Woodshop Library

SELECTING AND USING HAND TOOLS, from the editors of Fine Woodworking, is an informative illustrated guide on the very handy, but often-neglected hand tools for woodworkers. Mike Dunbar discusses the benefits of four tools he often sees at flea markets, and which he thinks should be part of every shop. They are the drawknife, a former staple of old shops; the shallow gouge, which can be used for more than carving applications; the shoulder plane, for better-fitting joints; and the spokeshave, which is easier to control than a metal-bodied shave, Dunbar said. Robert Hubert Jr. offers advice on buying used hand tools. He prepares readers for a tool hunt by suggesting they first make a "tool want list," then study the function and value of the tools. He recommends readers thoroughly inspect all tools before buying them, and to never give in to a salesman's pressure. The section is followed by advice on "stalking a second-hand plane." Labeled parts of a disassembled, used plane show buyers what to be wary of, such as rusty, replaced, or broken components, and bent and scored blades. Also, a unique section about buying and using Japanese handsaws explains the benefits of how Japanese saws work on a pull stroke, opposite to the push stroke of Western saws. The 155-page softcover sells for $17.95. Contact: Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com

THE LAW [IN PLAIN ENGLISH] FOR CRAFTS, sixth edition, by Leonard D. DuBoff, states that failure to succeed for craft professionals may not have to do with their talents, but their resistance to acquiring a knowledge of sound business practices. The guide is designed to help craftspeople successfully tackle business and legal issues they may face in their careers. DuBoff, an arts attorney, offers step-by-step legal aspects of running a craft business. Topics include business organization, contracts, collecting payment, consignment, licensing, trademarks and copyrights, patent law, working out of the home, commercial leases, warranties and disclaimers, insurance and product liability, and advice on keeping taxes low. Definitions and explanations of necessary legal terms are provided, along with case examples that no woodworker, or other artisan, ever wants to be in. One concerns an obese woman who sat in a chair of contemporary design for sale at a store. Serpentine curves in the chair were allegedly the cause of her sliding onto the floor and injuring her spine. The court held that the shape of the chair was defective and awarded her $25,000 in damages. Along with ideas on how not to get sued, DuBoff gives tips on how to collect proper and timely payment from galleries. He also gives information on the potential need for building permits for at-home facilities, and possible noise, smoke and odor restrictions. The 209-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Allworth Press, 10 E. 23rd St., Suite 400, New York, NY 10010. Tel: 800-491-2808. www.allworth.com