Woodshop Library

THE NEW WOODWORKER HANDBOOK, by Tom Hintz, was written for beginners but is well-suited for woodworkers of all levels. Hintz uses more than 300 photographs and dozens of helpful charts and sidebars to accompany the 10 chapters on setting up shop; buying tools; tool setup, alignment and maintenance; working safely; selecting wood; preparing the wood; adhesives and fasteners; joining wood and finishing. It features skill-building projects for making a lidded box, tool box, bedside bookcase, shop wall cabinets, base cabinets and a coffee table. Hintz, who has more than 30 years of woodworking experience, believes that woodworking should be fun and relaxing, and conveys that through his sense of humor. The 254-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

CHAIRMAKING & DESIGN, Second Edition, by Jeff Miller, is a revised edition of Miller's award-winning book that will turn the intimidating into the manageable. It offers seven elegant chair projects, in which the Chicago-based maker explores and demystifies the art of making chairs. Through each project, readers will learn increasingly complex skills that build upon each other, making the manual a complete education in basic chair-making techniques. It features illuminating discussions of construction and design fundamentals, along with an appendix on oils and waxes to give projects a finishing touch. Miller designs, builds, writes and teaches furniture making in his Chicago studio. The 200-page softcover sells for $22.95. Contact: Linden Publishing Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com

THE WOODTURNERS FAQ BOOK, by Fred Holder, covers all of the basics for getting started with turning, such as what type of lathe to buy, what tools and chucks are needed, what differences exist in lathes and tools, which accessories are handy to have, how to sharpen and which woods to use. Also included is a section on beginning projects for the turner along with finishing information. Of particular interest is the section on making decorative effects, which includes ideas on how to enhance turnings by carving, making flutes and spirals, adding color and using a wood-burning machine. Holder lives in Shohomish, Wash., and is the author of "A Guide to Work-Holding on the Lathe and Making Screw Threads in Wood," the publisher of More Woodturning magazine and a monthly columnist for Woodturning. The 128-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Linden Publishing, Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com

THE NEW COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BAND SAW, by Mark Duginske, covers everything you need to know about this versatile power tool. Whether you're seeking the basics or advanced techniques, it's all here, including the questions you must ask before purchasing a new or used band saw; how to set up, maintain and safely operate your saw; blade selection tips; the secrets to making straight and curved cuts; and how to use pattern templates and accessories. It also features four projects to develop your band saw skills. The fully illustrated book comes with an informative glossary and a valuable list of resources. Duginske is the inventor of many patented woodworking aids and devices. The 186-page soft-cover sells for $19.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
— Jennifer Hicks