Reviews (16)

dissapointing
I read this book cover to cover and was peaved that I'd blown my dollars on it.Benedetto may make some nice guitars.In fact, the feel of this book was more like marketing material for his guitars than of an honest technical work.There is page after page of cr@p.Benedetto endorsers, Benedetto serial #s and who owns them, pictures of the Benedetto crew at a trade show, pictures of his family.Gimme a break.This has zero to do with building a guitar and inflates the price of the book needlessly.As for the part of the book that actually does deal with building...there are bits in here that are informative about aspects that are unique to making an archtop.They are not presented as well or as thoroughly as they could be.Get rid of all the clap-trap and the really good, essential, unique stuff could have been presented in a short booklet.As for the rest, meaning those parts of building that aren't unique to archtops, there are much better texts out there.

Required Reading, Period.
This book is well written, well illustrated and encourging to those of us who might want to try to build an archtop (or any type of stringed instrument). As a beginner, I find that Mr. Benedetto's explanations on the building processes are refreshing and full of encouragement.While he explains the reasons for selecting top-quality (and expensive) tonewoods, he also demonstrates that a top-quality instrument can be built out of inferior (readily available) woods.The message I got was: "don't wait until all of the conditions are exactly right - work with what you have and overcome your limitations" His writing sparks the reader's imagination as to construction methods, jigs and fixtures.While a moderate amount of woodworking knowledge is assumed, his explanations are clear and concise.The illustrations are inspiring and make the reader want to run, not walk to the shop to begin work on an instrument. So, Run, don't walk to get this book.You will be miserable without it!!!

a nice overview with good pictures
Warning, this book may cause you to run out and buy a Benedetto as it did me.Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Musical Instruments - Guitar    4. Reference    5. Woodwork - General    6. DIY    7. Music / Musical Instruments / Guitar    8. String instruments   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (18)

Very helpful book
I am a novice woodworker who will be setting up a workshop in a new home in the next year or so.Reading this good book beforehand will help me make much better-informed decisions.Good photos and graphics too.

weak advice
The best thing I found in this book is the picture on the cover. Well, actually the uncropped version in chapter 5. Beyond that, I found everything else to be non-practical from a design perspective. A photo of a filthy dust collector area when discussing the advantages of central collection or electrical wiring that would never pass inspection is typical. I'd rather see plan views of real shops that work with reasons for the decisions made.

Practical advice, well-presented
I bought this book while I was gutting a small garage and converting it into a shop.This book was a tremendous help -- it had practical suggestions for wiring, walling, layout, equipment, everything.Electrical advice, in terms of how much power to bring in and where to situate plugs and lighting, was really critical to me, and the book helped me avoid a costly and annoying re-do after other pieces had been laid in.It has photos of working shop layouts that are encouraging to the home builder, some of the shops are amazingly compact! Sandor doesn't advocate a fancy shop in any sense -- just one that is reasonably well laid out for the space you've got, and that accomodates the production process you have in mind.If you're about to set up a shop, I would highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Design & Construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. House & Home    5. Woodwork - General    6. Woodworking    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    8. Furniture & furnishings manufacture    9. Housing & property for the individual    10. Crafts & Collectibles   

Reviews (7)

Excellent coffee table book
This book has some excellent pictures of treehouses. I love it! It is one of my favorite treehouse books. It is not for someone looking to build a treehouse; for that, i recommend "Home Tree Home", by Peter Nelson. Back in 1999, I built my own treehouse, primarily using ideas from "Home Tree Home" and prior treehouse building experience. I lived in it for 5 years.

a question for "A reader from NY"
I've looked for this "original" the treehouse book by david stiles, and can't find it.... WHO SAYS TREEHOUSES ARE JUST FOR CHILDREN!
What a delightful book filled with mystical wonder and beautiful photography.We generally associate treehouses with children and the exuberance of youth, but....I want one!My own space, a private place to recapture lost youth, a place to dream, recollect thoughts, be at one with the stars and the universe - how magical life could be.There is no question my talented husband could build one; though not a professional, he truly is talented at that sort of thing as a hobby.But, there is a chance I would appear in the backyard on a bright summer's morn, only to hear him exclaim, "Treehouse?You wanted a treehouse? I thought you said "birdhouse," and then I do have a problem because how would I ever fit through that that tiny little round hole in the centre? Even if he did get the plans right, there is also the off-chance my family would insist on building a safety net around the treehouse, just in case dear old granny fell OUT of her tree!Possibly, they would insist the resident counsellor also have her own "branches checked out," just in case she was missing a few twigs off the upper branch.Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Design    2. Construction - General    3. Domestic    4. Gardening    5. Gardening/Plants    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    8. Tree houses    9. Trees    10. Wood Construction    11. Woodwork - General    12. Architectural structure & design    13. Architecture / General   

Subjects:  1. Arts and crafts movement    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Drawings    6. Furniture    7. Furniture Arts And Crafts    8. General    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Measured drawing    11. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    12. Woodwork - General    13. Woodwork Arts And Crafts    14. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    15. Woodworking   

Reviews (2)

It has hooks
My husband has had the desire forever and I found a class to get him started.This is the first book he brought home from the shop.I read it today and found the illustrations worthy of framing alone.There is one very detailed how to example that takes many baby steps where you gain further skills in multiple cuts and design.VERY IMPRESSIVE.
Great photos and artist's reviews!
This is one of the best sources for a variety of new ideas that I've come across in a while. I carve and sell quite a few woodspirit walking sticks and the excellent color photos of the many professional artists profiled inspired many of my own original ideas. Great selection for any serious woodcarver's library! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Carving    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Woodwork - General    6. Carving & carvings    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    8. Woodworking   

Reviews (4)

For The Experienced Woodworker Only
I'm starting my second electric guitar project, and so recently re-read my copy of this book. Okay, but limited
A book which contains nice plans and outline for a single guitar project, but does not explain things well enough to allow the inexperienced reader to design their own guitar, except as a slight variation of the project included. Good to add to a wwodworking/guitar building library, but not the place to start if you are building your first guitar (I strongly recommend Hiscock's book for the neophyte electric lutier.)

My dream Guitar
This book by Roger SIminoff is one of his best.Through reading the book, I was able to build a guitar, something that I had no knowledge of previous to this reading.I would reccomend this to anyone who would like to builodsomething themselves, as this book brings you from A-Z ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Musical Instruments - Construction And Repair    4. Musical Instruments - Guitar    5. Reference    6. Woodwork - General    7. Music / Musical Instruments / Guitar    8. String instruments   

Reviews (4)

Dean of Early American Furniture
If you have any interest at all in Early American Furniture, buy this book!Mr. Sack is one of the most knowledgable experts on this subject.This book shows you the subtle differences in what makes a piece good and what makes a piece great.Having his experise on this subject is invaluable if you have any interest in searching for early American antique furniture.He learned from his father, who had an amazing eye, and Mr. Sack shows you what he has learned.He is reknowned as an expert in the field of Early American Furniture.It is a shame that this book is out of print and that one must spend a great deal for a used copy, but this book is worth every penny.Maybe we will get lucky and he will revise it again, but I would not hold my breath.

Best of the best
Not a lot can be said here.If you want to see the best and have comparasions to look at as well.Or if you just want drool over real furniture this is the book.A must have for anyone who aspires to knowing what is truly art in furniture design.

One of the Best on Antique Furniture
If you want to truly study and develope an "eye" for the finer points of antique furniture this is a must have book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Furniture    5. Furniture Arts And Crafts    6. Furniture, American    7. Furniture, Early American    8. Antiques & Collectibles / Furniture    9. Furniture & cabinetmaking   

Reviews (16)

Very useful for ideas and techniques
This book is wonderful. Starting with some carpentry skills of my own, I was able to design and trim out my entire dining room with crown molding, chair rail, wall frames etc. This book was invaluable in helping me design and execute the project.

Yes, it is really a decorating book
Well, I should have known.The title "Decorating with..." tells it all.It is first and foremost a decorating book that the wife would love.This book has the best and sharpest color pictures of any decorating book and is very tastefully presented. But it is skimpy or just plain bad at helping you to DIY.There is little that is useful in technique and little that is useful for tackling the complexities of say installing crown moulding.But, I can't fault the author.After all, the title is "Decorating with...".

Pretty Pics, Spotty Advice
If you're interested in ideas for interior woodwork, this book offers some nice photos that may inspire a project ... and sometimes inspiration is just what's needed to get us out of the chair and actively working. However, if you're interested in executing the work that's shown, an inexperienced carpenter will be hard pressed to succeed based on the information here. No book can substitute for experience, and this book is great for dreamers, but there are better carpentry guides out there if you actually want to do the work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Trim carpentry    9. DIY    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Woodworking   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (1)

Perfectly concise
This collection of books, which is priced substantially lower than bookstores by the way, is really a great wealth of knowledge about woodworking in general. I enjoy woodworking, specifically I'm a carpenter so my days have some variety, but there's only so much you can figure out on your own. You'll learn something just flipping through these books. This collection really gives you a direction to go with your craft and they really help you improve. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. House & Home    4. Reference    5. Woodwork - General    6. Woodworking    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (8)

Very Good Book
If I could give this book 4 and 1/2 stars, I would.But I just can't give it five stars.
excellent intermediate book
this is a great book for the intermediate wood worker who wants to know how to (or be refreshed) on how to do some specific box making techniques. If you are looking for a project-based book, I would recommend something else. However, I enjoyed this book a lot and have learned some cool things from it.

great book for experienced woodworker
This is a great intermediate book. Probably a bit much for a novice but still a great read. Like all Taunton Press books the pictures are great and very detailed. The writing is easy to follow with some knowledge of the craft. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Box making    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. House & Home    5. Wooden boxes    6. Woodwork    7. Woodwork - General    8. Woodworking    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Reviews (3)

NOT scaled for 18" dolls
How disappointing!I bought this book for my daughter's 9th Birthday.Her dad is going to make her American Girl dolls some furniture & I thought this would be the perfect guide. WRONG!The armoire is only 6" deep.The American Girl clothes hangers are 6 1/4" wide.Tell me, how is that going to work?The doors won't even be able to close!Thankfully my hubby is a skilled woodworker & can expand the dimensions, but if he is going to have to come up with his own pattern this book would have best been left on the shelf.We are very disappointed.My brother-in-law is making the picnic table & my niece told me that they were surprised & how small it is looking.Seems like more than one project is not quite up to the 18" par.Think twice before buying this one or at least find one to look at in person before hand.

Great Book
I really loved this book.My girls wanted furniture for their dolls, but Pleasant Company Products were out of my budget.Using this book, my daughters and I were able to create the simple pieces.
good book but----
This is not a book for beginning wood workers.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Doll furniture    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Patterns    6. Toymaking - Dollhouses    7. Toymaking - General    8. Wood Toys    9. Woodwork    10. Woodwork - General    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    12. Dolls' houses    13. Woodworking   

Reviews (5)

Good for information
I'm fascinated by art and lifestyle in Japan. I bought this one in the hope of getting good information about "how to"s in joining wood in a woodword project without using any metal parts (nails etc). For starters, all drawings are black and white so this may dissapoint some of you. But are very well done and the book has a very interesting introductory section about japanese woodworking tools that provide a lot of information and some less expected aspects of japanese woodworking like, for example, tradition (I expected that) and an entire philosophical system (I didn't expected that). Very interesting, a lot. However, it is quite complicated to follow drawings and I sometimes felt that a better 3D rendering of the cuts should be done in order to better understand japanese joinery techniques (which ARE very complicated). I would recommend the book in the first place as a very instructive reading (which it is) and less for actually doing something being guided by its instructional content. Anyway I'm glad I bought it because it gave me more insight into japanese traditional woodworking.

This is a really neat book
This book is really neat--definitely worth $16.There are dozens and dozens of joints detailed but almost all of them are for framing buildings. Even so, these multitude of ideas presented can really start the creative process for furniture makers, like myself. In fact, this book provided a joint that solved a problem that I had dwelled on for months. Without this book, I never would have thought of this joint.
a very good source of happyness
When i bought it, i was looking for a manual to learn some basic about making japanese joinery in small amatorial woodworking projects. I'm not a carpenter, i'm just an hobbist.
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Subjects:  1. Construction - Carpentry    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Woodwork - General   

Reviews (4)

This reference is indispensible
We own a home built in the Craftsman era, and are currently remodeling / restoring it.I have bought several books about home rehab, Craftsman furniture, etc., and was disappointed with every one of them.Then I purchased this book.The level of detail regarding moldings, for example, is incredible.The complete set of dimensions including radius data for the cove are included.Not only are all the major variants of Craftsman design illustrated and specified, the original drawings for cabinets are shown and then separate, updated drawings that conform to modern kitchen design standards are presented.Anyone who is interested in the architectural details of the Craftsman era should own this book.It is a MUST HAVE!

Great Home Organizers
The built-ins shown in this book are just what my old house needs to make it rustically "modern".I've hired a team of Amish carpenters to build them, as I don't trust my skill in that area just yet.Great book!

Great Projects
This is a great book for the craftsman wanting to actually build Mission style furniture. While designs for many pieces are not included, the concepts of design and construction can be used to make pretty much any item you can dream up.A craftsman style entertainment center?Stickley would never have dreamed of it.You can combine a few designs and he would be proud of what you conceived. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts and crafts movement    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    4. Drawings    5. Furniture    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Measured drawing    9. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    10. Woodwork - General    11. Woodworking    12. House & Home / Woodworking   

Reviews (4)

Excellent book
Now this is how a book of this type should be done.Nice easy to read detail/plan layouts/etc.Nicely done color photos.This book is a excellent choice.

Excellent Guide to Building Fine Furniture
I own this book and "Building Fine Furniture" (also by Glen Huey).They are both very detailed, providing complete cut lists, exploded diagrams of each piece, and thorough instructions with plenty of pictures.
Every design is an elegant and beautiful classic piece.
This book is a standout because every piece in it is an elegant classic worthy of the effort required to build it. I don't know of any other book for which I'd make that assertion. More often books have just a few designs that meet the requirements of truly elegant proportions, classic design and practical utility for a modern home, while the majority of plans given are historically interesting but often display awkward proportions and have little practical value for the way we live now, and the spaces we live in. Not all old designs are good designs! The title of this book, "Fine Furniture for a Lifetime," is appropriate because the designs are so excellent that you'll never in your lifetime come to the realization that you've outgrown them, which can happen with lesser designs. Instead, I think you'll appreciate them more as your design sense matures.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Furniture    5. Furniture making    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Reproduction    8. United States    9. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    10. Woodwork - General    11. Woodworking    12. Furniture & cabinetmaking    13. Handicrafts    14. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (48)

Somewhat of a disappointment...
I really wanted to love this book. I finally got around to reading it after months of rave reviews on the Flatpicking email list and the Martin Guitar Forum. It's a quick and entertaining read overall, but there was a fundamental flaw that really dampened my enthusiasm.
Clapton's Guitar
For someone interested on fine craftsmanship or old-time music, this is a must.The book is not only full of fascinating detail about the construction of an acoustic guitar, but is entertaining and educational.Above all, it is a fun read!

Good story; irritating writing
This is a good story of a master craftsman who is surrounded by engaging personalities in a 'down-home', authentic environment that many of us long for.However, the author's style of writing is particularly grating.He seems to be writing as though he were a 22-year-old college senior who is looking to impress other 22-year-old boys.I am actually surprised that the sentence "Dude!" didn't appear in the book; it would have fit right in.Again, the story is really quite good, and there are a lot of details that the author described vividly to evoke a sense of place and personality.I just wish he could grow up and write for adults. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clapton, Eric    2. Construction    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Guitar    5. Henderson, Wayne    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Music    8. Musical Instruments - Construction And Repair    9. Musical Instruments - Guitar    10. Woodwork - General    11. Music / General   

Reviews (1)

Lots of Fun Projects Here!
This is typical Diana Thompson, with a twist.Yes, there is compound cutting - but she also takes us through simple but elegant box making, inlay, and relief cutting.These boxes come out really great, and the patterns and instructions are clear and complete.If there is one complaint, it is that Diana must have access to a really good lumber supplier, because many of her wood choices are not available at all at ordinary wood providers.The designs come out well with just Home Depot-type woods, though, so it shouldn't discourage anyone.I love this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Woodwork - General    5. Woodwork Arts And Crafts    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    7. Woodworking   

Reviews (4)

Design Techniques Not Plans
This book provides a some interesting techniques for some of the design details of Greene and Greene furniture.It also provides some historical background on the brothers and the craftsmen that collaborated with them.In addition, there are some examples of modern pieces by several craftsmen influenced by the Greene brothers.What it does not have are detailed plans for complete furniture.As such, it is of more interest to the woodworker looking to expand his techniques than someone looking to recreate a specific piece of furniture.

This fills a a great need
I wish I had this book a year ago when I undertook the construction of three G&G pieces for our church. I had to figure out how to make many of the details on my own. Now I find out there are better, and easier, ways. I strongly recommend this book to anyone wishing to build anything in the G&G style, or to those just wanting to learn more about the construction and evolution of the style. Mr Peart does a masterful job!

The Key to Restoration, The Guide to Appreciation of Greene & Greene
Darrell Peart has written a book that is not only a joy to read, it is also one of those magic windows for finding the secrets of restoring Greene and Greene houses and furniture.Craftsmanship details that with time fade and tatter and beg for repair can now with Peart's fine instruction and diagrams and pictures be restored to as close to their normal glory as possible.
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Subjects:  1. Arts and crafts movement    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Furniture    6. Furniture Arts And Crafts    7. Furniture making    8. House & Home    9. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    10. Woodwork - General    11. Woodwork Arts And Crafts    12. House & Home / Furniture   

Reviews (6)

Highly informative reference
Reading other reviews, I'm not sure why we have the overall impression that highly specialized references such as this should be bargain basement priced - the costs of writing and producing a book such as this are not inconsiderable, so I feel compelled to defend the author and publisher in that respect.
A Little Disappointing
Like several other reviewers, I found the book to be overpriced.The book provided neither extensive and in depth narrative history NOR extensive patterns....and I don't believe there was one color photograph to be found.Don't buy it until you've had it in your hands.

From the author
As you try and make a decision about this book I wanted to give an explanation as the author. I noticed the reviews above and wanted to clarify the purpose of the book. I don't want you to spend $70 dollars on a book that doesn't help.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building Details Finishing    3. Conservation and restoration    4. Construction - General    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Doors    7. Historic buildings    8. History - General    9. Maintenance and repair    10. Restoration Of Historical Buildings    11. Windows    12. Woodworking    13. 20th century    14. Architectural structure & design    15. Architecture / History    16. Conservation, restoration & care of artworks    17. c 1800 to c 1900   

Subjects:  1. Carving    2. Chain saws    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Wood-carving    7. Woodwork - General    8. Woodwork Arts And Crafts    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    10. Handicrafts   

Reviews (4)

This is an excellent collection!
I would classify myself as an intermediate level woodworker and a book expert (I am a librarian after all) and I can honestly say that this is one of the absolute best books of its type on the market.As I see it, the normal downfall of a book such as this is the authors either spend way too much time giving us all of the philosophical and historical background behind the furniture style in question, or once they actually get to the furniture projects section they disappoint by selecting such rare (and odd) pieces to reproduce that the book ultimately becomes more of a novelty rather than a useful tool. Build it all and have fun!
I have built almost everything in the book.I made a few mistakes because I misinterpreted the drawings, but if you study the drawings very carefully before construction then you will truly enjoy this book.Author needs to write another book like this.Watch the interpretation of Dado and rabbet joints in particular.

Excellent Writing and Furniture Designs
This book was the first that I picked up when I started building my own furniture.The projects turned out great and the finishing process that he recommended was excellent.The diagrams and step by step instruction give you all the information that you need to complete each project even if you're an amateur like I am (you do need to have/buy some good power tools though).I've made two of the projects he describes and there are still a couple more I'd like to do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Arts and crafts movement    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Do-It-Yourself - General    7. Furniture making    8. Furniture, Mission    9. Reproduction    10. United States    11. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    12. Woodwork - General    13. Arts & crafts design    14. Woodworking