Woodshop Library

ADVANCED AUTOCAD 2009: EXERCISE WORKBOOK, by Cheryl R. Shrock, is designed for students who want to use AutoCAD productively, especially 3-D, but do not have the time or need to learn every command. Totally updated for AutoCAD 2009 and 2009 LT, the book discusses how to customize one’s work space, create new Ribbon tabs and panels, customize the Quick Access Toolbar, customize the Status Bar, and create master setup drawings for decimals or architecture and more. All exercises print easily on a standard printer. Shrock is an Autodesk registered author, and has written more than 20 books on AutoCAD, including the AutoCAD Pocket Reference. The 440-page softcover sells for $36.95. Contact: Industrial Press Inc., 989 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018. Tel: 212-545-8327. www.industrialpress.com

BEST OF WOODWORKER’S JOURNAL: DESKS, BOOKCASES & ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS is a collection of furniture pieces that provide comfort and organization the minute they leave the shop. As part of a new 10-book series from the pages of Woodworker’s Journal, editors have selected 15 functional projects for the home. Projects include a Queen Anne writing desk, a cherry Arts and Crafts stereo cabinet, a modular computer desk, a walnut library bookcase, an elegant entertainment center and more. It features technical and exploded drawings, materials list for each project, step-by-step instructions, and helpful quick tips. The 160-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

TURNING WOOD WITH RICHARD RAFFAN is an updated and expanded third edition. This informative read discusses mastery techniques for basic and specialized tools, how to sharpen and maintain tools, and how to turn useful and decorative objects. With its 395 full-color photographs and 85 drawings, it covers the lathe (how it works and how to choose the right model), cutting tools, safety, measuring, centerwork and more. This revised edition also features a new chapter on crafting hollow vessels. Raffan is a veteran turner and teacher, and well-known for his gallery-quality work. The 224-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Taunton Press, P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com

NATURAL BUILDING: CREATING COMMUNITIES THROUGH COOPERATION, by Timothy Rieth and Bob Ferris, is billed as an inspirational tribute to natural building techniques, while stressing the values of teaching, mentoring and taking part in community projects. During the summer of 2007, Ferris, the executive director of Yestermorrow Design and Build School in Warren, Vt., gathered with natural builder Rieth and students and instructors from Yestermorrow. They designed and built a garden shed comprised of hand-hewn timbers, soil, straw and other natural materials. They then shared their experiences in building foundations, framing, wall systems and roofs, and discussed the joys of camaraderie. The 128-page softcover sells for $24.99. Contact: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Tel: 610-593-1777. www.schifferbooks.com

This article originally appeared in the November 2008 issue.