Woodshop library

CARVING THE HUMAN FACE, 2nd EDITION, by Jeff Phares, lets woodworkers bring their carvings to life.

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Chronicling the stages in creating a realistic human face from wood and packed with detailed images of finished carvings, this book offers a wealth of technical how-to information. It features step-by-step instruction, more than 350 color photographs and 50 drawings that provide useful anatomical references. It also provides tips for working wood to resemble the shape of skin and muscles, hints on carving realistic hats and headdresses, and more than 20 diagrams devoted to facial anatomy and how it relates to carving masks and busts. In addition, there is an inspiring gallery of photos of the author's work, including cowboys, frontiersmen and American Indians. The 144-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

WOODEN BOWLS FROM THE SCROLL SAW, by Carole Rothman, features 28 useful and easy-to-make projects. The surprising part about this book is that the featured projects look like they were painstakingly turned on a lathe. Instead, these bowls, vases, dishes and jars were made easily with just one affordable tool - the scroll saw. Using a simple method of cutting a concentric set of rings, Rothman, a former teacher and award-winning cake decorator, shows readers how they can achieve the same graceful form and beauty usually found in lathe-turned objects. She walks readers step-by-step through choosing the appropriate wood, cutting rings with a pattern, drilling entry holes, stacking and gluing the rings together, sanding and finishing. Projects include basic stacked bowls, in addition to more challenging designs using laminated woods, bowls cut from multiple angles and thin wood bowls. Each includes a list of the tools and materials needed, as well as full-size patterns and color photographs of the work in progress and variations of the finished piece. The 136-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

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CABINETS, SHELVES AND HOME STORAGE SOLUTIONS, from the editors of Creative Homeowner, features 36 storage projects for kitchens, baths, living rooms, bedrooms, home offices and utility rooms. Featuring more than 500 illustrations, chapters cover a wide range of projects, including those designed for beginners as well as experienced carpenters. The projects include a chest of drawers, rollout shelf, medicine cabinet, fold-down desk and a laundry table with storage shelves. Of interest is the first chapter focusing on techniques, which presents the foundational elements for building the projects that follow, such as building a frame-and-panel door and installing hardware on doors and hinges. The 224-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

HOME WOODWORKING PROJECTS, produced by the editors of the Shady Oak Press, features 24 project ideas for beautiful and functional pieces for every room. Fully illustrated, this guide offers easy-to-complete woodworking projects designed for woodworkers of all skill levels that will fill real needs in every home, including a glass-top coffee table, double rocker, fireplace mantel and materials cart for the workshop. More than 300 color photographs, diagrams and charts make it easy to see how the projects are completed. Each project is accompanied by a materials list, straightforward diagrams and creative finishing tips. The 160-page softcover sells for $14.95. Contact: Sterling Publishing Co., 387 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10016. Tel: 212-532-7160. www.sterlingpublishing.com