Woodshop library: new books

TOOLS RARE AND INGENIOUS, by Sandor Nagyszalanczy, is not about new, hi-tech tools. Instead, it's about rare and vintage tools from the past, brought to life through 413 color photos with complete descriptions. From 18th-century axes, to bone saws, to fancy scroll saws that are only 5-1/2" high, Nagyszlanczy covers it all. Interesting tidbits and little-known facts are included with each tool portrait. A highlight is the chapter about stamping maker's marks, logos and advertising on tools. Information about a hatchet head stamped with a Buster Brown Shoes logo, then given away to customers as a thank you for purchasing new shoes, is fascinating. The book also features antique prototypes and miniatures of larger patent application designs that are rarely seen outside of collector's vaults. From simply designed tools to those that glitter in jewels and gold, nearly every sort of uncommon and interesting tool is featured, with some real works of art highlighted. The 216-page hardcover book sells for $37. Contact: Taunton Direct, 63 S. Main St., P.O. Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com

ROUTER FUNDAMENTALS, by Rick Peters, is another addition to the

Popular Mechanics Workshop series of books. Peters explores the router and all its possibilities by presenting step-by-step instructions, well-thought-out plans, and 192 pages of router information. The book delves into the basics — such as choosing the right make of router for your needs, how to hold it, what direction a router should be run to make a cut — before moving on to more high-end techniques. Router projects for the novice and intermediate woodworker are provided, including fully diagramed plans to build a shop-made router table and table fence. This work explores the world of the router in explicit detail. The 192-page softcover sells for $17.95. Contact: Sterling Publishing Co., 387 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10016-8810. Tel: 212-532-7160. www.sterlingpub.com

THE SOURCEBOOK OF ARCHITECTURAL & INTERIOR ART, the 19th edition, presents the work of nearly 200 artists in a full-color reference book, allowing design professionals to search for and contact artists from many disciplines. The Sourcebook showcases examples of the artists' work and offers suggestions from choosing the right artist to using the correct terms on a contract. Information also covers those artists who work in specific concentrations, including public art, furniture, lighting, fine art photo and architectural elements. A review committee of industry professionals evaluated many art pieces and works before arriving at which artisans should be included in the book. The sourcebook is distributed free of charge to architects, art consultants, public art administrators, landscape architects and interior designers throughout North America. The 280-page softcover can also be purchased from the publisher for $37.50. Contact: The Guild, 931 E. Main St., No. 9, Madison, WI 53703. Tel: 877-284-8453.www.artfulhome.com