Woodshop library

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill: 50th anniversary of the restoration with photos and text by David Toczko, is a photographic tribute to one of Kentucky’s historic treasures. Provides a “walking” tour of the village, beginning at the western edge of the property and moving eastward with the photos taken over a four-year period during every season and nearly every time of day.

More than 260 stunning color images showcase the village’s historic structures, lifestyle, architecture, culture and scenic beauty. Toczko is a longtime Kentucky resident and a Western Kentucky University graduate. The 200-page hardcover sells for $39.95. Contact: Acclaim Press. Tel: 573-472-9800. www.acclaimpress.com

WOODWORKER’S GUIDE TO TURNING, edited by John Kelsey, is the most recent book from Fox Chapel Publishing’s Back to Basics Series, which makes learning to turn easy and fast. It introduces the reader to the lathe and explains machine setup and how to use turning tools. It teaches spindle and faceplate turning with projects for making a goblet, lidded box, laminated plate, table top and more. It’s suited for the beginner who doesn’t want to get bogged down with too much information and the experienced craftsmen who needs a handy reference tool by their side. The 144-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

BUILDING A STRIP CANOE, by Gil Gilpatrick, is a revised edition that guides readers on building a canoe for any type of water. The author has built more than 500 canoes in his 30 years of teaching, while serving as an Allagash River master guide. Gilpatrick has field-tested countless canoes and made modifications to their designs. This step-by-step guide presents plans for building eight canoes. It begins with important safety advice and includes instructions for caning seats and making paddles. It’s suited for the beginner who’s never built a canoe or the experienced woodworker who wants to try a new design. The 128-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

THE HANDYMAN’S GUIDE TO ESSENTIAL WOODWORKING TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES, by Paul N. Hasluck, is reprint of a classic guide that has been showing readers how to use hand tools for almost a century. It covers the basics, such as explaining how a hammer works, and teaches proper use. It is a great source for kids putting together their first tool kit and also offers step-by-step instruction for building hundreds of woodworking projects, including gates and fences, sheds and trellises, tables and chairs, yard and garden accessories, desks and cabinets, porches and bookcases. The 768-page softcover, which contains more than 3,000 illustrations, sells for $12.95. Contact: Skyhorse Publishing Tel: 212-643-6816. www.skyhorsepublishing.com

This article originally appeared in the June 2011 issue.