Woodshop Library

TAUNTON'S COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO FINISHING, by Jeff Jewitt, packs 25 years of professional finishing experience into a handy reference guide. Jewitt, who runs a finishing and refinishing business in Cleveland, states on Page 2 that finishing is the most enjoyable part of working wood for him. Lest anyone think the fumes have taken their toll, there's a willingness to share all that he's learned in hopes of making it just as pleasurable as an experience for the reader.

He provides proven, classic techniques alongside new techniques using modern materials. About a third of the book is devoted to surface-preparation steps, including methods for fixing defects. Coloring wood is also explored in great detail, with information about pigment and dye stains, spray and hand applications, and some of Jewitt's "secret" formulas. A full chapter is devoted to troubleshooting and overcoming staining problems, while other highlights include step-by-step instruction for applying clear finishes, French polish, spray lacquers and water-based products.

The 294-page hardcover sells for $39.95. Contact: Taunton Direct, 63 S. Main St., P.O. Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com

WORKING WITH ROUTERS, from the editors of Fine Woodworking, is a collection of previously published articles on router joinery techniques, accessories and uses, with tables and templates.

Pat Warner contributes several articles, including two on safe working practices and router recommendations. John White covers maintenance and tune-up procedures, while Jeff Greef provides a thorough overview of router bits. The joinery articles discuss bit selection and techniques for spline, mortise-and-floating-tenon joinery. Edward Koizumi presents a tenon-routing fixture for compound angles and Guy Perez shares his shop-made jig, which operates somewhat like the commercially available Matchmaker and Multi-Router machines. Other articles discuss shop-made dovetail jigs and templates, table routing techniques and template collar guides.

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

TAUNTON'S COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO BOX MAKING, by Doug Stowe, offers step-by-step instruction for making small boxes using traditional carcase joinery, or shaped on the band saw or lathe. It features special techniques associated with making lids and bases, attaching them to the box, and partitioning boxes to hold small objects.

A healthy percentage of the book is devoted to the tools required, their use, and instructions for shop-made jigs. The chapter on joinery is quite extensive and methods are presented for using both hand and power tools. Other high points include options for adding feet or a base, adding dividers and linings to the inside of the box, incorporating a secret drawer, and hardware installation. Stowe presents ways to decorate a box, including inlay, pattern veneer and carving techniques.

If that's not enough, there's also instruction for making bentwood, turned and band saw boxes. The text is generously supported by more than 500 color photographs and drawings.

The 152-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Taunton Direct, 63 S. Main St., P.O. Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com