Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Great foundation builder
This book teaches you all the fundamentals you need to know to begin woodworking. With great pictures and lots of tidbits that feel more like advice and wisdom rather than lecture, the book is a great read and makes you want to get your hands dirty as soon as possible. Highly recommended!

Mile wide, inch deep
I have been trying to find the perfect book for a novice woodworker and this is not it.The word "complete" in the title implies that it is for beginners -- as an experienced woodworker would most likely buy more specialized books -- such as a book just on dovetail joints.

For example, it has a chapter on all the different kinds of joints you can make -- which is good for a beginner.But then they have a how-to on using a hollow-chisel mortiser - a machine that no novice has in their shop.

They will often show how to do things on upper-end machinery that is out of the price-range or has too large a footprint for a beginner.Some of these things can't be done as well (if at all) with entry-level tools (like cutting down the width of a board with a band saw).

So it is good if you want to understand the big-picture world of wood working, but it is equally silly to give quick lessons on how to use upper-end tools that a beginner just wouldn't have.

If anyone from Taunton is reading this, it would be great to have a book geared toward the beginner who mostly has bench-top tools and doesn't have tools like jointers and shapers.

What can I add?
I have been a woodbutcher for many years.I did this as an advocation. Wanted to dedicate serious time to fine furniture, and cabinets.As reviewers who rate this text positively note. "It is a great book for getting started."I have had discussions with woodworkers who have different levels of expertise. They have shared similar information to what I can find in this excellent text. It is criticized for being "pedestrian" and this is actually a good quality. Habits and skills come from practice, making mistakes, and doing what works for me. I have other similar books, They are more cutting edge, but this is seriously a great book for people who want to reduce personal mistakes in building mental skills toward planning and preperation. It is not a simple "how to book" but a mentoring manual.

Greatest Book !!!
This is the greatest book to learn how to woodturn.You won't be sorry!

Crisp, great photos, lots of content and pedestrian
Taunton does an excellent job of producing attractive, well written wide market appeal products.The content of Complete Illustrated Guide is a convenient collection of the same articles you will find in their "Fine Woodworking" magazine.The authors are knowledgable, and very successful in thier space.Unfortunately, in building the mass appeal formula, Taunton had to give up anything edgy, its all vanilla and no "rocky road".A recent copy of Fine Woodworking for example rated central dust vacuums.They rated 3 "best" each was from the product line of one of the top three manufacturers each of whom advertise heavily in thier publications.As I recall there is usually one "best" and then others follow.This straddling is what I mean by no edgyness,they are trying to appeal to everyone and offend no one.In the end this approach results in what I believe is the best vanilla product out there and I love to consume what they produce, just have to take it for what it is, mass production.If you have progressed in woodworking to the point where you are becomming an artist or want to learn something new, look here for foundation and elsewhere for creativity.Most folks will benefit from both. ... Read more

Product Description
Today's woodworkers welcome the ease of using power tools. In Bill Hylton's Power-Tool Joinery, they'll discover ways to easily cut a variety of strong, tightly filled joints in short order. This clear guide covers:

-Practical joinery, cut with commonplace power tools including the table saw and the router-A spectrum of joints, including dadoes and grooves, rabbets, sliding dovetails, splined joints, biscuit joints and more-How to select the appropriate joint, several ways to cut and how to assemble it

With the color step-by-step photos in this guide, readers will quickly master the art of classic joinery, using simple and common power tools. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good book for intro to wood joinery with power tools.
I have several of Bill's books and enjoy his style of writing,
very Danny Proulx like in that everything is laid out in it's simplest terms. For each joint he goes over every power tool that can be used to make the joint, along with the pros and cons.
Overall a good reference to have. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (15)

a book of basics
After receiving this book and reading it i was able to get a few good ideas out of it, but a lot of the content is basic knowledge and things you should have learned in wood shop when you went to High School.

Very well written, a must have reference
This is an essential reference for any cabinet or furniture maker. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.The list of joints is pretty exhaustive although there are a few odd joints omitted.The use of jigs is well explained and many are good ideas.The one to hold a router horizontal is a great idea.But in many cases there are commercial jig kits (Krieg and Incra come to mind) that obviate the labor and make things easier that are not mentioned.

I have a couple caveats here.The first is that IMHO too much time is spent on the table saw; this is probably a bit ego centric as I don't own a table saw and don't see the point to them.The second is that while biscuit joinery is popular I find them much more useful with butter and honey, or gravy. Lastly he doesn't really devote enough time to loose tenon joinery.Now that the Festool Domino DF 500 Q Joiner Set is readily available at about the cost of an inferior biscuit joiner they are a more flexible alternative.
(The omission of drawbore joints is a little disappointing but understandable given that most folks only consider screws or glue.)

But still a highly recommended reference.The section on slip joints and the tip on using bamboo skewers to apply glue are worth the price of the book.

nice gift
I haven't read this book, but purchased this as a gift after reading the online descriptions. I did peruse it a bit myself before wrapping and was impressed by the photography and diagrams in particular-very detailed yet clear. A nice gallery of projects in the back, too. The content seems a through treatment of the subject that is simple enough for the amateur to utilize. My friend was delighted to have this.

Classic Joints made easy to understand
I have already read and re-read this book a number of times.A must have for anyone who has a set of power tools and wishes to make fabulous joints.I bought this book based on the reviews I have read here and my expectations were EXCEEDED.

Classic Joints with Power Tools
Excellent reference shows alternative methods depending on what tools you have for cutting different joints. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Deceptive Simplicity
Lately, in the process of doing some remodeling, I've gotten a bit of a bee in my bonnet about making some shoji doors for several entryways.While I'm not so determined that I want to do this using purely Japanese traditional tools and techniques, I believe it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms if one wants a product that is more than a tedious, and cheap imitation.

Mesirow and Herman's book is a very straightforward and practical presentation of the tools of the Japanese carpenters trade.Straightforward, is a relative term.The authors freely admit that "Japanese saws, chisels, planes, knives, axes, and adzes are complicated beyond belief, difficult to use, and hard to maintain."But following that off-putting statement they do their best to bridge the knowledge and experience gap with sections on saws, planes, chisels, marking gauges, and stones, heavily illustrated with pen and ink drawings.

Planes get the most attention, but every subject is presented with enough information to separate the dilettantes from the committed.To a modern Westerner like me, used to exotic machinery that costs only slightly less than the best Japanese traditional tools the idea of tools that take years to learn to use is both awe inspiring and frightening.Yet these very tools are capable of end products that are an order of magnitude finer than precision machinery can deliver.

One can wish that 'The Care and Use of Japanese Woodworking Tools' was a bit more expansive on the qualities and ranges of the various tools.More photographs would have been nice as well as some anecdotes and examples.But as a 'simple,' inexpensive first tour the book does exactly what it is supposed to do, teach and guide.By all means take a look at it. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to tools and their applications includes the fundamentals of workshop layout; reviews hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary tools; and includes step-by-step instructions for a variety of projects and home repairs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Packed with info
I'm glad I got a copy of this book - it was just what I needed. There's almost too much info in it. Very useful for keeping me knowledgeable in the shop. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Poor.
1. Purchased this book based on recommendations from various woodworking blogs.This book is very poorly written.
2. The overview of tools is 'paper thin' (no pun intended).I would not recommend this book to any woodwork begining or otherwise.SAVE YOUR MONEY.

Misprinted book
Overall, I would rate the book very highly, but the copy that I purchased from a vendor in California was improperly bound; pages 144 through 160 were replaced with a second copy of pages 129 thru 144. I e-mailed the publisher, Lark Books, and as yet have recieved no reply. So much for customer service! If I could find an address, I would e-mail the author directly. Impressive book, would be better from a different publisher that new how page numbers were supposed to operate or cared about their customers.

A well written basic overview...
Though I would consider myself primarily a power tool woodworker, I have recently been dabbling in hand tools to supplement my enjoyment of the craft.Although I was already familiar with all of the various types of hand tools, this book provided me with a lot of valuable advice about how to proceed in the collection and use of my own set.I found many sections of this book to be very informative, while others were merely entertaining.For instance, Mr. Rae (as well as every other hand tool proponent out there) suggests that some very good deals can be had on old/used tools if you keep your eyes open.I have looked at every pile of used tools at every garage sale and auction and flea market I have come across for years now and I have yet to find anything that was in usable shape and had a price that could be considered a bargain.I think that the days when used tools could be had for a bargain are gone because everyone seems to know what they are worth now.

In my opinion the real standout section of this book is the chapter covering 'edge tools'.The author admits these are his favorite tools and his coverage of all things relating to planes is impressive.I admit that I learned a great deal from his coverage of the topic 'Making a bench plane perform'.

Though there is a multitude of wisdom in this book, and I do recommend it, I have to say that a better choice on this subject is 'Mastering Hand Tool Techniques' by Alan and Gill Bridgewater.

The title says it all
As a novice woodworker primarily interested in builing projects with hand tools, I have found this book indispensable.It covers a wide range of hand tools, describing selection, use and care. It also gives recommendations on how to start your tool collection; the essential equipment and where to find or how to make them.

The text is informative yet very readable.The pictures are full rich color.The author even includes a few projects, such as a workbench, to get you on your way.

Obviously, no one book can tell you everything you need to know about hand tools (after all you can find entire books on planes or saws alone), but if you want a solid basis to start your hand tool collection and use, I'd start here. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Woodshop Jigs & Fixtures
Book is in very good condition, in fact better than expected.Shipping costs are way too high.

Great book for newbies and a good resource finder
The photos in this book are all Black-and white. While not as flashy as some modern tomes on the subject, black-and-white photos reduce publishing cost and are perfectly suited to showing how these jigs work. Also, there are many black-and-white line-drawings, (Hand-drawn illustrations).

Illustrations are often much better than photographs, because they can show the inside of a part as if it were invisible. You can "see-through" an object to understand its function. These high-quality illustrations are made by professional illustrators who obviously understand the operation of the mechanisms. Taunton should be lauded for maintaining their high standards and using these talented illustrators. Also, the print is not too small for old eyes... that's smart and "user-friendly."

As always, the Taunton editing style is present: concise, casual, efficient use of good modern English makes the reading easy and understanding clear.

From my personal viewpoint, the "resources" index (starting on page # 224) is worth the price of the book.I already know about most of the jig & fixtures in the book and have used something like every one of them at one time or another. But when designing your own jigs, replacing old ones or building those in this book, the BIGGEST hassle is FINDING THE MATERIALS.

Where do you buy UMHW plastic in strips?
Where can I find that nifty semi-circular fence-stop and what the heck is it called? (it's called a "curved lid support.") Many times, just knowing the NAME of a product will help us find that thing, especially in today's internet-driven world.

The "product-specific" resource pages, ( 224 to 227) are the biggest time saver.Alloyed to that "product specific" concept are the clear "call-outs" on each illustration. Each illustration "calls-out" the proper name of the components, then you can find that thing by its name in the resource-guide. Anyone who has ever seen an architectural drawing, engineering blueprint or just good project-plans will immediately recognize the proper draftsman-style labeling. They show the correct name for each critical part, particularly if that part is arcane or hard-to-find. Great!

The organization of the book is useful too...
Sections and chapters are categorized by FUNCTION and RELATED FUNCTIONS; i.e. "Fences that guide" or "Stops to limit travel". There is a separate section for "materials" (the stuff you make jigs with) and "hardware" (the stuff that holds other stuff together and makes it work.) That's smart. It takes an otherwise dreary process and makes it easy-to-find what I need FAST!

This is the second book I have purchased from "booklady" and I have to say the service is good. The package arrived ahead of schedule, which means it was in stock and shipped immediately. I got e-mail confirmation of the shipment. The book was as described and packaged well enough to withstand the abuse it obviously endured from the postal service. Booklady will get more of my business whenever possible.

I could find some niggling peeves about this ( and other Taunton books)...

The material is re-hashed... and the editors know it. There isn't much that is truly "new" in woodworking, either in methods, machines or jigs. Much of the material herein is old-news to old guys like me. Indeed, much of it is recycled from old FW articles... but that's not too offensive in this case because of the good organization.

Some other Taunton publications are NOT so well organized. They sometimes focus on making their books "pretty," which is not a crime, but it does add to the cost. Making appearance the priority might help sell books to the uninitiated, but it makes it harder to deliver meaningful informative content. The "new" Taunton is too worried about maintaining its premier status amongst woodworking publications and expanding their publishing dominance. That's why they have expanded and divided into other related "craft", "construction" and "living" areas, instead of focusing on what they originally did best... Fine Woodworking techniques and design.

Because my father was a subscriber from its inception, I witnessed the rise of Taunton publications and its de-evolution into a haughty, somewhat snobbish "lifestyle" rag. And ALL the Taunton publications are now too focused on promoting advertised products, rather than delivering well-organized information.

The new Taunton is only "organized" in the sense that it is compartmentalized. They make articles, books and (now online) videos about minutia, separating each individual subject into as many sub-categories as possible in their never-ending quest for profitable content. Ninety-five percent of everything we see at FineWoodworking.com and in the magazine was covered well in the Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking series decades ago. This book suffers from that same "soft-sell" profit-driven undercurrent, though not nearly as much as others.

The "resources" are valuable, but I notice that they only list "resources" that advertise with FW magazine. OK... go ahead and list your check-writing advertisers first, but Taunton should also list other sources. Help some of those little specialty shops that can't afford to advertise (now) so they can grow big enough to one-day spend ad-bucks at FW. And all publishers should remember that a little competition amongst their "resources" reduces prices for all woodworkers and encourages better service too. Fair competition promotes better goods and services, helps stabilize economic downturns and ultimately will net them MORE advertising revenue. If they are hip enough to publish articles and manufacture whole magazine concepts on "green" architecture, "Fine" living, funky-cheap recycling crafts, (Threads, junk market style, and "crap-market-style") then they should realize that helping the little guy, ultimately helps us all.

Summary... If you are new to woodworking and want to get the most from your shop-machines, this is a great book to read and study. Even an old-pro can save time using it as a resource and a handy reference for shop-drawings. This book is valuable to own, even if you already literally know, "every trick in the book." I will keep it near-by and dust-free so I can refer to it often. It is one of Taunton's better books.

Helpful & Practical
This is the first Nagyzalanczy book I have read and it won't be the last. I am impressed by his ability to fully explain things without it reading like a textbook. I found solutions to problems I was having within five minutes of opening the book. His jigs are useful for all levels of woodworking experience.

Explore the book using Amazon's "Look Inside". I'm sure you will find plenty of ideas that will be helpful to you. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive guide that describes and illustrates over700 of the most important antique tools, covering all categories fromwooden and metal planes, braces and measuring devices, to axes, sawsand wrenches. Included are over 250 original photographs, plus manyline drawings that show these tools in use. Also covered are: where tofind antique tools; how to buy and sell them; valuable tips oncleaning, restoring and displaying; books to read; clubs andorganizations to join; common and not-so-common pitfalls to avoid;materials used in tools. A complete and conveniently organizedreference guide for anyone concerned with antique tools. 203pages. 81/2" x 11". Soft cover. ... Read more

Product Description
Nearly every operation in woodworking uses a piece of steel between the woodworker and the wood. This steel needs to be cared for and sharpened for the best results. "The Perfect Edge" is an up-to-date book on sharpening every woodworking tool, using the latest sharpening stones, tools and techniques. The author brings more than twenty-five years of experience, working with demanding customers and staying on top of the latest trends. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great info for newbies, metallurgy made easy, plus GREAT tips!
All woodworkers know Ron Hock. He makes and sells great blades for planes and knives. If you do not yet know him, this book is an introduction and a good way to benefit from his experience.

He starts by explaining what steel really is: a combination of iron with a small percentage of carbon. Then he explains the different properties of steel alloys. He describes how steel is made, forged, heat-treated and quenched. He explains how all of those operations affect the steel that tools are made from. Without too much boring background, you can quickly learn what took me decades to learn: how different steels affect tool performance.

Some readers may find this too academic, but I assure you of two things: 1- this is the most "user friendly" introduction to applied metallurgy I have ever seen, and 2-you cannot possibly understand sharpening without knowing at least a little about steel.

If you just love tools and are considering which tools to buy, then metallurgy is fundamental to spending wisely. For that reason alone, I can recommend this book because Ron's knowledge can save you THOUSANDS!(no exaggeration)

Woodworkers are bombarded with ads for a bewildering array of gadgets, machines, abrasives and "sharpening systems." Which one is the right investment? Ron explains them ALL and divides them into categories anyone can understand. You will have to "read between the lines" a bit though. The publishers are wary of offending their advertisers. So Ron must temper his critiques with practical compromises. He can't come outright and say, "this is the best way to sharpen planes" or "This system sucks." He must offer alternatives and show pictures of all manufacturer's products. The reader is left to use Ron's impartial facts and make his own decisions. If you do not like to think for yourself, or rather someone just tell you what to buy, you won't like this book. If you are capable of culling useful facts and applying them, you will gain immensely and save boatloads of cash on tools AND sharpening gear.

BTW: if you prefer to have someone just show you a single system that works well, Get David Charlesworth's book. His system works pretty well for most woodworkers, beginners and pros alike. Though expensive and slow, it is not too expensive or too slow. For those who have less patience and want to just "pay the fee and get on with it" David's way is faster. Ron's book is for those of us who are still curious and want to know everything about the subject because we are always looking for more efficient or less expensive methods. I have respect for the Old School Skills and know them intimately, but even my Father (born in 1898) would appreciate Ron's practical modern attitude. Also, Ron explains why David's famous "ruler trick" can work for plane blades but is not ideal for chisels.

So if you are new and uninformed, or experienced yet confused by the bewildering array of manufacturer's claims and products, this book will end that confusion quickly. The book is worth the cost.

Metallurgy can definitely seem a dreary arcane subject. (I fell asleep during several college lectures) But Ron's focused goal of sharpening keeps avid woodworkers intrigued. Obviously, Ron has spent many years answering woodworkers questions about tool steel in relation to sharpening, so in this work he culled together answers to most woodworker's FAQs. By providing information that relates directly to tool steel, he dramatically shortens your learning curve. I wish i could have had this book 30 years ago. It would have saved me so much time and a ton of homework drudgery.

What I love about the metallurgical truth Mr Hock presents: He debunks common marketing myths about various tool steels. What steel is better? A2 or O1? Why not use HSS or M2 steel for plane blades? Why might a chisel benefit from a different steel than a plane?How flat does a plane's sole have to be? How much time should sharpening take? What IS sharpness? How sharp does this tool really need to be?

Ron explains what truly experienced, over-educated (and kinda geeky) woodworkers already know, but he presents it in a way that is neither insulting to the reader nor confrontational to the manufacturers.

Speaking of manufacturers: It is painfully obvious that the publishing editors of Popular Woodworking kowtow to their advertisers. This glossy, full color tome is FULL of product photos for every type of sharpening jig, machine, gadget. I do not believe this is criminal, but it does add too much "advertising fluff" to an otherwise edifying concise work.

To be truly objective and honest, any book on sharpening should show the results of the various jigs and sharpening systems. Well, at the very end of the book, Ron does exactly that.

Without flatly stating "this system is better or worse", he shows us micro-photographs of cutting edges taken with a scanning electron microscope.Ron (and / or his publishers) actually commissioned Steve Anderson of Sonoma State university to photograph cutting edges after they had been sharpened by various abrasives and methods. If you want to SEE the "plane" truth, get this book solely for the last chapter. It is worth the price of admission JUST for that.

There is one GREAT new tip I got from this book about sharpening scissors; On page 197 Ron shows us a unique new trick for sharpening (actually honing) a pair of scissors with a common tool found in every woodworker's shop: a burnisher.
The tittle of this VERY valuable trick is "HANDY TRICK, sharpen your scissors in three seconds with your burnisher." I sat bolt-upright when I saw this. The single photograph explains how to do it. I immediately went to my kitchen where we have numerous pairs of dull scissors. (A wife, three sons and one daughter can ruin scissor as fast as I buy them.) I tried it. It WORKS!

Do you realize how valuable this one tip is? Most people use scissors in the office or kitchen everyday, or at least once a week. How much frustration does it cause you when they stop cutting well? How much money would you save if you could quickly renew the cutting edge on every pair of scissors in your house a dozen times?

Well, I conservatively figure that in our house, I could save at least $20 a year... not enough to retire with, but that would buy a round of beers or certainly defray the cost of this book. When the twenty pairs of cheap scissors get dull, (or lost) my beloved family members sneak into my shop and "borrow" my good scissors. They inevitably dull the edge on my good pairs, I have to spend infuriated time honing the edges again. For this single tip alone, Ron has done as much for my blood pressure as my nightly glass of wine. THANKS RON!

If you visit his website or buy is products, you'll see Ron Hock is a likable, easy-goin', down-to-Earth guy. He is also very knowledgeable! His writing style is easy-to-read and to-the-point. His video presentations on Plane Kits and other subjects are also succinct, although he made not be an on-screen "natural." ;-)He even brings some humor to these otherwise tedious subjects.

Although I could do without the manufacturer / advertiser "fluff", this book is full of solid crucial information if you want to know about sharpening tools. Although I already had a practical education in metallurgy, Ron's unique contribution to literature makes that otherwise dreary subject interesting and pointedly useful to woodworkers. The super-microscopic photos at the end of the book tell the truth, but you have to look for it; the truth doesn't shout out at you so as to avoid offending valuable sponsors.

Even though i already knew much of the material herein, I am delighted i got it as a useful reference for long-forgotten steel-science, and new emerging technology. It is surely one of the most thorough books on sharpening; one of the few that really educates from a foundation in metallurgy. Anyone who owns ANY tools, (including kitchen knives and scissors) will learn something valuable they can use for the rest of their lives.

And for me personally, the "three-second scissor trick" is worth the price. For that alone, Ron deserves some kind of medal... (maybe a "Domestic Tranquility Peace Prize?) Who knows? Some family with many dull-scissor problems might even be spared divorce!

Now, the only remaining question: "From what type of metal shall Ron's medal be made?" A2 or O1? ;-)

super book!
I have several books good books on sharpening.This one is at the top of the heap, being the most comprehensive and informative of any of them, while being very easy to read, with excellent photography.

Ron Hock is a class act, always cheerfully responding to emails about his blades and other products and the stupid user questions that I've sent him. Like his book, he's always been very helpful, giving me the info that I needed, when I needed it.His blades are top notch too. The Perfect Edge should be on every woodworker's book shelf.

Not for me
After reception of 'The perfect edge' I changed my mind and also bought the 'Complete Guide to Sharpening' by Leonard Lee.Hard to say why,maybe I missed unity and purpose.

A clear guide to steels and sharpening

This is a comprensive work on the sharpening process for a wide range of woodworking tools. There is marerial for the least to the widely experienced woodworker. The section on steels, while not dealing with all the issues, does much to debunk many myths.
Photography was very good and provided more than adequate visual examlpes of techniques described in the text.

Ron Hock's New Book
I have read this book and if you are looking for a book on metals and sharpening this is the one for you.I own the book Sharpening by Leonard Lee and this is a much better book IMHO (In My Humble Opinion). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent for the purchasing, tuning and using of old tools.
This small book shows with words and pictures exactly what to look forwhen contemplating the purchase of an old tool. It explains what the toolwas used for, how to spot broken parts and how to make it work the way itis supposed to. In some cases it shows the evolution from primitive tomodern hand tool. Excellent sections on the many different types of planesfrom smoothing planes to complicated molding planes. A keeper for futurereference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Expand Your Shop
This is a very informative book on how to make your own woodworking hand tools.A wealth of how-to information.

Make your own woodshop tools and fixtures
This book is a valuable tool for those who want to increase their woodworking abilities by making tools. Twenty-five tool and jig plans are included. Skill levels required range from beginner to intermediate.

A complete range of hand tools is covered. Jigs and fixtures include plans for a replacement fence for table saws and two router tables. Plans for a lathe and a thickness sander are also included and will require intermediate woodworking and shop skills to put together.

Each plan includes detailed drawings and measurements, cutting diagrams, bills of materials and step-by-step instructions. Sources for specialty items and hardware are included with each plan ... Read more

Product Description
This text provides common-sense techniques applicable to all brands of machinery to help you choose, set up and tune your machines for safety, precision and efficiency, and help you avoid making mistakes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

How to choose, set up and tune your machines for safety....
,precision and efficiency. If you have invested in woodworking machines, you want and need to get the most out of them. In Mastering Woodworking Machines, Mark Duginske shows you how to choose, set up, and tune your machine for safety, precision, and efficiency. His common-sense techniques will help you avoid frustrating mistakes and put you in complete control of your woodworking projects.

Duginske's systematic approach picks up where owner's manuals leave off, and it applies to all brands and makes of machinery. You'll also learn how to prepare stock effectively and how to produce the joints and cabinet parts you need without any expensive add-on jigs. Whatever you want to make in your shop, you'll work more efficiently with Duginske at your elbow. (As quoted form the FWW site).

gain the confidence to master your woodworking machines
This is a great book, that will help you learn how to tune up your woodworking machines. It is written with wit and some very dry (Wisconsin) humor. The entire book is very readable and informative on woodworking in general, and on tuning woodworking machines in particular.

I read the whole book, and used the information on tuning the table saw in great depth. I was able to take an old Taiwanese table saw that had serviceable tolerances, and tune it to maximum performance. Initially, I concentrated on measuring the run-out of the arbor to decide whether the machine was worth keeping at all. It was. A year later, after moving, I went back to this reference and found a problem with the trunion alignment. In so doing, I also found and fixed a potentially dangerous problem with the blade raising mechanism. Once identified, it was easily fixed, but I wouldn't have had the courage to look without the confidence inspired by the author's careful treatment. He made the process seem simple, and encouraged patience and perseverance in approaching the tune-up task.

All of this was very necessary in the case of my old saw.

The best sections, in my opinion, are the table saw and band saw, but he covers a number of machines, including the router, shaper, and jointer. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
& 400 drawings & 8 x 11.Helpful for the expert, indispensable for the beginner& Instructive line drawingsEverything woodworkers need to know about every kind of tool--saws, planes, chisels, power tools, marking and testing tools, boring tools, knives, hammers, and clamps. Learn how they are made, how they function, and how to condition them. Step-by-step exercises show proper use of each tool, and easy projects demonstrate the application of techniques.Alan and Gill Bridgewater, authors of Boxes and Chests (see page 79), have written and illustrated more than 40 books on woodworking, carving, and crafts. They live in England. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A MUST have for your shop!
You gotta have this book if you will be doing any woodwork and using tools!
Clearly tells what to do and how to do it to keep your tools in good working order. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Technology ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Reads like a Term Paper or part of a Masters Thesis
The entire "paper", I'd hardly call it a book, isn't worth $20.00.The author constantly refers to illustrations in books that are loooongggg out of print, and having done so makes it extremely difficult to learn anything from it. You won't like this "paper" unless you happen to own or have access to these books (referred to by the author): Roubo, Andre-Jacob: L'Art du menuisier, 1761-1788;Moxon, Joseph:Mechanick exercises, 1703;Nicholson. Peter: The mechanic's companion, 1832;Diderot, Denis: L'encyclopedie, ou dictionnaire raisonne des sciences, des arts et des metiers, 1751-1765; Petrie, Sir William Matthew Flinders: Tools and weapons illustrated by the Egyptian collection in University College, London, 1917 ... Read more

Product Description
The router is one of the most versatile tools in any shop, and router tables make it even more versatile by incorporating it into a stationary platform.

The router table opens up a whole new world of using the router that simply can't be done using it freehand. Ultimate Guide to the Router Table starts by giving the reader the option of building their own router table (with plans) or buying a manufactured table (with suggestions on what to look for when buying). In either case, this book gives the woodworker all the information they need to use their router table. Basic router-table knowledge is covered in the first chapter: safety issues, setup fundamentals, feed direction and workpiece control. The next chapters cover specific operations unique to the router table. The woodworker is not only how to do an operation, but why to do it in the way explained (and the pitfalls of trying to do it another way). Sidebars and tip boxes will highlight appropriate router bit choices, details on how to construct jigs that can be used in conjunction with the router table and other essential information. Illustrations and close-up photos show procedures clearly. *A router is mounted under a table with the business end of the router protruding up through a hole in the table. This enables the user to perform tasks that can't be done with the router hand held. Operations such as edge profiling, making mouldings, cutting lock-miter joints, box joints, rabbets, grooves, splined miters, using templates, pin routing and more can be done using a router table. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great Tips and Tricks
Another book by Bill Hylton that I love. This book, combined with Woodworking For the Router and Router Magic make up a near-perfect reference collection for the router. Lots of pictures and tips that router users of any skill level will find useful. Some of the extra pictures are useful if you are considering building one of the router tables in Woodworking For The Router. Lots of great advice that have made the router my tool of choice for a lot more jobs :)

Very informative and helpful
A great book for the beginner router user, but probably useful enough for relatively experienced users too.
Being almost exclusively aimed at router table usage, not just general router usage, allows it to be very comprehensive and cover a lot of details.

Highly recommended

Excellent handbook
This book is a fantastic, comprehensive review of all important router techniques.Has enough detail and tricks to really get something done.It dispenses with alot of the fluffy theory and gets down to it.Excellent organization and highly instructive.Pictures are excellent.

Techiques well described
Hylton gives great advice and instructions for working with a router table. It could use a fiew project ideas so the reader wants to try the new skills. Those ideas are readily availiable everywhere, but for the book to score 5 points I'd want to see some in here too.

Bill Hylton's Ultimate Guide to the Router Table
An excellent book, with advice on simple yet effective means of accomplishing various routing objectives, while also covering advanced techniques. ... Read more

Product Description
You've seen a few shows on TV, and working with wood looks like it could be quite entertaining and rewarding. After all, you get to create something that you can proudly display to your friends and family. But where and how do you begin to move from expressed interest to hands-on experience?

Woodworking For Dummies shows you how your raw building materials stack up, with everything you wood need to know about hardwood, softwood, plywood, veneer wood, plain-sawn wood, rift-cut wood, quarter-sawn wood, solid wood, man-made wood, and more. This down-to-earth guide gives you the goods on how boards are made from trees and the characteristics of hardwood and softwood species, plus all the buzz on

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

historical critical basics
this book is the bee's knees. it gives a terrific overview of the history of hand tools and their progression plus dated timeline of when they appeared and disappeared. In very clear writing, it tells in detail on the use and purpose of the tool. it helped me a lot in my level of understanding.
... Read more