Woodshop library

WOODWORKER’S GUIDE TO DOVETAILS, by Ernie Conover, takes the mystery out of how to make the savvy woodworker’s corner joint of choice — the dovetail. The hallmark of fine furniture everywhere, the dovetail can be made in several different ways, and this new illustrated instructional guide covers them all, using easy-to-understand instructions and step-by-step projects. Conover, a professional furniture maker and woodworking teacher, walks readers through the methods for cutting full, half-blind and through dovetails using hand tools. After woodworkers learn the basics, they will move on to mastering the many popular router-driven jigs available on the market today, including the Leigh, Kellar, Omni, WoodRat, Incra, Akita, Sears and Powermatic. The 168-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

CELL BASED FURNITURE FABRICATION, by Ken Susnjara, discusses the benefits of using modern technology to manufacture traditional furniture and is designed for industry professionals who want to understand the changes, problems and opportunities happening around them. Susnjara is founder of Thermwood Corp., a manufacturing company specializing in CNC machine tools, manufacturing software and support products for the woodworking industry. He explains in detail how using technology and techniques common to other industries can transform the American furniture industry into a vibrant, growing and exciting business. Chapters cover the core idea of nested base manufacturing, furniture cells and the mini factory, flexible finishing, cost and profit, designing furniture for nested based settings, and selling furniture in the modern world. The 220-page hardcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Thermwood Corp., 904 Buffaloville Road, Dale, IN 47523. Tel: 800-533-6901. www.thermwood.com

TURNING BOXES WITH THREADED LIDS, by Bill Bowers, covers all the steps necessary to create six threaded-lid boxes. Some are made with leftover wood, while others are turned from exotic woods specially chosen for the projects. Four techniques of hand thread-chasing are described so readers are ready for any circumstance. The use of a rose engine lathe is demonstrated to place ornamental designs on many of the boxes. A photo gallery displays variations to entice readers to try their own hands at creating new artistic endeavors. The 80-page softcover sells for $16.99. Contact: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Tel: 610-593-1777. www.schifferbooks.com

101 ARTISTIC RELIEF PATTERNS, by Lora S. Irish, features a collection of more than 100 exquisite patterns that enables woodcarvers, woodburners and crafters to develop their skill so they can create beautiful projects quickly and efficiently. The small patterns allow for easy experimentation with new techniques, tools and supplies without a large investment of time or materials. Each design is perfect for adorning an endless variety of items, such as jewelry boxes, nameplates, house number plaques, wall hangings, trunks, tables and more. With landscapes, wildlife, sailing ships, fruit and flora, architectural scrolls, Celtic-inspired designs and handsome corner motifs, there’s a pattern inside for any project. The 122-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

This article originally appeared in the May 2009 issue.