Woodshop Library

Woodshop library

PROJECTS FOR YOUR SHOP, by Matthew Teague, is a good read for emerging woodworkers. The straightforward projects are designed to improve a beginner's woodworking skills. Teague, a furniture maker and former editor at Fine Woodworking magazine, provides design plans for saw-horses, a workbench, a table saw workstation, a router table, and storage units, plus "skill builder" projects that include a tool cabinet, chisel holder, clamp rack and lumber rack. Each project begins with an explanation of what you'll learn, such as ripping and crosscutting with a circular saw. The projects feature step-by-step instructions, materials lists and plenty of photographs to show the way. The169-page book sells for $19.95. Contact: Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com

MINIATURE WOODEN CLOCKS FOR THE SCROLL SAW, by Rick and Karen Longabaugh, features over 250 original patterns from the couple's family-run online business, the Berry Basket and Great American Scrollsaw Patterns. The meat of the book is in the first nine pages, which feature tips on mastering scroll saw techniques working with delicate wood. It includes tips on 15 important procedures: copying the pattern, preparing the surface, transferring the pattern, selecting materials, blade selection, squaring the blade, creating an auxiliary table, drilling, veining, stack cutting, sawing thin woods, silhouette backing, choosing the base, finishing and assembling, and inserting the clock. The silhouette backing section explains how to use stained, painted or natural wood to create a contrasting background and create versatility. Hundreds of patterns include themes such as animals, vehicles, marine life, sports, wildlife, country, Victorian, fantasy, Southwest and business themes. Each has a 1-3/4" diameter circle for insertion of a miniature clock. The 123-page book sells for $16.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

WOODWORKING FOR THE HOME: STORAGE PROJECTS FOR ALL AROUND THE HOUSE, by Paul Anthony, Niall Barrett and Jeff Miller, offers over 20 designs for building wooden storage units for home interiors. This is the bible for anyone who's ever relished the idea of using custom-built decorative storage units on a daily basis. Learn how to make fine spice racks with small drawers, ceiling-mounted pot hangers, multirack medicine cabinets and simple tea servers, all with fine furniture charm and craftsmanship. Step-by-step instructions include proper grain layout, an art in itself. Beautification tips start at the stockpile, however. Authors bring readers into the shop mode for each project. They discuss material needed, layout, cutting and joinery techniques. Demonstration pictures of assembly are great for visual learners. Drawings feature top, front and side views, followed by assembly instructions. Cut lists are also included. The 281-page book sells for $21.95. Contact: Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com