Reviews (21)

The One to Have
Leonard Lee's "The Complete Guide to Sharpening" is a wonderful (make that essential) addition to the home or shop library. A writer once told me that a really good title should only fit one book, and this one certainly does. After reading the table of contents I was awakened to the idea that almost every tool needs something sharpened, reshaped, or polished to perform its tasks the best. How about sidecut pliers, tweezers, various drill and router bits? They're covered in this book.I appreciate the photographs and illustrations of various cutting edges under extremely high magnification. The whole "a picture is worth a thousand words" cliche takes on serious meaning in this book. Some prospective buyers may look at the sheer scope of this work and think it's overkill -- too comprehensive for most hobbyists. I strongly disagree. This work should be read, followed, and kept for future reference. I would not have thought of sharpening my pruning shears, hedge trimmers or other tools had I not purchased this book. I find it well-written, comprehensive in scope, founded in facts, and easy to follow. I consider this book the equivalent of a doctoral dissertation on sharpening. Buy it and use it.

Now my tools are scarey sharp!
Prior to reading Mr. Lee's book my approach to sharpening was to fire up the grinding wheel and make some sparks fly from the tool's cutting edge.The results were less than satisfactory.I needed a mentor.
Best Book for Sharpening Skills
This is the best book by far that I've found for sharpening every tool in the workshop. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Carpentry tools    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Hand Tools    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Power Tools    7. Reference    8. Sharpening of tools    9. Woodwork    10. Woodwork - Tools    11. Woodworking    12. Woodworking tools    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (4)

Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Turning
Excellent book covering many begining to intermediate aspects of turning.Good book for learning new techniques or technique review.Every turner should have (and use) this resource

almost complete
This is a very good book:
"Til by turning, turning, we come round right."
I've avoided lathe work for a great many years, satisfying my lust for sawdust by cabinetry and furniture.But in the back of my mind there has always been a little voice that would ask me 'why not?' every time I looked at a block off wood with beautiful grain.Well I finally broke down and spent the sizeable amount of money needed to buy and equip a good lathe."While I'm waiting for it to be shipped," I thought, "I'll read a book about it."After all this is how I've taught myself just about everything else.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. House & Home    4. Lathes    5. Turning    6. Woodwork - Tools    7. Woodworking    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    9. House & Home / Woodworking   

Reviews (1)

Another Winner
Sandor Nagyszalanczy has just added another excellent book to his growing and versatile collection of woodworking guides.The organization of his Jigs and Fixtures book is first rate,logical and easy to follow.It starts out with a short section on how to use the book and then follows with sections organized in a very useable way.Safety notes are interspersed throughtout and are appropriate for novice and professional woodworkers alike.I have several other jigs and fixtures books which are generally boring to read and used only to look up a specific jig. However,this is not true for Mr.Nagyszalanczy most readable and informative works which I enjoy cover to cover. I have another of his books on built-ins which is also great, and have preordered his new shop organization book.He is a frequent visitor on DIY Network's "Tools and Techniques" hosted by Popular Woodworking's David Thiel . He is as enjoyable to watch and listen to as his books are to read.I rate this book at 5 stars and my only minor critique is that the many color photos, while excellent and instructional, tend to be a bit smaller than my 64 year old eyes like to see, but that's not a big deal.As an aside,most Taunton Press woodworking guides,of which I have many,are typically of very high quality. I look forward to more guides from this extremely knowledgeable and entertaining professional woodworker.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Jigs and fixtures    5. Woodwork - General    6. Woodwork - Tools    7. Woodworking    8. Woodworking tools    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (1)

The missing manual that should have come with your router

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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Routers (Tools)    6. Woodwork    7. Woodwork - General    8. Woodwork - Tools    9. Woodworking    10. House & Home / Do-It-Yourself   

Reviews (17)

The Work Bench Book
Excellent information for the woork bench I plan to build this winter. I would highly reccomend this to any woodworker that needs a work bench and doesn't want to spend a lot of money buying one.

Fascinating !
Scott Landis knows how to write.This is both a history book and a woodworking book, and I still loved it.I never liked history in HS or college, but if I had had Landis, I would have been a history major.The book is captivating virtually from cover to cover (although I found the latter chapters a little less enthralling than the first 3/4 of the book).I plan to build a significant workbench, and I bought this book thinking it would help me with ideas and planning.It did so much more than that, I'm stunned.The insights it gave me about different ways of working with wood have expanded beyond the previous limits of my imagination.
In a Heart Beat
I would have to go buy another copy of this book if I was to lose this one. For a really good craftsman. He is only as good as the bench he works from. The first bench I made was great but to small. My next bench was over twice as long.Now I am building even two more benchs of different styles. This is due to the styles shown in this book.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Woodwork    6. Woodwork - General    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Woodworking    9. Workbenches    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (2)

A must-have!
Synopsis (quote)
Worth every penny!
I haven't touched my Scroll Saw since High School (10+ years).I wanted to fire it up again and do a little more than cutting letters out of plywood.I bought this book primarily because it looked pretty extensive and was recently re-published.It mostly covers technique and has no patterns for stupid schlock like owl napkin holders.This book shows you what you can do with your saw from simple to complex.If you are a beginner or looking to increase your skill, this is a must have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. House & Home    4. Jig saws    5. Power Tools    6. Woodwork    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Woodworking    9. House & Home / Power Tools    10. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (4)

Simple, Straightforward, Instructive
A really excellent resource for a new or slightly experienced craftsman who would like a good introduction to getting more out of his/her tablesaw than the usual, basic cuts. Good photos, good explanations of the jigs, and most importantly: No time wasted discussing (ugh) "how to choose a table saw."
Practical and Accurate
I took a cabinet making class from Ken Burton last year.He's an exceptional craftsman with remarkable range.This book is very much like his class... there's no fluff.It's practical, accurate, and usable.

Exceptional Book
I feel like I'm repeating the gist of the first reviewer's comments, but it seems worth the effort.
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Subjects:  1. Circular saws    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Power Tools    6. Woodwork    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Woodworking   

Reviews (7)

Could you follow this book to make a plane
There is lots of great information in this book, but unfortunately I found it too disorganised. I used it in conjunction with David Marks DIY segment on European planes and in that manner it was very handy to have as a shop reference. A worthwhile book to have as a reference book, but not as a how too. Overall I am satisfied with it, but if I did not have the DIY segment to refer to it would have been difficult (not at all impossible) to build the plane using this book alone.

Excellent reference - great book
Another great reference for any of us who have been inspired by Krenov. I've made several planes through the years after reading Krenov's books and this certainly helps the process. The instructions are clear and there is multitude of photos to add detail. There are added helps about using and tuning planes both homemade and purchased.A real help in any woodshop. Continues the philosophy of `doing' something with thought and skill rather than `just making a bunch of stuff.'

6 stars!!
A great step-by-step book, not only how to make planes, but how to tune and use the planes you make, and the planes you already own.Much better than any other book I own or have seen.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hand Tools    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Planes (Hand tools)    6. Woodwork    7. Woodwork - General    8. Woodwork - Tools    9. Woodworking    10. House & Home / Woodworking    11. STUDY AIDS - Series Study Guides   

Reviews (4)

One of the best lathe book I've used
I actually used this book to help me become more informed before I made a lathe purchase.
Save your money
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. Good instructional presentation
Hey...before I read this book I was quite uncertain which way to approach the lathe.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. House & Home    4. Lathes    5. Power Tools    6. Turning    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Woodworking    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (3)

A great collection of information
I have read many books from the New Best of Fine Woodworking series and this is among the best of them.Though this is really just a collection of articles written by many different authors surrounding the general theme, there is a lot of very valuable information here.As always with Taunton, the writing/editing is excellent and the color photographs and illustrations are quite good.In my mind, this "collection of articles" approach is even more valuable than a book by a single author.The reason for this is that as you read expert advice from many woodworking pros, you get the sense that they don't all agree on everything.In my mind this is one of the most important lessons to learn... woodworking methods and techniques are an extension of the woodworker and as such there is no single "right way" of doing things.
Not a Lost Art
Readers should note that this book is part of a series that is a collection of articles by various authors.So, as a previous reviewer has stated, you sometimes will revisit a topic from a different author's perspective.That said, I really enjoyed this book.I began using hand planes about a year ago and had mixed results.After reading 'Working with Handplanes' I had a better sense of my planes and their use.I took the advice and "tuned-up" a new plane that I was fairly happy with.The result was a plane that performed substantially better.
Working with Handplanes (The New Best of Fine Woodworking) (Paperback)
In general, the book has good information, nice and illustrative pictures all over the place however, the order of ideas is mix since it does not follow the introduction made in each chapter, it goes back to block planes very often and the pictures in the pages do not follow the author explanation.
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Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hand Tools    4. Planes (Hand tools)    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology    7. Woodwork    8. Woodwork - Tools    9. Woodworking    10. Carpentry    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    12. House & Home / Woodworking   

Reviews (23)

Nothing New
If you're a beginner as in just starting out,you'll pick up few ideas but I didn't see anything in the book that was new.

Fine Router Bag of Tricks
Bought the book mostly for the spiral turning jig.
Great Hubby Present
My husband loved this book and is anxious to start some projects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. House & Home    4. Jigs and fixtures    5. Routers (Tools)    6. Woodwork    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Woodworking    9. Woodworking machinery    10. Reference / Handbooks & Manuals   

Reviews (14)

Ok but not very detailed
This book is a more a of brief review of table saw technique and jigs. The chapters are not very detailed and don't actually contain any directions for doing most of cuts or processes. The most frustrating thing is where he will say "just use this very handy jig" and then gives a very crude drawing of the jig with no explanation of how to build it or even a basic layout. A MUCH better book is Kelly Mehler's The Table Saw Book.

thank you
The book was very good a need to have in the shop

A great book for novices or beyond
Several other reviewers have commented on the value of the jigs, and I agree.I wish Tolpin would have presented an overview of his fence jig system early on, it would have been easier to grasp the concept BUT unlike one other reviewer I certainly did not have to go through the book several times to get it.Read more

Subjects:  1. Circular saws    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. House & Home    5. Woodwork    6. Woodwork - Tools    7. Woodworking    8. Woodworking tools   

Reviews (3)

Fair to partly Cloudy??? Still GOOD BOOK!!
I notice this situation alot.. sometime in these books they like to advertise easy to follow simple to understand complete instructions.. well this book is better than most I've seen but it still lacks detail on some of the projects.. the truth is most who buy pocket hole jigs are those who have very little woodworking experience and need that extra help in details of the book and plan.. some of the projects in the book are nice and are good starters. the book also brings home the concepts of the pocket hole jig... this would be a great book for a beginner.. however if you already understand how to use a pocket hole jig.. shy away and buy something more challenging.. Danny Proux .. does a nice job with this Book!!

Great tips make this nifty tool even better!
I just love this book.I couldn't believe how easy it was to build one of these tables using Proulx's instructions and techniques.The Kreg jig is fabulous on it's own but these instructions make using it even easier.
Great source book for those new to building w/pocket holes
The color pictures and exploded diagrams are an outstanding introduction and knowledge builder. Mr. Proulx full color pages helped me solve problems and understand better ways to use this great joinery technique. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Furniture making    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Jigs and fixtures    7. Joinery    8. Woodwork    9. Woodwork - General    10. Woodwork - Tools    11. Woodworking   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Routers (Tools)    5. Woodwork    6. Woodwork - General    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Woodworking    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (5)

A Better Bible
Although the author has "gone to God", his bible has not been bettered by any of the modern "tips and tricks" books currently available. The phrase, "why didn't I think of that" occurs at each tip, trick or technique. Can't write anymore...I'm busy building jigs.

Good as far as it goes
Decristoforo is done a dis-service by his son in the selection of what is included in this 'bible.' It is more like a digest than a bible. Not too valuable but useful at times.

Buy the specific book for your equipment
I bought this book as my first woodworking book and thought t0wo much space in a thin book was wasted on the history of the author in the introduction. There isn't much on any one power tool.I bought DeCristoforo's book 'The Table Saw Book' and rated it [4 stars]. I've already started making jigs out of it.After I bought the Bible book, I learned my lesson and checked out several books from the library before purchasing another one. I would recommend the same to anyone as a means to stretch your investment dollar. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Design and construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Equipment and supplies    5. House & Home    6. Jigs and fixtures    7. Woodwork    8. Woodwork - Tools    9. Woodworking    10. Woodworking tools   

Reviews (1)

Strongly recommended for weekend hobbyists and do-it-yourself woodworking enthusiasts
The Complete New Router Book For Woodworkers: Essential Skills, Techniques And Tips by woodworking expert Chris Marshall is an insightful and informative collection of basic information and do-it-yourself projects for the innovative woodworking tool called the router. Expertly guiding its readers in the manifold uses of the router through the intricate art of router woodworking and carpentry craftsmanship, The Complete New Router Book For Woodworkers includes practical, "user friendly", illustrated instructions ranging from router selection, safety and maintenance, bits, stules, features and uses, template routing, building joinery, table options and table techniques. With a text enhanced with the inclusion of more than 740 photos and line drawn illustrations, even the most novice woodworking can carry through any one of the ten projects showcased with step-by-step directions. A quite remarkable guide through all the necessary skills, machine analysis, production issues, and project requirements, The Complete New Router Book For Woodworkers is very strongly recommended for weekend hobbyists and do-it-yourself woodworking enthusiasts.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Woodwork - General    5. Woodwork - Tools    6. Woodwork Arts And Crafts    7. Woodworking   

Reviews (1)

A good, solid reference book on safe shaper use
I recently bought a shaper and quickly realized that a large panel cutter spinning at 7,000 rpms could put one's body parts in harm's way.The overall theme of this book is "safety first".After introducing the reader to basic shaper operation and cutter setup, the author successfully discusses the construction and use of various jigs that are used to enhance the safe operation of any shaper.As I read through the book, it became obvious that I wanted to build several of the jigs listed in the various chapters.As with any reference book, the true test comes in it's ability to provide useful information.This book will continue to provide me with tips and techniques each time I use my shaper.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Shapers    5. Technology    6. Woodwork    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Woodworking    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (18)

A 2.5 star book
I was definetly not impressed by this book, not the caliber of the Table Saw Book or The Router Book. Not a lot of information that most woodworkers familar with a hammer and pliers did not already know.I would suggest the book be re-written with some added useful information.Jrl

Read before investing
Very informative to the bandsaw newcomer. It helped me make decisions about my purchase. Not too much on tricks of the operation, but worthwhile on basics.

Great information whether you plan to purchase a bandsaw or you already have one
This is a very well written publication with relevant information and clear illustrations from an experienced woodworker. Helps you determine how to choose the bandsaw for your needs. Also covers multiple other aspects including use, maintenance, blade selection etc. It was definitely worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Band saws    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. House & Home    5. Power Tools    6. Woodwork    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Carpentry    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    10. Woodworking   

Reviews (3)

interesting for a beginner
I bought the book because of the good reviews, but was a bit disappointed. It was a nice overview of levels of shop equipment, but it was really geared towards the beginner. If you're building the 3 or 4 stage shop described in the book, you probably won't get anything new out of it.

Good Guide to acquire the proper tools for your shop
This book labors on educating the reader with the NECESSARY tools for your shop and is written in layman's terms and understanding. It is therefore directed to the individual who is starting to set up his shop and lacks the knowledge as to what tools he/she may REALLY need to begin acquiring and to start woodworking and why. In this scope, the book will be good for the reader to have. This book has helped me and guided me into rethinking my tool acquisition strategy.
Good place to start for first-time shop builder
I bought this book out of curiosity even though I have a well-equipped shop. Looking back at almost 15 years of random tool purchases, I'd say that many people like me end up having a lop-sided set of tools. For example, I have lots of power tools but my first decent bench came together only 2-3 years ago. I have four corded and four cordless drill/drivers, but some essential small tools suggested in this book are missing.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Equipment, Appliances & Supplies    4. House & Home    5. Machine Shop Practice    6. Woodwork    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Woodworking    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    10. House & Home / Woodworking   

Reviews (2)

Something for "oldtimers" and beginners too
As a professional turner with 52 years experience, I find much in thisbook that I like.Many of Mike's methods I have used and, many I have not.Now that I'm retiring, I shall turn for fun with the help of this book.

Turning tricks
This is a wonderful book. It won't teach you how to use a skew or how to turn an ordinary bowl. It starts where that kind of book leaves off. You will find thirteen ways to turn an accurate ball, eight ways to drill or bore holes on a lathe, three machines that can turn ellipses and umpteenways to steady slender or unbalanced turnings. The first chapter dealscomprehensively with chucks from the time that Noah turned the handles ofthe ark - and it transpires that the 'modern' scroll chuck was in use morethan a century ago. There are chapters on turning rings of al kinds,turning objects on multiple axes, eccentric turning and therming (go lookthat one up).Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Woodwork - Tools    4. Woodworking    5. House maintenance