _Basic Stairbuilding_ (usefull but not as straightforward as this one) and _Stair Builders Handbook_ (absolutely useless - don't waste your money).

   This book (Constructing Staircases...) contained the clearest diagrams and language that was easy for someone with no construction background to understand. I've used it exclusively to plan the construction of my staircase and am ready to begin building.

   Most of the reviews of this book are negative. I don't really understand why. If you want to build a staircase and have very little construction experience, this is the book you need. Building a staircase isn't rocket science but is reasonably complex as far as construction goes. Good luck!




5. This book will not give you all of the information required to build any staircase - anytime. But if you're interested in building stairs down to your basement or up to your 2nd floor addition, this is a very good source of information on the lay-out and space requirements. I felt like I was an o.k. stair builder(I'm a contractor/carpenter} and this book confirmed it. Professionals looking for new and interesting ideas will more than likely be disappointed. But if you're looking for a teaching aid for your guys, or a good book of examples of stairs, to show to your customers, then this book is a good buy.
   
   Don't EVER take the book A Treatise On Staircases And Handrails to show to your customers unless your planning to move in with them. It takes that long build those old antique designs with all of the decorative achitectural mouldings and ornamental handrailings. This book will get your guys to using phrases like newell post and quarter turn landing just as fluently as the redneck phrase "jooseeHER??".
   
   For the non-professional,, this is a good resource for the basics.
   
   "Mayonaise some good advice in air."

1 comments about 10 Wooden Boats You Can Build: For Sail, Motor, Paddle and Oar (The Woodenboat Series).

1. this is a really good book for the boatbuilder and carpente

5 comments about How to Plan & Build Bookcases, Cabinets & Shelves.

1. I bought this book hoping for plans and ideas for built-in shelves and storage units. The book does a fairly good job explaining the construction basics involved, but it is woefully bereft of ideas. The book is published in the early 1980's and the projects which are illustrated have not, for the most part, stood the test of time. If you are looking for building ideas and examples you can show a builder, this book is not a good starting point.



2. Pre-Req to this book is knowing how to use Power Tools and manual wood tools.A great place to start. Not for the highly experienced, but great for those who are just starting out in woodworking or those who like 1980 / 1990 Retro. Don't expect to be an expert after reading this book;but do expect to create some nice pieces and learning the basics. You must learn to walk before you run. It can be compared to a 4th Level School book of a 8 Level school.



3. Chapters: Getting Started, Selecting a Style, Establishing a Size, Materials, Hand Tools, Power Tools, Hardware, Adhesives, Joints, Building Techniques, Finishing Techniques, Shelves, Doors, Drawers, Computer Center, Hidden Double-Bed Cabinet, Slide-Projector Cabinet, Wine Rack, Sewing Center, TV or Stereo Cabinet, Ironing-Board Cabinet, Modular Cubes, Open Utility Shelves, Fixed-Shelf Utility Case, Simple Plywood Cabinet, Freestanding Bookcase, Tall Pine Bookcase, Standard Base Cabinet, Interlocking Shelves, Corner Cabinet.



4. Although the book is supposed to be for cabinet and shevling, it is clearly more about cabinets. Not good if you looking for ideas on interior fancy shelves. Very good if you looking to build interior cabinets.



5. The Editorial Staff of Ortho Books, How to Plan and Build Bookcases, Cabinets, and Shelves (Ortho, 1987)
   
   How do you review a how-to book, really? I mean, as long as it does what it's supposed to do, and does it clearly, it's good, right? From that standpoint, this one's pretty much got it made. Clear descriptions, heavy on the illustration, step-by-step instructions, that sort of thing. I do wish it had gone into more detail on some of the optional stuff (especially face-framing; if you plan to do a lot of bookshelf-building that requires doors, you'll probably need another book as well), but for basic construction of shelving, this should do you right. Not much more to say. If you need it, you need it, if you don't, you don't. *** ½

No comments about Woodworkers Guide to Furniture Design.

2 comments about Pierro Lissoni.

1. Piero Lissoni could be one of the most prolific, yet understated, designers in Italy - his works abound there, but scarcely receive media attention. Yet his impact on international design is evident everywhere, making PIERO LISSONI an essential acquisition for any library strong in architectural design and modern architecture history - especially European architecture. Lissoni is both a designer and a graphic artist: his title is packed with color photos of the extent of his works, making it a key acquisition for any serious college-level art and architecture collection.



2. One of the most talented designers of our times. The book is a good celebration of his work. Must have!

No comments about Craftsman Furniture Projects: Timeless Designs and Trusted Techniques From Woodworking's Top Experts (The Best of Woodworker's Journal series).

5 comments about How to Build 35 Great Clocks.

1. Maybe I'm crazy, but I've always considered a clock to be the inner workings - springs, pendulums, and such. This book doesn't tell you how to build those - it is merely a woodworking book that talks about the design of the cabinets that house clocks. Not for a horologist.



2. I bought this book based on the title, which for me was a mistake. I was expecting drawing and guidance on making reproductions of time honored classics. While it is helpful it lacks the details about the originals that are needed to built future classics.



3. I loved this book! Includes a brief history of each design, wide range of plans, from the simple plaque type clock to more complex cabinets. Easily followed directions,detailed drawings, and most importantly - construction can be done with tools from the average home workshop. PS If this isn't what you are looking for, don't blame the author!



4. Joseph W. Daniele has written several books on historical reproduction woodworking. As a former editor for Early American Life, you have to believe he knows the subject matter. He does, in fact each design, no matter how simple or complex, has a history. Ask yourself, do I just want to make a clock or do I want to make a historical reproduction? Funny, some people buy a book without knowing what it involves and then write a crappy review, as if their ignorance is the author's fault.



5. This book provides a good history of clocks, but that is the nicest thing I can say about it.
   
   The pictures are of very poor quality, the plans are incomplete - ignoring details obvious on the original shown. The author seems to think nails and butt-joints are a good method of joinery. The author shows no knowledge of wood movement in the designs. Most of the clocks allow no method for accessing the quartz movement after construction - so it is impossible to change batteries.
   
   This is a good book to browse at the library, but when it comes to actually building clocks, keep looking.

5 comments about Marquetry (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum).

1. I have two books of the same author: Masterpieces of marquetry (or something simmilar since it is written in French) and Marquetry. Each of the books cost over 100 USD in France and belong to a collection this author has published on the same subject. The Marquetry book (in English) I believe is the best book of its class. It has very detailed sketches of real antique designs. It not only explains the techniques but also stone inlaying, designing of tools and benches for cutting materials, etc.



2. I found this book to be completely comprehensive on the subject of marquetry. Everyone who loves this art form will want to have this in their library.



3. Marquetry is impressive if you are making a simple flower or a project as ornate as the examples that are given in this book. Covering the art form from the early adopters in France and Italy, he explains in detail the procedures, as well as the tools that are used. When you see some of the pictures of the projects, you will think that you need a lifetime of practice to get to those levels, and maybe you do. They are so elaborate and ornate that you will appreciate what can be done in the art form.
   The book is large and is something worth featuring on a shelf. It is wonderfully illustrated, and they don't short you on the full color photographs.
   The chapters are; Veneer Decoration, History, The Marqueters Workshop, The Materials, The Instruments, The Drawing, Preparation, Procedures, Frisage and Jeux De Fond, The Construction of Cutting Tools, and Conclusion.
   The book is 14" x 10" and every page is packed with beautiful color photographs, and at the very least a drawing. Makes for an interesting read, as well as seeing what is being explained in full color. With so many full size color photos, you can see why the book is more expensive than a standard book.
   Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner in the art form, this book will capture you. See the highest forms in the art, chosen by the top museums for display. All in all a first class reference. Highly recommended.



4. E um livro muito interessante, porem, apenas para quem tem curiosidade ou gosta muito de marchetaria. Belissimas imagens. Quem faz marchetaria nas horas vagas tera uma boa referencia, inclusive com a historia dessa arte. Capa dura, muito ilustrado, acredito que tera um lugar de honra em sua biblioteca.
   
   Mauricio - Brazil



5. If you want to make marquetry, buy marquetry or just appreciate marquetry this is an excellent resource. It has the kind of detailed information coupled with drawings and a bounty of color photos rarely seen in one book. Worth the money!! Go see the exhibit at the Getty!
   
   This book is published by the Getty museum, which has an absolutely wonderful permanent exhibit on marquetry that includes many fine examples and a touchable how-to exhibit depicting start to finish manufacture of marquetry furniture. The book is a detailed how-to on various types of marquetry (including wood, metal and stone) with both color (over 150 color photos, more color pics than B&W) and black-and-white pictures of a large variety of examples from Renaissance through 17th and 18th century through modern (not too many or too-weird modern), plus many photos showing marquetry in progress in the how-to section. It is also a large, beautiful enough book for your coffeetable. If only every art/craft topic could have such a wonderful book.