Woodshop library

BOX BUILDER’S HANDBOOK by A.J. Hamler presents 20 step-by-step projects. A thorough introduction includes discussion on joinery, material selection, hardware, finishes and construction advice.

Chapters are divided by individual projects, some of which include the heart box, watch box, spool cabinet, pencil box, mailbox, vertical jewelry box and wine box. Of interest are the author’s tips and suggestions on how to use each project as a springboard to make additional boxes of that type. The 176-page softcover sells for $24.99. Publisher: Popular Woodworking Books.

THE REAL WOOD BIBLE, by Nick Gibbs, was updated with woods rated for sustainability status. The resource guide features information (key characteristics, working properties, availability and cost) for more than 100 woods, broken down into principal, secondary and special-effects categories. Wood images are displayed — with and without a finish. The 256-page softcover sells for $19.95. Publisher: Firefly Books.

This article originally appeared in the April 2012 issue.