Product Description
At long last, durable joints can be made without clamps or special fasteners. And no book exists that shows woodworkers how to use this time-saving tool to create these joints-until now. The Pocket Hole Drilling Jig Project Book gives woodworkers step-by-step instructions for using a pocket hole drilling jig to create joints in a range of stunning furniture projects, including:*Face frames*Cabinets*Tables*Shelving units*Dressers*Frame-and-panel doors*And more

As with the biscuit joiner, woodworkers are learning they can't live without this small, inexpensive piece of equipment that has revolutionized how joints are made. The Pocket Hole Drilling Jig Project Book teaches them how to make the most of their new favorite tool. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

The Pocket Hole Drilling Jig Project Book (Popular Woodworking)
I needed project to build with my pocket hole drilling jig and this book gave me what I needed.

THE book for getting started with Pocket Joints
This is a great book for anyone interested in getting their feet wet with Pocket Joints. I bought a Kreg Master Kit and built the bookcase in this book as my first project.It came out beautiful without a hitch. Did my own variation for the trim but otherwise followed the plans exactly. I am planning on moving on to a chest of drawers as my next project and have no doubt that it can be done with the basic kit I have. There is one caveat, you will need some extra clamps to make working with the pocket joints a lot simpler. They are like having extra hands a crucial points in the assembly process. I read the material over and over so it is in my head when I go to work in the shop.

Decent overview
This book is not biased toward any particular brand of pocket hole jig and shows how to use a few of them, but most projects are built with the Kreg System.

It has some handy tips for making mitered corners and how to best use the pocket hole jig for that application, and has several design plans. I don't particularly like the style of the furniture but if you have your own style I'm sure you can innovate beyond these plans.One picky point I have is that there is one dining room hutch/cabinet in this book that has and angled face and cabinets, but the book skips right over the steps required to cut the angle in the face frames after they are built so that they mate together at an angle and create the beveled face of the cabinet. One thing you have to be careful with when using pocket hole screws is that if you want to plane or trim an assembled face frame or panel, you don't want to run a screw through your blades - they are hidden within and you have to remember where they are located before you start cutting.It appears that if you follow these plans exactly, the proper way to cut the face frame would be apparent, but it seemed like a critical step that at least requires more mention than simply skipping to the next step.

If you haven't used pocket hole screws before, this is a great book for ideas and should get you started pretty quickly.

Good for getting started
When I recently purchased the Kreg system, I was looking for a reference to get me started.I found this book fit the need admirably.While I am not as madly in love with pocket hole joinery as some, this book will give you a good jumping off place if you are a newcomer to it all.

Well written guide to cabinet making
If you're new to pocket joinery, this is a great book for instruction and inspiration. Easily understandable, with lots of photos. ... Read more

Product Description
This text presents real solutions to real problems - devised by real woodworkers. Also presented are ideas from "Fine woodworking" magazine's "Methods of Work" column, which includes tips on everything from drying green wood to polishing a finish, plus useful jigs and fixtures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The best shop tips book
The collection of "Proven Shop Tips" is excellent.It has hundreds of short tips for woodworkers along with good illustrations. Many of these suggestions involve making jigs for woodworking. Each idea is clearly written and usually easy to understand. The tips are categorized according to the tool they apply to by chapter, for example: table saw, drill press, etc. I first got the book from the library and it was so good that I bought my own copy of the book.

Great cheap ideas that work
This book has more little slips of paper sticking out the top than any other book in my shop library. As you page through this book you'll find solutions to problems you didn't even know you had.

Make use of Amazon's "Look Inside" to view the table of contents. This puppy is loaded with practical tips that make use of easy to find materials and don't require a shop full of tools.

I own more than a dozen of the Fine Woodworking books and this one is by far the most helpful. It's cheap enough to pick up and you'll be rewarded with a useful book regardless of your skill level.

Useful and pretty clear
It is a collection of tips garnered over the years.Enough of them are really good to make the purchase worthwhile. Most of them will require a certain amount of experience to understand how to implement them.

I thought the book was fun and I look forward to using some of the tips, especially for the drill press, router, and table saw. ... Read more

Product Description

Put the Past to Work in Your Shop

First printed in 1889, this book was written to educate college students in the craft and business of woodworking. Here, the original text is reprinted in its entirety, not only to help you discover late 19th-century practices in woodworking, but to help you make the most of traditional hand tools in the modern shop. As you work throug a series of 39 exercises, you'll discover how to:

Customer Reviews (1)

Don't buy it
This is a crude OCR print from a scan and does not include any of the essential illustrations and is worthless. ... Read more

Product Description
Organized by topic and fully indexed, The New Best of Fine Woodworking includes Building Small Projects, Designing and Building Cabinets, Traditional Finishing Techniques, Furniture Design, Small Woodworking Shops, and Routers. This fabulous slipcase set offers easy access to the best woodworking information straight from the dream team of woodworking professionals. The six authoritative, step-by-step books provide ultimate visual references covering major topics essential for woodworkers of every skill level. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for the beginner and old hat alike
After reviewing this set for our woodworking blog, I wanted to share a big thumbs up with others.This is a great collection of articles from the last decade of Fine Woodworking Magazine and a great place for beginners to get a jump on learning.For the more experienced, having the articles aranged by subject makes it easy to find solutions and alternatives when faced with uncertanty.For more reviews check out NothingSeveredYet.com. ... Read more

Product Description
Fresh Designs Any Woodworker Can Build

*Capitalizes on the popular outdoor living trend*A wide variety of stunning projects, including a garden arbor, tool shed, potting bench, garden chair and more!

A dream backyard isn’t complete without a few accessories, and this book gives readers a wealth of choices for "furnishing" their outdoor sanctuaries. It’s easy to build these inventive projects with complete step-by-step photos and instructions from a master carpenter. Other highlights include:

*Tips, hints and ideas that make these simple-to-build projects perfect for woodworkers of all levels and DIY enthusiasts*Instructions for customizing each project to fit individual tastes and needs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Only eight projects?
Take a look at the Table of Contents.There are only eight projects in this book!If one of them is just what you want, then you will find this book worthwhile.If not, not.

Good ideas
I bought this book for my dad who enjoys woodworking.He has been thinking about building a gazebo.He and my mom both found ideas for projects for their yard for next summer. ... Read more

Product Description
Perfect for DIY entusiasts, these easy projects require minimal tools (only hand and portable power tools) and minimal experience to produce quality furniture.

Includes a training manual for using each tool.

Projects use only inexpensive materials that are easily found at local home center stores.

I Can Do That! Woodworking Projects shows the absolute beginner how to create twenty quality furniture projects with a modest kit of tools in less than two days of shop time while using only materials that are available at any home center. The enclosed tool manual explains all the tools and shows the reader how to perform the basic operations in a step-by-step format. By replacing much of the complicated joinery common in woodworking with mechanical fasteners (biscuits and pocket screws) the learning curve is greatly reduced, but the quality and appearance of the project remains intact. Projects include storage benches, shelving, chairs, coffee and end tables and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Kinda Dull and Available Online
This book is designed to allow people with limited tools to create "real" projects from wood.All the projects assume the builder has a small set of tools that are described in the early sections of the book.In general, the authors focus on some hand tools and a few "smaller" power tools: drill, miter saw, and jigsaw.This tool section describes what the reader should look for when buying new tools and has a nice discussion on their use.Overall, this section is quite useful.

Projects are specifically designed with home-center materials in mind, focusing on oak, plywood, poplar, and dimensional lumber.They are, as you might expect with a limited toolset, relatively spartan designs.They do look nice, and seem to serve their intended function. Generally the build instructions are good and stick to the assumed toolset pretty well.

Unfortunately, there are also a few flaws.It doesn't take long to see the limitations of the chosen toolset and get awfully bored with the plans.Squarish designs are typical -- the cover projects are by far the most interesting, yet I could not see these occupying a place in my home.The two chair plans are particularly odd, and looking at them made me wonder if anyone had actually used them.I cannot see wanting to sit in either one.

Finally, a large number of these project plans are available on Popular Woodworking magazine's website at no cost.The early section describing the tools, which is probably the most valuable section of the book, is also available on their website.

Overall, I found this book to be disappointing, and my frustration reached new levels when I realized that much of its content can be downloaded free.

Great book!
I bought this book for my husband for Christmas and he was very happy with it. It gave him many more ideas. Great purchase.

Great for beginners
Lovely book, lots of projects from very simple to a bit more difficult. Good for learning some techniques.

Brilliant Book
As a novice wood worker I have really enjoyed this book and can start on projects without buying thousands of dollars of tools. Great introduction on how to use the tools and easy to understand intructructions for the projects.

Good concept, not so great reality.
I usually rank a book like this by how may projects I will actually attempt. I go through,bookmark the projects, and then compare how many projects there are with how many I will try. I went all the way through this book and ended up with ONE bookmark! I went back through to see if I had missed something. Nope, only one was of interest. On another critical review I noticed that the projects lean heavily to the Arts & Crafts type items. A lot of these items would be things you would see on sale at a craft show or maybe a more upscale flea market. I like to make items that are of higher quality from more exotic hardwoods. If you want to have a little fun in the garage making knick-knacks, give this book a try. If you are an advanced woodworker or are looking for more artistic projects, pass on this book. ... Read more

Product Description
One area where woodworkers strive to gain more information is on the topic of finishing. Since finishing is one of the most important aspects to any woodworking project, it can become a frustrating process for many woodworkers regardless of skill level. Wood Finishing Simplified breaks down the various steps involved in finishing furniture, leading to better projects and less frustration. Using only the products available at local home centers, the author explains the differences in the types of stains and finishes plus step-by-step photos and clear instructions show the reader how to produce a quality furniture finish. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very useful information
I have read this book once, and am going through it again for the second time. This book is very helpful for beginners and intermediate level woodworkers. The author keeps the paragraphs short and lively. He goes into detail and the basics behind everything, so that you understand every component and every step of finishing. It's not a quick recipe book, because you really have to understand how the wood, finishing technique, and finishes in order to create something that you want. Very helpful book for me.

wood finishing simplified
from the title one would assume that this book would about(SHORTCUTS) to woodfinishing without all the labels information taking 80% of the book.for a beginner thats not interested in technical stuff it would be wasted money.For me i enjoy the technical stuff because it gives me a chance to try with local materials.I am halfway tru the book so i cant complain.

Fernando ... Read more

Product Description
Finishing often seems to require more alchemy than skill. This book takes the magic and guesswork out of finishing by collecting the best recent material on finishing written by experts ranging from finishing chemists to America's best amateur woodworkers. These are practical solutions and accessible finishes, enabling anyone to get a great looking finish every time. Chapters include surface preparation, hand finishing tools and techniques, coloring wood, and special techniques. This is a must-have reference for weekend refinishers and woodworkers alike.Amazon.com Review
Any woodworker knows that the usefulness of common woodshoptools, both hand and power, is limited to a few basic functions. Thisis where the use of jigs and shop accessories comes in to createinfinite possibilities, shortcuts, and faster or more accurate ways ofusing common tools to create extraordinary woodworking results. Hereare some of America's most clever woodworkers' tips on guiding toolsand solutions for common problems found in the woodshop. Included isexpert advice on choosing the right materials for jig-making,special-purpose work benches and workbench fixtures, router tables andjigs for joinery and shaping, table-saw jigs for ripping,cross-cutting, joinery and safety, jigs for drill presses, lathes,planers, and chop saws that will show the woodworker how to producenearly any kind of finished piece imaginable in less time and withgreater accuracy. This detailed and well-illustrated book will nodoubt become a fixture in many woodshops and will be referred torepeatedly by both hobbyists and professional woodworkers. --MarkA. Hetts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

More modern info online for free
Save your dough, buy a different book or get your info somewhere else, online for free. Ancient.

Surface Values
Finishes & Finishing Techniques is part of Taunton Press' essentials of woodworking series.It is the first of two compilations from Fine Woodworking that cover a wide variety of finishing techniques and styles.This wide spread of material, and the variety of opinions that a collection of articles can present make this a valuable resource for the woodworker, although I think that a good introductory book is still a necessity.Fine Woodworking articles are written for practitioners with a certain amount of experience and confidence, exploring a lot of the variations that are possible.This can be overwhelming for someone who just wants to put a nice finish on that all-important first project.

The structure of the book is straightforward - sections on surface preparation, coloring wood, hand finishing, spray finishing, water-based finishes, and special techniques.I found the special techniques particularly interesting in that it provided an approach to blotch free cherry finishing that has become the basis for most of the finishing I do.There are also some articles on aging, antiquing, and repairs.And even an article on not finishing at all which is a bit eye-opening.

This is all good, well-written material, but don't expect to absorb it in one sitting.When you are contemplating a new project this is one of the best resources for finding solutions and coming up with a new approach rather than the same old rubbing finish.

We can all learn new tricks
The book is filled with secrets, tips, tricks and techniques of the all elusive perfect finish.
Even after 35 years in cabinet making I found the chapters well researched and extremely informative.
Did you ever find yourself saying, "Oh yeah... that's how that works!"? You'll say that a few times when reading this one.

Very Useful Book
I found the book quite comprehensive, including information on how the "pros" do it. I was not interested in obtaining the finish found on most medium-quality furniture (lacquer applied with a hvlp spray gun).I wanted to learn about French polishing, finishing with shellac, dying vs. staining wood - generally, how to create fine hand-rubbed finishes.This book explains how. It also told you where to obtain hard-to-find materials.

Enough Books for the Weekend Refinisher!
Aren't there enough finishing books written for the hobbyist? How about a book that shows the hobbyists how they can get professional looking finishes by using professional tools, techniques and materials? Books like this keep the hobbyist at hobbyist levels, never raising the stakes or the standards. The big fault is the publisher, Taunton Press because this publisher is not interested in focusing on the true craft of wood finishing.

If other crafts were treated as immaturely as wood finishing, weekend woodworkers would build nothing more complicated than popsicle stick houses. Only the craft of wood finishing gets this bay treatment approach when it comes to publishing books. ... Read more

Product Description
From the late 1600s to the mid-1700s, colonists built their own homes--with the help of their neighbors--from the ground up. Homebuilding, using 17th- and 18th-century tools, is the focus of this fascinating book that includes a pictorial, chronological history of some of the woodworking tools' origins. Line drawings throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very nice for what it is
...which is a pleasant, very broad overview of a deep subject.When you cover an entire culture in a few pages, necessariy a lot of detail gets left out.For the interested amateur entranced with early building and architecture practices, for the talented young person, for the person who wants all the good available references, this is a very good book.Much of the information is cursory but there is still good stuff here.

An Exploration of Early American Material Culture
Most of the books that explore Colonial American vernacular architecture are more interested in definig styles and building uses.The focus of "Home Building" is in the tools and technology used by early American colonists.C. Keith Wilbur tells this story by following the construction story of one particular home.He begins with the initial harvesting of the timber and lovingly follows the story to the last finish carpentry detail.

C. Ketih Wilbur follows in a long tradition of great American illustrators of material culture.Wilbur's illustrations are not as fine as Edwin Tunis' or as lyrical as Eric Sloane's illustrations.What Wilbur has going for him is the sheer volume of carefully crafted illustrations he includes in his work.I finished this book both impressed by the ingenuity of our colonial ancestors and the technical virtuosity of Wilbur's illustrations. This is a great book and I look forward to collecting Wilbur's other volumes in the "Living American History" series.

Good General Purpose Book
This book and the series of which it is a part is well done and a very good introduction the subject matter.As a professional architecural historian and archaeologist I was hoping for more depth, but this is clearly not written for professionals. However the bibliography is helpful and I did learn something new about one item that I have not found in the "professional" sources.

Wonderful book and illustrations on colonial homebuilding
Even for the novice, this book is easy to understand.
A historical look at the ingenuity of home building.
Several interesting anecdotes as well about the origin
of various terminology and the chronology of various practices
and innovations.Raise the bent and connect the girt because the summer beams are here!(-:

The Woodwright's Shop meets Eric Sloan
You will not be able to put this book down! The incredible richness of the information and the quality of both the pen and ink drawings and the narative are outstanding.

This book really brings together the why and how of early American architecture: It tells the story of how the richness of wood resources in early America affected the development of tool technology which in turn contributed to the evolution of building techniques that were uniquely American.

If you like Eric Sloan, or historical woodworking in general, you are going to love C. Keith Wilbur. ... Read more

Product Description
This text includes 30 kid's projects with instructions on how to build them safely and accurately. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Older but Gooder
This book is a little older but the fundamentals it presents are timeless. Lots of nice projects and helpful information.

A great aid for teaching children
This book helps you teach your children about woodworking. Inside are some30 projects. There are no plans in this book, but instead the book teachesthe actual techniques needed in real woodworking. As such, the booksuggests a project, describes how to make the item, and then shows some ofthe various items created by actual children. All of these projects rely onhand-powered tools that are safe for children to work with.

This is agreat book! At first I checked it out from the library, but it is so goodthat I just had to have a copy for myself. I was glad to see that the manyphotos in this book show both boys and girls doing the projects, as I haveboth a son and a daughter.

I recommend this book absolutely! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hard to believe this is out of print
Excellent book with superb diagrams and illustrations. I can't believe a book of this quality is out of print! I have always been very impressed by Time-Life books collections, and the woodworking series is no exception.

Outstanding Guide to the Use of the Router
This book is an excellent reference work and shop manual for the shaper and router.It is well illustrated and gives descriptions of commercially available jigs and attachments as well as practical designs for shop madeaccessories.I read this book at the home of afellow woodworker andthreatened to steal it from him.I can't wait to get my own copy. ... Read more

Product Description
This book contains 3 step-by step methods for every job and explains how to choose the one that's right for you. It's the first-ever book to present a choice of techniques for individualized skills, preferences, and tools. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Excellent for newcomers, Well written, Proven techniques
This is certainly one of the best books on woodworking methods for newcomers.Here's why:

One- The first and most important thing this book accomplishes: It shows woodworking newcomers how to avoid being "sold" on unnecessary tools and accessories. Seeing three good methods for common woodworking tasks is ENOUGH for most people. One of each technique herein will probably fit almost any woodworker's skills and budget. It demonstrates the old adage; "there is more than one way to skin a cat." Obviously, the idea of skinning felines is repugnant, but the analogy is valid. Beginning woodworkers (mistakenly) believe they must have a shop full of machines and gadgets to practice the craft. This book proves that is not the case. If for no other reason, this is worth reading, especially if you are tempted to buy expensive tools for every little task. Knowing alternative methods will definitely save you a ton of money.

Two- The methods used in this volume are not always the most advanced or efficient, but they ARE ALL proven, successful techniques. All of these methods are within reach of the "average Joe" woodworker and utilize common tools that any woodworker is likely to already own. There are SO MANY ways to make joints that no finite volume could possibly contain them all. In this work, the author makes good decisions about which methods to include, carefully avoiding "gimmicky" gadgets or gizmos. He focuses on the simple and safe, not difficult or dangerous. There is nothing "Trendy" about the methods in here.

Three- Like most Reader's Digest publications, the writing and editing is professional. Instructions are clear, concise and easy-to-read. There is almost no unnecessary verbiage, so each page is packed with useful content, not anecdotal fluff.

Four- Illustrations and photography are excellent. Page-layout is logical and efficient. You see illustrations and photos WITH the accompanying comments nearby. You won't waste a lot of time looking back and forth between pages or referring to footnotes and the index.

Five- Physically, the book is attractive and well-made. It is hard-bound. (nice) The paper is stout. ( Good)The printing is high-quality and vivid. (very nice for old eyes!)

Six- I really like the fact that this book is accurately titled. There are too many books about woodworking with the word 'complete' in the tittle and absolutely NONE of them are complete. Even venerable publishers sometimes convey the false message that THEIR book is the one we should buy because it is "complete."

There is almost NOTHING new in the field of woodworking, but there ARE many new woodworkers each year. Less than one-percent of Americans are employed full-time in woodworking, but nearly one-hundred percent of homeowners own tools for money-saving do-it-yourself projects or repairs. There is a lot of competition in such a huge market. That's why there are so many glitzy-gizmos, goofy-gadgets and imported plastic doohickeys marketed to unwary neophytes. That's why we see so many advertisements for new "cool-tools." That's why so many books claim to be "complete" or"encyclopedias." Those books appeal to cheapskates who want to get the most "bang for the book-buck." Trendy products appeal to inexperienced woodworkers or confirmed klutzes who are looking for an easy-way-out.

There is no shame in seeking knowledge, as we all were beginners at one time, and we all are still beginners at something. Indeed, remaining humble and seeking knowledge is one of the loftiest, noblest human endeavors. The shame is when manufacturers take unfair advantage of the inexperienced to sell cheap products. The shame is when publishers try to capitalize on newcomers' ignorance with misleadingly optimistic titles.

In forty-five years of woodworking, I have never seen a single "complete" book on the subject, just as I have never seen a single machine that does everything well. That's why this title is so refreshing. It is an honest name for what it really is.

This book delivers what the title says.

Need more books like it
Here is a book from someone who has been there, knowing that different people have different tools or abilities with tools. A working person's guide that cuts out all of the fluff and shows that with this, that, or something else, here is how you can do... I think other work books should view this work an make other offerings like it. I would have made it 5 stars if it covered EVERYTHING but then who can?

Woodworking, the right technique
There was some interesting information here, particularly about layout and measuring but not much.Perhaps, it would be good for a beginner.

If you are a Woodworker buy this book!
I read a lot of book regarding woodworking and this is by far the best one. Just like all the other reviewers, I highly recommend this book.

Helpful for the average woodworker!!!
This is one of my favorite shop books. It is understandable and usable by the average home woodworker. You don't have to have thousands of dollars worth of tools to benefit from this book. Moran give you alternative methods of doing many things and does an excellent job of actually explaining the tasks he describes. The jigs and aids are the type we all can use.

The author doesn't talk down to you and, as other reviewers have noted, it is one of the few of this type of book that you can actually read through without being bored to tears. This one stays within easy reach. ... Read more

Product Description

Build a table of any style for any occasion

Need a table? The Table Book is just what you need. It contains 35 projects to choose from, each with complete plans, cutting lists and detailed step-by-step instructions. You can learn new woodworking techniques or improve or update your skills. Here are some of the table styles you can choose to build:

^• Shaker candle stand

^• Greene & Greene table

^• Stickley poppy table

^• Porringer side table

^• Prairie-style coffee table

^• Maloof table

^• Creole table

^• Queen Anne side table

^• Modern occasional table

^• Nakashima-inspired table

^• and 25 more!

Product Description
Fine Woodworking Design Book Two ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Inspiring
I am a reader. sometimes I read more than I do.Have to rememdy that this year.What I appreciate about this series, and this book, is to see the varied concepts and forms actually completed. It helps generate ideas, and to give me standards to work toward.

It is a great idea book, and a companion for more "How To" books. ... Read more

Product Description
Why should woodworkers spend money on pre-packaged tool boxes when they can create something better themselves? In this book, seasoned craftsmen Jim Stack provides clear step-by-step instructions for building 15 tool chests. Each practical and stylish design is adaptable to individual needs and provides a convenient place to store all of a woodworker’s tools.

Offering a wide range of tool chest styles--from elegant to utilitarian--and minimal tool requirements, this exciting guide is sure to have a variety of projects that will appeal to every woodworker. Readers will also find that completing these projects increase their knowledge and mastery of basic woodworking techniques.

Before becoming the Acquisitions Editor for Popular Woodworking Books, Jim Stack spent more than 20 years working in commercial cabinetmaking shops. He has contributed to Popular Woodworking magazine and is the author of Northwoods Furniture and The Biscuit Joiner Project Book. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A tool chest project book for tool nuts
A really nice book of projects for tool nuts.The projects run from simple tool totes to fine furniture versions of tool chests.Of the 15 projects, I hope to find the time to build 10 or more, if I do, there's more reason to buy more tools to put in them.Each project has 3 view drawings and materials lists and plenty of construction photos.The book covers different joinery techniques and use and care of a few hand tools that can be used while you're building.I consider myself lucky if I find a book with 3 projects that I might actually make, this book comes out way ahead of most other project books that I have bought.

Ideas and plans
A good book for ideas and plans for tool chests.As a beginner I was hoping for a little more detailed instructions on the more complicated chests as that is what I need to build.

Something for everyone, here
I am presently building a machinist's toolchest, which I designed myself, using ideas from Jim Tolpin's "The Toolbox Book" and a bunch of pictures and data from the internet. I'm happy with the results so far and confident of completing my first effort. However, if I'd had Jim Stack's book, I might have started my project a lot sooner. "Building the Perfect Toolchest" is a book of projects--15 of them--that covers almost the same RANGE as Tolpin's, but obviously not in such glorious and varied detail.

The first project is a simple plywood box with all mitred joints. Then we see a similar flip-top chest with frame and panel construction. From there we move on to a suit-case style caddy with a few simple drawers. Then, progressively, we go through multi-drawer chests, rolling tool carts, open totes and wall-mounted storage, culminating in a full-sized, professional standing cabinet in two pieces that could hold almost all you would need.

Every chapter includes complete cutting and hardware lists for duplicating the projects exactly. (A nice touch is the inclusion of inch AND metric dimensions!) The color photos are superb, the directions clear and simple and the suggestions for variations of design are very helpful.

There is a great emphasis on machining and it almost goes without saying that the router and tablesaw are used throughout the book. There are clear explanations of all fixtures, jigs and gadgets and even old hands will pick up a couple of useful tricks here. I believe the best feature of the book is its user-friendliness. Even real newbies should have no trouble working confidently, accurately and safely by following the text. Your only problem will be getting to keep any of your first efforts for yourself! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great overview
This book gives a nice overview of woodworking. There's not a lot of detail, so you should plan on purchasing additional books if you want depth. The book does a nice job of covering many aspects of woodworking:from setting up a shop to using each hand and power tool to lumberselection and finishing.

At first, it's almost overwhelming because theillustrations (which are quite well done) and the text cover every squareinch of every page. There's probably more information packed into this bookthan other books twice as long.

If you're just getting in to woodworking,this is a good book to start with because it gives you a good sense of whatyou can do, what tools you'll need and the skills you'll need. After you'redone leafing through it, you can use it later on as a broad reference.

Excellent book. Easy to read with great illustrations.
This book goes over all of the basic woodworkingtechniques.It includes all the tools and how to use them, joining techniques, finishing, planning, and the basics of furniture making.These are the best illustrations I've seen so far.There are no plans in this book though.For plans, check outSunsets "Woodworking Projects", and Reader's Digest's"Woodworking Room by Room".I couldn't think of a better way tospend . ... Read more

Product Description
*The ultimate guide to building and customizing dream closets
*Includes illustrated step-by-step directions, featuring before and after photos of remodeled closets
*Features sidebars and tips for completing each project quickly and easily

Is it possible to have a perfectly organized closet?With The Complete Custom Closet, the answer is Yes!Readers are first asked to evaluate their storage needs, then using intermediate carpentry and cabinetmaking skills they learn how to transform their spaces by adding drawers, shelving units, shoe racks, lighting, and much more.Creative projects show how to install an entire dresser into a closet and how to turn a closet into an effective home office. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Starting Point!
I am not the woodworker in my house.My husband is.He likes this book because it is a good starting point to find ideas for closet organization and innovative use of odd spaces.I looked at the book and I agree with those ideas because there is one project for making a closet space into a home office.This type of office is not really meant to be used constantly, but more as a casual space for keeping home paperwork filed away and a spot for bill paying, not actually to work at a desk all day.The book inclues diagrams and charts with measurements both in inches and millimeters for each component and a hardware list.There are pictures of the construction process as well.There is a list of suppliers of closet accessories and another for design resources.There are design ideas for a hall closet, a laundry closet and a sports equipment closet as well.Now to be clear, this book is not for the professional or the artistic woodworker.These designs are meant to be easy to make for a weekend project for the homeowner trying to solve a household storage problem, which is something we all can relate to!

Ignore this book
Probably the worst examples of craftsmanship, shop safety, and finish work.I cannot recommend this book to anyone.

Love this book!
Closets are always a problem and this book breaks down organizing in simple terms. You will love it. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (29)

Tage Frid--- Master Craftsman's Legacy
I met Tage Frid (pronounced "Tay Freed") in 1978 at a seminar on cabinet-making at "The Cutting Edge", a hoity-toity woodworking store in Los Angeles of that era.

Although my woodworking background was in musical instruments, not cabinet making, he made the subject seem fascinating yet simple. This book-series is the same.

Personally, I found him to be a warm and engaging character. He smiled often and spoke in clear, short sentences. Tage seemed to radiate a friendly, open atmosphere. These books reflect his personality.

At the seminar, Tage answered questions willingly, but he was at his best when demonstrating. He was the first craftsman other than my father that I ever saw use "story poles" instead of measuring tapes. It is remarkable how efficient this old-school method is. He was able to make a few measurements---just once for each dimension--- then rip into sheets of plywood to start building cabinets. He had parts cut and assembled before most carpenters could even read the blueprints. There were no mistakes; no "forgotten" measurements. You can learn that from this volume.

This series shows him demonstrating a wealth of such techniques, including some I have not seen elsewhere. For instance, he shows how to repair a miss-cut dovetail in one minute with only a saw, some veneer and glue. Later, he shows how to modify that trick to create intricate decorative dovetails. You can easily apply this technique to other joints: finger-joints, lap joints, splines, through tenons, etc.

Some joints that "normally" require expensive power tools and jigs--- plus fussy, tedious set-ups--- can be cut with simple inexpensive hand tools in a fraction of the time. For unique pieces, these techniques are FAR more efficient. Although, Frid recognizes and demonstrates power-tool methods for production work too.

Few people recognize the impact Tage Frid had on modern woodworking, in both working and teaching methods. Tage was an editor at Fine Woodworking magazine from its inception in the mid-seventies to his death in 2004. He had a profound impact on Taunton's success when they published this landmark series. It is one of their best and a perennial best-seller; with good reason too. It is the most comprehensive overview on the subject I have ever seen. It is the harbinger of future developments at Taunton Press and the "Flagship" of Taunton's heyday.

Although some modern readers complain about the Black-&-White presentation, I do not find that a problem here at all. The photography is good and the illustrations are excellent. As previously mentioned in another review about some other Taunton publications; In their heyday, Taunton hired professional illustrators---REAL ARTISTS and DRAFTSMEN--- who understand how to clearly illustrate ideas. MANY times, a well-done illustration is BETTER than a photo or even a video because it allows you to see with "X-ray vision" into a machine, a joint or tool. Illustrations do not move, so you can concentrate and SEE with your imagination. I find this stimulates my mirror neurons in a creative way that is more conducive to understanding.

Another area Tage improved; TOOLS.
Look at modern hand-held routers, and you will notice that many have one edge of the (normally round) base milled flat. This was the result of Tage Frid's solution to a mistake he made when assembling a cabinet. In order to use his router, he had to truncate the base so it would fit into a tight corner. After he modified his router base, (and described it in a Fine Woodworking article) manufacturers started making their bases that way because it is better for guide-rail cuts.

That happened because Tage was not afraid to admit that he made mistakes and he showed us all that we can fix them. The old aphorism goes: "The difference between an amateur and a professional carpenter is, the professional can fix his own mistakes." Look at any popular plunge-router today and you will see evidence of that, courtesy of the humorous, humble and wise Mr. Frid.

There are a number of jigs and fixtures in this book that are the basis for MANY manufactured products of today. Even when clever woodworkers have modified or slightly improved these jigs, they often admit they got their original ideas from Tage Frid in these books. Indeed, when I examine the many woodworking websites and online stores, I see scads of gadgets that are direct descendants of designs first published in this work.

Tage had a unique background, grounded in traditional old-world skill but as "cutting edge" as any woodworker of today. In these books, you can learn how to choose and use the best method for every task, based on your skill-set, tools and goals.

He shows how to bend wood and make bent laminations without expensive manufactured tools and heavy equipment. You do not need to invest in a vacuum press for just one project. Learn how in here!

Want to save the planet through conservation of exotic wood? Learn veneering. This book will get you started fast!
The chapter on hammer-veneering alone is worth the price of admission. It shows how simple hand tools and ancient methods are still efficient today.

When researching YouTube for woodworking videos, I sometimes shake my head and laugh when I see expensive vacuum pumps, bags, fancy router contraptions, manufactured jigs and sales pitches for plastic gizmos. Tage Frid shows you how you can ---literally--- veneer every surface in the whole world with a few cheap hand-tools in minutes.

By the way, Hide-Glue ( the original "super-glue") is still the best stuff for veneering and inlays. Even if you use store-bought fancy tools, you can get into veneering for less than $100 bucks. If you use a baby-bottle warmer instead of a fancy glue-pot and are craftsman enough to make your own tools, (or use alternative-tools) you can start veneering tomorrow for less than $30 dollars, and THAT is in 2010 fiat American money!

Think those cheezoid Kreg pocket-hole jigs and clamps are your next tool purchase? Think again. Tage shows you how to make ALL those joints with shop-made jigs for pennies. I have nothing against pocket-hole joinery, but you do not need store-bought plastic to make them. And you sure-as-heck do not need to pay $40 bucks for a $3 dollar clamp.

Another area where Tage and his books excel; DESIGN.
A key moment in successful woodworking happens before you even pick up a saw. You must first pick up your pencil.
He gives sage advice on the nature of wood, its strengths and weaknesses. He shows how to allow for wood-movement, orient grain, connect the grain for maximum strength. He shows how to choose from the many different types of joints for strength, efficiency and esthetics. Tage shows us what amateurish mistakes to avoid. These are CORE PRINCIPLES often overlooked in other woodworking books. You can own every one of the best tools in the world and your work will still suck if you don't understand design. These books are the foundation course that insure success, literally from the ground up.

From my personal background, which was almost entirely with hand tools, meeting Tage Frid, seeing his demonstrations and studying these books have been especially helpful. Why? Because he helped me get-over my fear of power-tools.

Tage Frid was a Master of both hand and power-tool methods. Although one other reviewer wisely warns us to be aware of safety issues when examining this book, I note that Mr. Frid left this world with all of his fingers intact. Obviously, he was a safe, cautious and wise woodworker, even though some of the pictures in this series have safety devices removed for clarity.

Because my father was a craftsman who subscribed to Fine Woodworking, the first copy of this book I bought was for him as a present. When the other book (part two) was published. I bought that too.

Over the decades since meeting Tage Frid, I have bought several copies of this "complete" series to give to other aspiring woodworkers as presents. That indicates how highly I regard this volume.

Even if you NEVER do ANY woodworking, this series is great for antique collectors or aspiring designers. With the knowledge herein you can spot the good from the bad or the good from the great in classic furniture design.

The finest woodworkers from around the world mourned when Tage Frid passed. That shows you how much they think of him and his work. This book series is his honorable legacy; well-worth owning for anyone interested in woodworking or furniture design.

Despite the now slightly-dated format with B&W presentation;
disregarding any minor quibbles with the missing safety gadgets,
...this is THE SEMINAL TOME on woodworking and designing with wood from a world-acknowledged master.

I cannot possibly recommend it too highly.

oldie but goody
This book has clear and concise expert directions on lots a your basic and not so basic joints and veneering problems. The tools are all a bit out of date, but I actually like how that focuses it on the basics of working wood. This is a good thick book (210 pages) at a great price (app. $20)

Incredible book for those looking to learn woodworking
Every lesson is perfectly illustrated with step-by-step picture guides. Just what one needs when learning woodworking from a book. The language is straightforward and easy to understand. This book gets it right. Highly recommended.

Woodworking Reference
Tage Frid writes the Master reference for almost all the stuff that any woodworker needs to know. Text and illustrations are easy to understand and follow. Tables,chairs and other furniture can be attempted with confidence.

Great resource
This is not a glossy new book with shiny color photos by any means. This book is a chance to see first hand how a great woodworker approaches design and technique. Step by step instructions are included and illustrated for creating many kinds of joinery, often by hand tools, power tools, or a combination of both. Personally I think this book should be a must read for all aspiring woodworkers, not only for the valuable techniques but also to see how Tage Frid approached each joint and if you are willing to soak up the information there are plenty of 'tricks' to speed up your work without sacrificing quality. ... Read more

Product Description
With more than 30 years of professional woodworking experience, Jim Tolpin has a wealth of hard-earned knowledge to make life in the shop easier. Here he shares all his best tips, tricks and secrets for helping beginning and advanced woodworkers reach a whole new level of craftsmanship. Readers will appreciate:

* Insider knowledge and entertaining anecdotes from a popular author--all perfectly paired with humorous illustrations

* Answers to age-old questions: Is a large or small shop better? Are top-of-the-line tools worth the price?

* Countless woodworking shortcuts and techniques along withguidelines for when and where not to use them

Reading this book is like having an expert woodworker stop by the shop for the day--fun, exciting and rewarding! It's the kind of advice that makes every project easier. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great for the beginner
I have just gotten started in woodworking, and I have to say, I don't think I could have picked up a better first book on the subject.Many of the things that I have seen in my 2 issues of Fine Woodworking were way way beyond my skill level, but the advice given in this book spans skill levels.I can easily see using the advice here now and into the future.

Also, the top 20 books and tools section is pure pure awesome.

Kept my wife and I alternating between giggling and say "oh, hey, that makes sense!"

Great book, definitely a keeper.

Wish it were on Kindle so I could have it on my iPad.

more helpful than you first think
first note i purchased this for $3.00 at a local close out store.
at $3.00 if you have any interest in wood what so ever you should buy it.

second note it contains wit and wisedom, dont expect alot of technical plans, etc.

the first time i read it was for entertainment.
several weeks later when a particular wood was doing everything i didnt want
it to ,i remembered something from the book.
i read the book a second time paying closer attention. and if you do, you will
find some very helpful information. one basic example is wood will move and change its shape.
we all know this but have to be reminded of it. since we cant prevent woodmovement jim mentionshow to work with it.
in a couple cases i have tried to force wood to do what i wanted. by using extra strong joints
adhesives,metal hardware, and a 1000 lbs of clamp pressure. etc. wood will defeit 95% of every attempt to make it do what it cant or will not do.

there are certain basic ways you need to handle, prepare and use wood. Tolpin reminds of of these
basic facts in this book. it helps to read about someone else doing all the hardheaded things that we all do.and by reflecting on this and taking a break to get the right tool or relax and get out the sharpening stones rather than try to finish that last couple parts with a dull tool
it helped me make better decisions and use my time better.
and enjoy the wood a little more.

btw he has other books that are pretty decent.

A perfect book
Few books are worth reading every word. This one is. Few books with solid content are easy reading. This one is.

Divided into 60 one- to three-page lessons plus an annotated 'Top twenty books' and 'My Top Twenty Tools' lists, Tolpin's book is printed right (from quality of paper and binding to a usable index) by Popular Woodworking Books.

This book is as delightful to an experienced woodworker as it would be for a beginner.

This Should Be Your First Book
This Should Be Your First Book. So many straight forward tips to count. Just exceptional information presented in an entertaining and down to earth manner.

Practical & Clever
If you saw some of shop work you'd understand why I need both Wit and Wisdom. I spend hours studying and drawing plans before I go to the shop and mis-cut boards.

Tolpin writes for those of us who are not particularly adept at woodworking but want to be better. These are tips you can easily put to use - and I guarantee that experts will learn something here. This if fun and useful. Highly recommended! ... Read more