Woodshop library

ELLSWORTH ON WOODTURNING, by David Ellsworth, is the author’s first book. In the late ’70s, Ellsworth introduced the craft world to his hollow bowls and vessels, and took the wood art movement by storm. Since then, he has perfected his eggshell-thin forms, invented his own turning techniques and tools, and taught thousands of students at his studio. Now, aspiring woodturners can learn the secrets of his signature style with his easy-to-follow guide featuring step-by-step projects for turning a hollow bowl, a natural-edge vessel and a pot. Beginners will learn how to correctly position their body to increase tool control and prevent back strain while working. Advanced turners will appreciate the section on sharpening and designing their own tools. Ellsworth also focuses on exercises that help turners remain limber, ease tension, strengthen muscles and improve posture. The 256-page softcover sells for $29.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

MAKING TRADITIONAL SIDE ESCAPEMENT PLANES, with Larry Wililams, is a DVD that shows how to make a pair of hollows and rounds from a solid billet — including blade making, hardening and tempering. Hollows and rounds are used in combination to make complex moldings. This unique work is interesting as an historical record of hand tool making, as well as a guide for those who wish to make their own molding planes. Williams started in architectural woodworking in 1977 and is a founding partner of Clark & Williams Wooden Plane Makers. The three-hour DVD sells for $40. Contact: Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Inc., P.O. Box 9, Warren, ME 04864. Tel: 800-327-2520. www.lienielsen.com

TRADITIONAL MOLDING TECHNIQUES: THE BASICS, with Don McConnell, shows how to use combinations of hollows and rounds to produce complex molding profiles. From layout to finish molding, McConnell demonstrates how to match a molding on an heirloom, or make your own profile without having to get a custom-made shaper head. This video serves as a companion DVD to “Making Traditional Side Escapement Planes” with Larry Williams. McConnell first became interested in wooden planes and traditional furniture making in the 1970s and has done extensive research on traditional hand tool practices. The 80-minute DVD sells for $25. Contact: Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Inc., P.O. Box 9, Warren, ME 04864 Tel: 800-327-2520. www.lienielsen.com

THE POCKET SIZE CARPENTER’S HELPER, Third Edition, by R.F. Bailey, is crammed full of charts, tables, formulas and quick calculation hints useful for residential construction. It covers foundations, framing, roofing, insulation, drywall, stair calculations, reading blueprints and more. Bailey has been involved in the building trades for almost 40 years, working as a draftsman, carpenter and general contractor. The 126-page spiral notebook sells for $14.95. Contact: Linden Publishing, Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com

This article originally appeared in the October 2008 issue.