Woodshop Library
DESIGNING AND BUILDING CABINETS, one of a new series from the editors of Fine Woodworking magazine, is a compilation of previously published articles. Organized by topic and fully indexed, each…
DESIGNING AND BUILDING CABINETS, one of a new series from the editors of Fine Woodworking magazine, is a compilation of previously published articles. Organized by topic and fully indexed, each section covers different aspects of cabinetmaking, including Designing and Managing Projects, Materials, Working with Plywood, Doors, and Drawers. Chapters within each section give well-illustrated and detailed instruction on projects such as built-ins, solid-wood edging, frame-and-panel doors, and smooth tambours, among many others. With its variety of approaches, this book would be a useful reference guide for those interested in learning about or brushing up on the world of cabinets, both built-in and freestanding. The 154-page softcover sells for $17.95. Contact: Taunton Direct, 63 S. Main St., P.O. Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com
THE KIDS' BUILDING WORKSHOP, by J. Craig and Barbara Robertson, is a book that can help both kids and parents get started on their own woodworking projects, while teaching some essential woodworking skills that will last a lifetime. The husband-and-wife authors have come up with 15 challenging but achievable projects that family members can work on together, such as a checkerboard, cricket cage, board game, bookcase shaped like a house and a puppet theater. Basic skills such as how to hammer a nail, different types of saw cuts, and safety are covered in the first chapters. Bold graphics and clear instructions are mixed with lively photos of kids working on the projects alongside adults. The 136-page softcover sells for $12.95. Contact: Storey Publishing, 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247. Tel: 800-793-9396. www.storey.com
CELTIC WOODWORKING PROJECTS, by Glenda Bennett, is an one example of how wildly popular Celtic motifs have become in the last decade. The book begins with a short history of Celtic design before moving on to a variety of small-scale projects with design elements such as knotwork, spirals, monks, and Pictish-type beasts. All projects start with a list of materials and tools needed, and include clearly written instructions and appropriate photography; a chapter with necessary templates is at the end of the book. A carved Welsh lovespoon, a knotwork mantel clock, an angel box and salad servers with sculpted geese for handles are among the 20 different pieces to choose from. Most projects involve the use of a scroll saw as well as carving tools. The 158-page softcover sells for $17.95. Contact: Sterling Publishing Co., 387 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10016-8810. Tel: 212-532-7160. www.sterlingpub.com
JIM TOLPIN'S WOODWORKING WIT & WISDOM: THIRTY YEARS OF LESSONS FROM THE TRADE, by Jim Tolpin, is a humorous but useful book of short anecdotes gleaned from the author's many years of trial and error in the woodshop. The chapters take the form of 60 "lessons" such as "The more you sweep your shop, the dirtier it gets," "Just because wood just lies there doesn't mean it's dead," and "If it looks right, it probably is right." Tolpin wraps it up with two sections at the end titled "My top twenty books" and "My top twenty tools." Artist Will McDonnell deftly captures Tolpin's droll tone with his pen and ink cartoons, but ultimately the advice in this book is right on. The 112-page softcover sells for $19.99.Contact: Popular Woodworking Books, 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236. Tel: 800-289-0963. www.popularwoodworking.com
SCROLL SAW FOR THE FIRST TIME, by Dirk Boelman, is part of the "For the First Time" series offered by Sterling Publishing, and it is indeed written for the true novice. It starts with description and setup of the scroll saw and moves on to a list of basic supplies. From the first lesson on how to attach a paper plan to the wood, to the last on how to make movable parts, the book offers clearly written instructions, colorful photography and traceable templates. Projects run the gamut from basic animal shapes and simple wall shelves to jigsaw puzzles, a Victorian frame and finally a collapsible basket. The 112-page hardcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Sterling Publishing Co., 387 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10016-8810. Tel: 212-532-7160. www.sterlingpub.com
BUILDING SMALL PROJECTS, also from the editors of Fine Woodworking
magazine, is a good source for selected projects on the smaller side if, like most woodworkers, you have scrap wood that you just can't bear to part with. One of Fine Woodworking's series of previously published articles in book form, "Building Small Projects" offers a wide variety of designs, ranging from the simple to the complex. The book is divided into six sections including Boxes, Picture Frames and Mirrors, Clocks, Shelves and Cabinets, Tables, and Stools. Specific pieces to build are Thomas Jefferson's writing desk, basic mirror frame, mantel clock, wineglass cabinet and oval Chippendale stool, among several others. Written by well-known woodworking authors, the articles offer detailed plan illustrations, written instructions, and quality photography in a handsome, easy-on-the-eye format. The 154-page softcover sells for $17.95. Contact: Taunton Direct, 63 S. Main St., P.O. Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com
— Angela Daughtry
