Woodshop Library

THE FURNITURE OF GUSTAV STICKLEY: HISTORY, TECHNIQUES, PROJECTS, by Joseph J. Bavaro & Thomas L. Mossman, is a how-to book for building reproductions of Craftsman furniture with detailed drawings and step-by-step instructions. The authors do a thorough job of presenting joinery techniques and also offer historical and biographical information about Stickley and the Craftsman Movement. Bavaro is a professor of furniture design and metal smith. Mossman is a professor of art who collects and restores Craftsman furniture. Both authors live in Pasadena, Calif. The 176-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Linden Publishing Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com

TAUNTON'S BASIC BOX MAKING, by Doug Stowe, is primarily for the novice woodworker looking for information on how to build small boxes and improve their basic shop skills. It features projects that focus on experimenting with design and using leftover materials. It covers joinery, resawing stock, and making bases and lids. Stowe is an accomplished box maker and author of several books, including Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Box Making. The 154-page softcover 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

THE WOOD FINISHER'S HANDBOOK, by Sam Allen, is now available as a revised edition. This book on finishing techniques includes more color photos and illustrations, and expanded text. The opening section covers the basics of wood preparation through applying the final coat. But there's also a great deal of information for experienced finishers, such as techniques for French polishing, wood graining and chemical staining. Allen has over 30 years of woodworking experience and is a widely published freelance author. The 224-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

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF WOOD, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is an A to Z resource for builders, architects, engineers and woodworkers. It's based on the premise that timber is one of our most precious, versatile and vulnerable resources, so using it effectively is important. It presents information on the structure of wood, from growth rings to its chemical composition, as well as physical and mechanical properties. This extensive manual includes a section on stress grading as well as thorough descriptions of which fasteners to use and when. It has information on adhesive bonding, biodeterioration, control of moisture content, preservation, fire safety, specialty treatments and more. The 496-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Sterling Publishing Co., 387 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10016-8810. Tel: 212-532-7160. www.sterlingpub.com

— Jennifer Hicks