Woodshop Library

TO TURN THE PERFECT WOODEN BOWL: THE LIFELONG QUEST OF BOB STOCKSDALE, by Ron Roszkiewicz, is a unique look at the life of the late Bob Stocksdale, a pioneer in the wood art movement. Using never-before-seen photographs and interviews transcribed from audiotape, the author gives us a glimpse into the life and work of a man many consider the father of woodturning and the person who helped elevate woodturning to an art form. Using an interview-style question-and-answer format, Stocksdale explains how he stored and selected wood, shares techniques, and much more. The 160-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

EMOTIONS IN WOOD: CARVING THE EXPRESSIVE FACE, by Ann Brouwers, teaches this author’s original and captivating style of carving expressive, spherical faces. The step-by-step instructions demonstrate how to create striking, emotionally-charged faces that can include a wide variety of moods and expressions — soft smiles, laughter and tears. Each section of the book focuses on a single emotion, and contains helpful guidelines to tackle this challenging craft. Beyond providing a solid foundation on the subject, the book discusses how to introduce your own uniquely imaginative and creative designs into the artistic process. Brouwers is an internationally recognized professional woodcarver and a veteran teacher of both novice and experienced woodcarvers. The 128-page softcover sells for: $21.95. Contact: Linden Publishing Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com

CNC PROGRAMMING HANDBOOK, third edition, by Peter Smid, is a guide to practical CNC programming with a tutorial CD-ROM. The book is used in hundreds of educational institutions around the world as the primary text for CNC courses and used daily by many in-field CNC programmers and machine operators. The book features more than 1,000 illustrations, tables, formulas, tips, shortcuts and practical examples. The CD-ROM contains a fully functional 15-day shareware version of the CNC tool path editor/simulator NCPlot. The software features a sampling of training exercises based on the individual chapters, along with solutions and detailed explanations. The 542-page hardcover sells for $69.95. Contact: Industrial Press Inc., 989 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018. Tel: 888-528-7852. www.industrialpress.com

CREATIVE HOMEOWNER: NEW DECORATING WITH ARCHITECTURAL TRIMWORK, by Jay Silber, illustrates how decorative trimwork and molding can transform any room in the house. Learn how to design and install crown molding, chair rails, base trim, and window and door casings. With more than 450 inspiring photographs and more than 100 detailed full-color illustrations, readers can flirt with a vast array of design ideas. Easy-to-follow installation instructions are a plus for even the most experienced woodworkers. Silber is a master craftsman who has been designing and installing high-quality interior trimwork in the Albany, N.Y., area for more than 15 years. The 240-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Creative Homeowner, 24 Park Way, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. Tel: 800-631-7795 Ext. 399 www.creativehomeowner.com.

This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue.