Reviews (3)

Best of it's kind
After searching for books in this subject, I was very pleased to finally find a book that went into the depth of not only restoring, but plane and other tool usage. This book was intended for the antique tool collector who chooses to use their tools not place them on a display shelf and accept them "as is." If you are looking for old tools needing repair for many more years of use, then this is the book for you. Michael Dunbar has done an excellent job putting his knowledge on paper for the reader's benefit.

THE Manual for refurbishing tools
Dunbar's book is one of the best when it comes to repairing just about any antique tool. He patiently and thoroughly describes how to repair most any hand tools you'll come across. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn how to restore antique hand tools. It should be noted that Dunbar now uses a different method to sharpen plane and chisel irons, etc. However, this is widely available in magazines. Highly recommended.

Ideal for experts or beginners alike.
I only recieved this book this morning, I began reading and can now thouroughly recommend this book to anyone who, for example has ever seen Norm Abram at work and thought 'Hey that's not fair. He's got $10,000 worthof power tools at least' Well this has to be the guide for those who wishto find, restore, and use old tools. I grew up with quality handtoolsaround me and can tell this guy knows what he's talking about. The majorityof this book is dedicated to planes - but I never realised just how manykinds there are! A must for anyone you know who heads for the 'rusty toolbox' at flea markets and yard sales. I'd love to know what you think aboutthis book too. Happy reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. History    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Maintenance and repair    5. Tools    6. Woodwork - Tools    7. Woodworking    8. Woodworking tools    9. House & Home / Hand Tools    10. STUDY NOTES - SparkCharts   

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    4. Hand Tools    5. House & Home    6. Woodwork - Tools    7. Woodworking    8. Carpentry    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    10. Crafts & Collectibles   

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Hand Tools    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Power Tools    6. Reference    7. DIY    8. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (4)

Lie-Neilsen Guide to Sharpening
This is a very practical book on sharpening well illustrated which covers almost any sharp tool used in woodworking that has an iron cutting edge (not carbide). Unfortunately I got a defective copy (with some pages misplaced) which Amazon promptly replaced at no charge.

Falls Short
I have two books on sharpening.Which is a lot when you consider that sharpening is more of a chore than anything else.But it is a very important chore (second only to sweeping up), and one that can make woodworking a pleasure or a great pain.Until you develop good, disciplined sharpening techniques your work will be spotty at best.Don't get me wrong, I'm not a hand tool purist.But one of the reasons I have so many power planes, routers, and shapers is that, for a long time I was a very mediocre sharpener.
Not worth the money- get something else.
Although the book has great illustrations, it just doesn't give much information.Yes, the author discusses the sharpening of virtually every cutting instrument, but usually only using a certain jig that you probably don't have.There is little depth to this book; it's like a vast ocean that is only an inch deep.The book is a better review of sharpening tools and jigs on the market than it is about sharpening, and if you have these tools, you don't need the book to tell you how to use them.
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Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Equipment, Appliances & Supplies    3. Hand Tools    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Power Tools    7. Sharpening of tools    8. Woodworking    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    10. House & Home / Woodworking   

Reviews (2)

WOODBUTCHER HEAVEN
Garrett Hack feels that his hand tools have become extensions of A wonderful introduction to hand tools
I recieved this book for Christmas and just finished it. It is a great introduction to the use and care of hand tools. It has very informative and interesting side bars and is wonderfully illustrated. It blends theaesthetic with the practical very well. Just one hint: skip over thesection on handplanes and just purchase Hack's "Handplane book"which is the definitive book on handplanes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    4. Hand Tools    5. House & Home    6. Woodwork - Tools    7. Woodworking    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    9. Furniture & furnishings manufacture    10. Crafts & Collectibles   

Reviews (2)

Helps me make cost-effective choices
I bought this book so that I would be able to purchase tools as gifts for my husband without having to ask him what to buy. I figured that would spoil any surprises. I know next to nothing about what to look for when purchasing tools, so this book has been an invaluable reference for me. It has definitely helped me make smart purchases and saved me money because the author does an excellent job of explaining the pros and cons of different tool choices. He also discusses and what to look for when selecting particular tools, so you know exactly what you want befor you make any purchases. I highly recommend this book.

From painting and plumbing to mechanical and tiling
Assemble a useful tool kit for a variety of home improvement jobs, from painting and plumbing to mechanical and tiling, with the help of Homeowner's Ultimate Tool Guide which explains how to use and select the right tools the first time. Tips include understanding tool applications, understanding the categories they belong in, and understanding the reasoning behind selecting one tool over a similar type. Color photos abound and enhance the result. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Dwellings    4. Equipment and supplies    5. Hand Tools    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Home Maintenance And Repair    8. House & Home    9. Maintenance and repair    10. Power Tools    11. Reference    12. Remodeling    13. Remodeling & Renovation - General    14. Tools    15. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    16. DIY   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Hand Tools    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Art techniques & materials    5. Base metal & ironworking    6. Woodworking   

Editorial Review

The function of power tools is to enhance the speed and force of those tasks originally performed by hand tools, but as useful as power tools are, there are still many tasks which simply cannot be done with a power tool. Mastering basic hand tool use is crucial to any renovation or repair around the house, and this book laysout the basic collection of important hand tools needed by any do-it-yourselfer, explains their purpose and proper use, and will give any beginner the practical information necessary to get started. It is generously illustrated with color photographs of new and historic tools. Read more

Reviews (1)

A Good Read
This book is a good read and a practical reference.Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Dwellings    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home / Hand Tools    6. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation    7. Houses    8. Maintenance and repair    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. Tools    11. Hand Tools    12. Home    13. Home Improvement    14. Remodeling & Renovation   

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Hand Tools    3. House & Home    4. Instructional    5. Special Interest    6. Video - Non-Fiction    7. Woodwork - General    8. Woodwork - Tools    9. Woodworking    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork   

Editorial Review

Nagyszalanczy begins his book with this simple, declarative statement: "A well made tool is a thing of beauty that's as much a pleasure to look at as it is to use." Then, in nine chapters, 231 pages, and 300 color photographs, he backs it up beyond any possible argument. Never before has such a lavish and comprehensive exploration of stunningly elegant, exotic, plain but ingenious, and just flat-out gorgeous hand tools been assembled in one book. Making use of scores of private tool collections generously made available by private collectors and museums around the United States, the author doesn't merely write evocatively about a breathtaking variety of inventive and finely crafted tools, he also photographed them individually and in groupings that evoke nothing less than classic still lifes, as objects of art and craft. And that they are, without a doubt: silver measuring tools, ivory and gilt rulers, forged-iron double-calipers, cast-iron and brass levels, and jewelry-like plumb bobs made of exquisite materials like scrimshaw, brass, and fine steel. Hand planes of dizzying variety and configurations, designed for dozens of particular and exacting tasks, and made of rosewood, brass, steel, and ivory; cast-iron hammers with heads shaped like fish; drills and augers, axes and saws, and chisels; a bone-handled gouge; quirky and unusual combination tools; human-powered scroll saws and many more are described and pictured in delightful detail. This is truly a tool-lover's dream book. Read more

Reviews (8)

Really 4 1/2 Stars
As a "tool nut" I have had a fascination with tools of all kinds since I was a little boy at the knee of my craftsman grandfather. This book is candy for my tool sweet-tooth. The succinct narrative enhances the artistry of the photography and makes for an easy, but very interesting read and I have learned a lot from it. This book is one of my treasured volumes. My only complaint is that there are not more fascinating tools included in the volume.

Great pictures of tools
This is a really nice book for those interested in fine tools.I was hoping to find information on how they were made.If you are a toolmaker, this book really does not include any drawings, sizes or build methods.Ifyou are just looking for a nice historical record of works of art in tools- this is the book to get.Great pictures of Paul Hamler's miniature toolsfor those interested in his work too.

The title says it all.
This is a spectacular collection of color photographs. The author has obviously sought out tools of great beauty and the editors have assembled them with care.Anyone interested in handtools and their history will bedelighted. Those who are unable to understand the words in the book's titlewill perhaps be disappointed as the book is about art in an unexpectedform. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hand Tools    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. House & Home    5. Pictorial works    6. Tools    7. Woodwork    8. Woodwork - Tools    9. Woodworking tools    10. Antiques & Collectables    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    12. Woodworking   

Reviews (1)

Good in general but room for improvement
The book is targeted to newbies, which is the reason why I bought it, and found it really interesting and containing lots of elements I never thought about regarding woodworking. Read more

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

Features

• Box set

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Hand Tools    4. House & Home    5. Woodwork - General    6. Woodworking    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    8. Handicrafts    9. Crafts & Collectibles   

Reviews (1)

An impressive compendium showcases antique and modern tools
The Garrett Company is known for their quality tools in the woodworking industry: this impressive compendium showcases antique and modern tools, packing in over 450 photos of tools, discussing their use, and providing both a visual display of tools and a history of changing production and needs. Add expert user's tips and you have a worthy gift edition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Encyclopedias    3. Hand Tools    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Power Tools    7. Reference    8. Tools    9. Woodwork - Tools    10. DIY    11. Reference / Encyclopedias    12. Reference works   

Reviews (3)

The Missing Manual
This book outlines various tools that usually don't contain a manual (like a file, rasp chisel, etc..)
The Woodworker's Guide to Hand Tools
This is an excellent introductory book for someone new to woodworking, or some one new to hand tools. In fact, I would strongly encourage someone new to woodworking to read this book first and learn as much as they can about using hand tools prior to spending any money on power tools. Some of the tools and techniques are obviously obselete given the development of power tools, but read on. You will be a better craftsman for it. The illustrations in the book are clear and well thought out and I have found them to be very useful. This book would also make an excellent gift for a young person interested in woodworking, but unsure of where to begin.

Worth owning if you're a woodworker
Many of the books on woodworking with hand toolswere written many years ago. Also they typically concentrate on technique rather than the actual tools. This book is different in that it's modern (even mentioning internetmailing lists and newsgroups for woodworking and tools), and it covers howto select the tools you buy.The book grew on me over time and I'm amazedat how often I return to consult it. I own most ofthe books in print onthe subject but this one is a favourite. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Carpentry tools    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hand Tools    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Woodwork - General    7. Woodwork - Tools    8. Woodworking tools    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork    10. Reference works    11. Woodworking   

Reviews (1)

The Seminal Work in Tool History
During his lifetime, Henry Mercer was a lawyer, archaeologist, museum curator, promoter of lost crafts, and collector of a museum's worth (literally) of assorted stuff.One of his many interests was early American woodworking tools.Read more

Subjects:  1. Carpentry    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Construction - General    4. General    5. Hand Tools    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Technology    8. Tools    9. Antiques & Collectables    10. Antiques & Collectibles / General   

Subjects:  1. Collectors and collecting    2. Hand Tools    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Tools   

Reviews (1)

Great book, very well done.
I thought this was one of the best books I've read recently.I first picked it up because I enjoy woodworking and Stanley tools are something I learned to admire from my dad.As an entrepreneur, I found the story of a small company growing into a world class leader very interesting.The author did a great job of bringing history to life.The pictures from the past were fascinating.This is the kind of book you're proud to have on your bookshelf.I found it very well written and nicely put together.If you're interested in American history, business, or tools, this is a great book to own.I would highly recommend it ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Corporate & Business History - General    5. Economic History    6. Hand Tools    7. Hardware industry    8. History    9. Industries - General    10. Industries - Manufacturing Industries    11. Stanley Works Inc    12. Stanley Works Inc.    13. Tools    14. United States   

Reviews (1)

axes and chainsaws
This booklet starts out with a bit of a history lesson.It then goes on to talk about the care and uses of axes, and of both bow and chain type of saws.There is even a chapter on how to safely fell a tree. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Hand Tools    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. DIY    6. House & Home / Hand Tools   

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Hand Tools    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Household Equipment    6. Machine-Tools    7. Power Tools    8. Reference    9. DIY    10. House & Home / Reference    11. Tools    12. Tools - Handbooks, manuals, etc   

Reviews (1)

Good pictures, wide range of tools, some misinformation
I think the breadth of the information in this book is what causes theproblems.It attempts to cover a wide range of antique tools according tothe profession of the user.On this basis, it is a rather remarkablecollection of widely varying information on lots of old tools and theiruses.The problem is that most of the information appears to have comefrom helpful dealers and passers-by, not necessarily experts.This isalluded to in the forward, so there is no deliberate attempt to claimotherwise.These helpful people were not necessarily knowledgable as shownby incorrect naming and descriptions on some items.The included priceguides also varied all over the map from too cheap to too expensive.In nocases were maker names mentioned along with the pricing which makes thempretty much useless.I was particularly interested in this book for thewoodworking section which is only barely touched upon given the widesubject material and limited space.I did learn the names of lots ofesoteric stuff that I did not know about before. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Collectors and collecting    5. General    6. Hand Tools    7. Reference - Price Guides    8. Tools    9. United States