Product Description
Using the three basic approaches to producing curved parts-laminate bending, steam bending, and milling by machine-this book provides step-by-step instructions on each method, the pros and cons of each project, and how to troubleshoot problems. Also included are discussions and advice as to what methods will work and what methods will not in various applications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Complete Manual of Wood Bending
My Boyfriend loved this book. he has been reading since i got it for him. He says that it has the answers that he's been want ing regarding the art of woodbending

Easy to read and follow
I purchased this book as a gift for my husband who works with wood for a hobby.He says it is an excellent book and easy to understand.
I liked the prompt and reliable shipping from Amazon.The book was a birthday gift and arrived well before the time I needed it.

I bought three books on wood bending; this is the best
After getting in over my head, I bought three wood bending books: this one (Schleining), Zachary Taylor's "Wood Bender's Handbook" and "Fine Woodworking on Bending Wood."Taylor is slightly more recent, but it omits many pertinent aspects.For example, he doesn't cover milling (cutting) or coopering (low-angle joints) wood as a way to obtain curves, and he gives little attention to some practical aspects, such as drawing plans.Taylor is relatively superficial and focused on making musical instruments.The Fine Woodworking book is spotty (magazine articles from 1975-1984) and covers many advanced topics (e.g. Lapstrake boatbuilding, tapered laminations, violin making).Schleining is by far the best choice for the intermediate-level amateur that needs advice from someone with a lot of practical experience.His sidebars and outlines really help a woodworker make good decisions.He gives extremely helpful details on glueing, jigs, and routing.He shies away from steam-bending, because it gives such variable results, but he finds that it can often be combined profitably with follow-up milling or laminating.He gives superb practical advice on which machine to use in what combination, he has excellent jig plans, and many hard-won safety recommendations.He does not provide project plans (Taylor does for oval boxes, walking sticks, boat ribs, and chair backs).Luthiers will enjoy this book, but also find more detail in the other two. ... Read more

Product Description

Put the Past to Work in Your Shop

First printed in 1889, this book was written to educate college students in the craft and business of woodworking. Here, the original text is reprinted in its entirety, not only to help you discover late 19th-century practices in woodworking, but to help you make the most of traditional hand tools in the modern shop. As you work throug a series of 39 exercises, you'll discover how to:

Customer Reviews (1)

Don't buy it
This is a crude OCR print from a scan and does not include any of the essential illustrations and is worthless. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Great patterns!
I got this book strictly for the patterns but found I also gained some good info along the way. Nice patterns, well written directions and photos, it's a keeper! Highly recommend it.

The best scroll saw production book
Initially I had some reservations about this book not knowing for sure the approach the book will take. However,after having purchased this book I have made puzzles that have amazed my friends and me as well.For all those persons who are interested in Scroll sawing this book is a MUST.Peter Richards from Trinidad and Tobago.

Book delivery well done
Got this book shortly after I ordered it. In great condition and very useful. I am now wordless, that's all I can say. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether making a delicate violin, a pair of skis or a graceful armchair, you'll need to bend wood. This text presents the basic methods and trade secrets from the experts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

diverse articles
This book covers a diverse amount of applications, from boat building, furniture building, and luthier.All of the techniques are from old timers.The articles are suggestions from professions that bend wood for a living.There is a plan for how to build your own steam chamber, plus where you can buy equipment.Granted the articles are old but the ideas still apply today.After reading this book, i have created my own steam chamber, bending platforms, clamps, and an understanding of what woods bend well and which don't.It is a collection of articles not a book written by one person, so it is not point A to point B.I keep this book nearby in my shop for quick reference and i hope you do to.

Canoe Building
My husband loves working with wood.He and his friend were building a canoe in our basement.He wanted to know the correct way to bend wood without it breaking.This book did the trick.It has become part of his woodworking library.Thank you.

Way below my expectations
I got really disapointed when I received and read this book.It provides advanced techniques that a regular woodworker would never use.The parts that woodworkers use the most are vague.I'm not intereset in making violins or boats.I need techniques to bend wood, to use joints for curved surfaces, tobuild equipment and fixtures to bend wood and so on.This book lacks of the practical guidelines to do so. ... Read more

Product Description
Finishing often seems to require more alchemy than skill. This book takes the magic and guesswork out of finishing by collecting the best recent material on finishing written by experts ranging from finishing chemists to America's best amateur woodworkers. These are practical solutions and accessible finishes, enabling anyone to get a great looking finish every time. Chapters include surface preparation, hand finishing tools and techniques, coloring wood, and special techniques. This is a must-have reference for weekend refinishers and woodworkers alike.Amazon.com Review
Any woodworker knows that the usefulness of common woodshoptools, both hand and power, is limited to a few basic functions. Thisis where the use of jigs and shop accessories comes in to createinfinite possibilities, shortcuts, and faster or more accurate ways ofusing common tools to create extraordinary woodworking results. Hereare some of America's most clever woodworkers' tips on guiding toolsand solutions for common problems found in the woodshop. Included isexpert advice on choosing the right materials for jig-making,special-purpose work benches and workbench fixtures, router tables andjigs for joinery and shaping, table-saw jigs for ripping,cross-cutting, joinery and safety, jigs for drill presses, lathes,planers, and chop saws that will show the woodworker how to producenearly any kind of finished piece imaginable in less time and withgreater accuracy. This detailed and well-illustrated book will nodoubt become a fixture in many woodshops and will be referred torepeatedly by both hobbyists and professional woodworkers. --MarkA. Hetts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

More modern info online for free
Save your dough, buy a different book or get your info somewhere else, online for free. Ancient.

Surface Values
Finishes & Finishing Techniques is part of Taunton Press' essentials of woodworking series.It is the first of two compilations from Fine Woodworking that cover a wide variety of finishing techniques and styles.This wide spread of material, and the variety of opinions that a collection of articles can present make this a valuable resource for the woodworker, although I think that a good introductory book is still a necessity.Fine Woodworking articles are written for practitioners with a certain amount of experience and confidence, exploring a lot of the variations that are possible.This can be overwhelming for someone who just wants to put a nice finish on that all-important first project.

The structure of the book is straightforward - sections on surface preparation, coloring wood, hand finishing, spray finishing, water-based finishes, and special techniques.I found the special techniques particularly interesting in that it provided an approach to blotch free cherry finishing that has become the basis for most of the finishing I do.There are also some articles on aging, antiquing, and repairs.And even an article on not finishing at all which is a bit eye-opening.

This is all good, well-written material, but don't expect to absorb it in one sitting.When you are contemplating a new project this is one of the best resources for finding solutions and coming up with a new approach rather than the same old rubbing finish.

We can all learn new tricks
The book is filled with secrets, tips, tricks and techniques of the all elusive perfect finish.
Even after 35 years in cabinet making I found the chapters well researched and extremely informative.
Did you ever find yourself saying, "Oh yeah... that's how that works!"? You'll say that a few times when reading this one.

Very Useful Book
I found the book quite comprehensive, including information on how the "pros" do it. I was not interested in obtaining the finish found on most medium-quality furniture (lacquer applied with a hvlp spray gun).I wanted to learn about French polishing, finishing with shellac, dying vs. staining wood - generally, how to create fine hand-rubbed finishes.This book explains how. It also told you where to obtain hard-to-find materials.

Enough Books for the Weekend Refinisher!
Aren't there enough finishing books written for the hobbyist? How about a book that shows the hobbyists how they can get professional looking finishes by using professional tools, techniques and materials? Books like this keep the hobbyist at hobbyist levels, never raising the stakes or the standards. The big fault is the publisher, Taunton Press because this publisher is not interested in focusing on the true craft of wood finishing.

If other crafts were treated as immaturely as wood finishing, weekend woodworkers would build nothing more complicated than popsicle stick houses. Only the craft of wood finishing gets this bay treatment approach when it comes to publishing books. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A good compendium of wood bending techniques
I really like this book.It provides a good overview of a variety of wood bending techniques including green wood bending, constructing curved wood laminates, hot water bending, steam bending, heat bending of relatively thin materials, vacuum press bending, etc.The author discusses how to design and build bending forms and illustrates the techniques with a variety of in-depth projects.As an example, he illustrates hot water bending with the project of building a shaker oval box.The instructions for this (and all other projects) are quite complete, so one won't be left scratching one's head in the middle of a project.One could get a pretty good background in wood bending (as well as have a lot of fun!) by carrying out the different projects.

One feature I found quite interesting was his discussion of how luthiers use heat (no water or steam involved) to bend the sides of a guitar.Apparently this can be done wither without a form or completely free-hand (with no form at all) using a heated "pipe" to heat and bend the wood sides by hand.I rather imagine doing this might be possible, but that without a lot of practice, it'd be well nigh impossible to get the two sides of the guitar bent so they are symmetrical.All in all, using forms seems easier to me.

While some of the material (that on guitars and violins, for example) may be a bit specialized, it is still of interest.Then too, one never knows when a bit of knowledge may come in useful.

I got this because I was primarily interested in information about steam bending.The book did a good job of discussing that, but I appreciated reading about other techniques as well.All in all, a very informative and interesting book. ... Read more

Product Description
After woodworkers finish projects, they want to be able to apply the best finish possible--quickly, without worry and mistakes. In this useful guide, woodworker Joe L'Erario shows them how, providing:

-28 years of finishing and refinishing experienced, presented through easy-to-master techniques and quick tricks-Steps to remove old finishes and to prep surfaces for the best results possible-Information on a variety of finishes, as well as detailed instructions on how to apply them

With step-by-step color photos, this book will show woodworkers, furniture makers, and DIY'ers how to apply a finish flawlessly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Wood crafts
The book, Creating the Perfect Wood Finish with Joe L Erario (Popular Woodworking) was purchased as a gift and my daughter-in-law said she really has enjoyed reading it. She has not made any projects yet, but she has gotten several good ideas from the book.

average finish book
i gave it 4 stars to be nice.
its your average informative type book
large type alot pictures in most cases basic info.
you can fiy though this book in 2-3 hours
its a nice easy read. has a few tips and tech. you dont see else where.
but i gave it 4 stars for 1 reason. there are 4-5 pages on how to strip old finish.
that were worth the purchase price alone.
if you are stripping any type of a project larger than a cigar book
those few tips will help alot.
yes ive stripped and done many misc. projects.
but the author gives you a specific order of how what and why.
yes stripping is still amajor pain, no quick easy fast way.
but even worse is spending 20 hours $200.00 and still not having a clean piece of wood.
i was stripping 2 fireplace mantels right when the book arrived.
they are the same in 2 diff. rooms. same size same wood. first one took 35 hours
second one i did after i read the book took 20 hours. note there was alot of detail and
8 or more layers of every paint and wood finish known to man. plus the second one turned out better
the bare wood looks so good i am using a clear finish only.
those 5 pages plus about 6 good finish types or tipsmade the book 4 star.

Disappointing
I picked up this book because i have read just about every finishing book there is and saw the other 4 reviews and said why not...

If as much thought went into the technical content as the "humor" i might have given it a 3 star rating. Give this a pass and pick up a book by Flexner, Jewitt or Dresner.

It was very informational
I found the information in this book good but there could have been information on certain areas.He went over some areas quickly.The information provided was very good and helpful

Fantastic Finishing Book
When I saw that Joe L'Erario had written a book on finishing, I had to pick it up.I had stumbled across the Men in Toolbelts show many years ago and thought it was the funniest home improvement show I had ever seen (oddly, funnier than the comedy show).He and Ed Feldman knew what they were doing and knew how to explain it in a fun way.

And his book didn't fail to impress.The day I received it, I sat down and read it cover to cover.

The first section is a comprehensive volume on removing and repairing existing finishes.I had expected this to be a book on finishing woodworking projects, so that was a pleasant surprise.

The second section includes several techniques for finishing, including some I had never considered before, such as using lye to age cherry.He also includes a diatribe on hand-rubbed finishing which is the most comprehensive explanation of a finish I've ever seen.

The final section goes through 2 projects, a refinishing project and a finishing project.These are mostly application of knowledge, but do show the techniques in action. ... Read more

Product Description
Woodcarver Richard Butz teaches chapter by chapter whittling, chip carving, wildlife carving, relief carving, lettering, and architectural carving. The reader learns by doing, working through carefully illustrated and progressively more challenging exercises and projects. Butz provides scaled patterns for each project and ends each chapter with a gallery of additional projects using the techniques learned. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Very accurate and effective
A strong point which I find in this book is the ability to describe non-trivial manual tasks (e.g. sharpening a blade, or a particular cut technique) in such a way that you can immediately start trying them.

The author is passionate about the activity of wood carving and is successful in giving you a deep feeling of it.

better then not having anything,i guess
still not worth the money,go on line, alot better info on the web, its free and save the money for your tools. tim

Covers a lot of ground
As a beginner, I appreciated the breadth of topics covered in the book, particularly the various styles of carving. This was my introduction to chip carving, and I think he covered it quite well. Sharpening is also covered, but I'd already bought "The Complete Guide to Sharpening" by Leonard Lee (of Lee Valley & Veritas) and found that to be a most comprehensive source of information on that topic.

Woodcarving
This is an excellent book that covers the fundamentals of carving plus adds great advice on what tools to purchase.Asked if I would buy this book again, my answer would be yes!I messed up on the rating of this book and I give it five (5) stars.Sorry!

David Self, New Boston, Texas

Best Beginner's Book
To an experienced woodcarver this book may seem unfocused and thinly spread, but for the beginner it does exactly what it should do.The book begins with a good grounding in the tools of the craft and how to care for and sharpen each type.After that it gives you a sampler of carving styles with at least one project for each.It's guaranteed there is at least one or two chapters the reader will not care for.Even this is useful since the reader avoids launching into the craft with a project they really have little enthusiasm for, and then lose interest in wood carving all together. This book should be required reading before the beginner spends a single dime on tools, equipment, or wood.If it's not 'the' best beginner's book, it's in the top five. ... Read more

Product Description
Flexner on Finishing is a comprehensive reference on the art of finishing, from its history to the various types of finishes to finishing application techniques. It provides the expert information woodworkers need to get their finishes correct the first time. Common finishing problems and their fixes are covered, along with how to properly strip finishes. Not only are furniture finishes covered, but exterior finishes and finishes for wood flooring, too. ... Read more

Product Description
More than two dozen collected articles by experts clearly explain the many finish and finishing choices now available for woodworkers. The reader learns how different finishes are applied, how to remove and repair finishes, how to mix and use stains and other wood colorants and how to put mirror surfaces on all their projects. Includes hand, brush, pad and spray finishing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Potent Miscellany
It is a suspicion of mine, probably unfounded, that there are more books about finishing wood than there are possible ways to finish wood.My experience is that most people buy these books not because they want to find a new way of doing things, but because they want to find THE way of finishing wood.Once we find something that works we are likely to apply to every surface we can.'More Finishes and Finishing Techniques' is intended for those who really want a larger arsenal when confronting a recalcitrant wood surface.

This is a set of articles drawn from the pages of 'Fine Woodworking,' a magazine noted for deep dives into woodworking technique and are.As expected, these are well written and illustrated efforts that cover a wide spread of subjects.This is both an advantage and a disadvantage, as the order of articles is only one step removed from haphazard.

You will find 5 articles on spray finishing (with an article on finish removal right in the midst of them).Another large group cover painting, staining, and toning.The rest focus on the tradition world of lacquer and shellac - sealing, padding, and rubbing out (or in).Most are written for people who have at least tried and failed, rather than complete beginners.Some of the articles are quite esoteric, or address the use of equipment that are more the domain of the dedicated woodworker than something to which a week-end warrior would have access.Of course, any good woodworking book will contain things to dream about as well as things to do.

I've noticed that Taunton has recently brought out a finishing book in their 'Complete' series, which you may want to check before looking into this book, or its predecessor.I've found that series tends to be well grounded and orderly.But if it's fine tuning that you are looking for, then 'More Finishes...' may be just perfect for your purposes.
... Read more

Product Description
One area where woodworkers strive to gain more information is on the topic of finishing. Since finishing is one of the most important aspects to any woodworking project, it can become a frustrating process for many woodworkers regardless of skill level. Wood Finishing Simplified breaks down the various steps involved in finishing furniture, leading to better projects and less frustration. Using only the products available at local home centers, the author explains the differences in the types of stains and finishes plus step-by-step photos and clear instructions show the reader how to produce a quality furniture finish. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very useful information
I have read this book once, and am going through it again for the second time. This book is very helpful for beginners and intermediate level woodworkers. The author keeps the paragraphs short and lively. He goes into detail and the basics behind everything, so that you understand every component and every step of finishing. It's not a quick recipe book, because you really have to understand how the wood, finishing technique, and finishes in order to create something that you want. Very helpful book for me.

wood finishing simplified
from the title one would assume that this book would about(SHORTCUTS) to woodfinishing without all the labels information taking 80% of the book.for a beginner thats not interested in technical stuff it would be wasted money.For me i enjoy the technical stuff because it gives me a chance to try with local materials.I am halfway tru the book so i cant complain.

Fernando ... Read more

Product Description
The only way to make a more popular book on making boxes is to add a puzzle. And not just any puzzle, spring loaded, hidden drawer puzzles! These band-sawn puzzle boxes have it all. The book takes two, popular small-project styles (boxes and puzzles) and combines them into some mind-blowing projects. With a small amount of instruction and some practice, the reader will be able create amazing puzzle boxes using wood that would usually be thrown away as scrap. There are 12 projects of increasing difficulty, as well as a section on how to choose the best wood and how to apply finishes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good guide for a Bandsawn-box beginner - PLUS 90 min DVD
I've not made a bandsawn box before although I have made "fine" boxes. The designs in this book are somewhat rustic but the boxes are visually interesting, relatively easy to master if you have confidence in your bandsaw skills (I still have 10 fingers and so does Jeff Volmer)and are FUN long after you apply the finish! The DVD is invaluable and I read the book, watched the DVD and then went back to reread the book with a clearer understanding of the steps (which are illustrated in the book with stills from the DVD).

Safely using your bandsaw for these boxes is a bit of a challenge. I used clamps etc to grasp some of the smaller puzzle box pieces but sometimes, in order to be able to freely make the various "flowing" saw cuts, the saw guard is raised and a fair bit of blade is exposed close to your hands. However, with planning and concentration, these boxes can be safely executed by an adult woodworker.

An excellent band saw teacher
Amazing work & experience passed for future generations.
I wish the author left an e-mail to be able to contact him because I have many following questions to ask.
A must book for band saw novices.

Puzzle Boxes
A very good book, the dvd is also very illustrative, I recommend this book to all lovers of woodworking

One of the best all inclusive books on the genre'. A 4.5 stars
I have been making band saw boxes for years. Some of them have bordered on "puzzle" boxes but I always wanted something a little more in depth and thorough as far as instruction. When I saw that this book was being released I immediately reserved a copy and eagerly anticipated its arrival.

I have yet to try all the designs in the book, more out of an equipment limitation than any lack of completeness on behalf of this book. The basic design is solid and once the basics are comprehended, further experimentation can follow.

The only thing keeping this book from scoring a solid 5 stars is the fact that not every woodworker has the availability to use a paddle sander and a large vat of finish. There are other ways around these though so they aren't a major drawback.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who has always wondered "How the heck do they do that?" The answers are in this book and its accompanying DVD. ... Read more

Product Description

In a world without wood, we might not be here at all. We wouldn't have had the fire, heat, and shelter that allowed us to expand into the planet's colder regions. If civilization somehow did develop, our daily lives would be vastly different: there would be no violins, baseball bats, chopsticks, or wine corks. The book you are now holding wouldn't exist.

Customer Reviews (31)

"grow more trees and use more wood"
For the first 98% of this book, Spike Carlsen takes a relatively unbiased (sometimes even humorous) approach to recounting the many, *many* uses of wood. Some are unbelievable: wood piping under the city of London lasting for over 400 years... and still working; wooden pilings under Venice, the Empire State building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and JFK airport.
But the ultimate message of the book is clear: using wood is *good* for us. Wood use prevents other, significantly less friendly materials (plastics, concrete, steel) from being consumed (and produced). Wood is more renewable than any of these, and a lot of used wood can be reclaimed for other purposes.

After reading this book, all those modern structures of steel and concrete -- perhaps sitting atop wooden pilings -- may be taller and more fireproof, but they don't look so futuristic to me anymore. Structures that seem to use an inordinate amount of wood (roller coasters, barns, and train trestles) now seem like the way to go.

If I played golf, I'd be one of those people trying to get an actual *wood* wood for my club bag.

Splintered History of Wood
I was amazed at how well he covered the subject matter.I have been working with wood all my adult life and never imagined how many uses there are for wood and how wood has really affected our lifestyle.It is literally used everywhere!Let me take you on a stroll through the book and just hit some highlights.

He starts with a chapter titled "Extraordinary Woods" and proceeds to describe the exquisite grain patterns in a piece of 50,000 year old kauri wood that "dances like a hologram" taken from the bogs in New Zealand.Then consider that this piece of wood is 20 feet long, 5 1/2 feet wide and 4 1/2 inches thick!He also talks about how you can get a piece of it too.Now that sounds interesting.

On to "The Wacky World of Woodworkers" covers the range from chainsaw artists to ex-presidents to blind woodworkers to wood collectors.And I do mean collectors.They collect different species of wood and have samples of up to thirty-five hundred different identified wood samples.One collection has eighty-two different samples that begin with the letter "A".Then there is a museum that has cataloged fourteen thousand different species of wood.They have two-hundred and twenty-two different species of oak!

"Wood in the World of Music" really struck a chord.From Stradivarius Violins to Steinway Pianos to drums and guitars . . . Wow!Did you know that it takes twelve thousand pieces of wood to make a Steinway?There are fifty-eight components for each of the 88 keys!Now imagine how many interactions there are to play a complicated piece like Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" played with four hands.The cumulative twenty-five thousand key strokes produce a million and a half intricate interactions with not one slip, stick, twang or tick!It makes you really appreciate what a fantastic instrument it is.

He goes on to talk about "Wood in the World of Sports."Baseball, golf, tennis, pool, telephone pole tossing, and lumber jacks all use wood.And talk about precision, he talks about a shipment of baseball bats that was rejected because they didn't "feel" right.Further measurements found that the handle was just 0.005" undersize.Golf and tennis both have an interesting history of using wood but both seem to be getting away from it presently.Then you find that you could spend $20,000 for a Balabushka pool cue, but is it worth it?

We probably don't think too much about our dwellings being made of wood, but in "Wood as Shelter" we find that pattern repeated around the world.Tree houses range from houses built in trees to houses carved from a tree.It can make a nice vacation spot.Our own history starts with log cabins and develops into the construction lumber we use today.

Consider how we use "Wood in Day-today Life."From a time when wood was everything and everything was wood.When this country was younger, we used trees for shelter, boats, wagons, barrels, bridges, fuel, boxes, dyes, food, weapons, wine, toothpicks, cosmetics, linoleum, pencils, and don't forget paper.Each of the six billion people walking this earth consume an average of 3 1/2 pounds of wood each day!That means nearly 4 billion tons of wood must be harvested annually.

"Wood, Weapons, and War" explain how even our disagreements are settled with wood.Have you ever thought about how complicated a catapult really is.The stresses are enormous!And wood is the only thing that could accomplish the feat.Great warships were built and the bow and arrow developed to advance the technology of war.Often the strength of a country was measured by its wood reserves.

"Wood by Land, Air and Sea" talks about making vehicles of wood that fly, float and ride.In the earlier days, the train cars, the wheels and even the train tracks were made of wood.And don't forget the Spruce Goose and Noah's Ark.

"Wood in Unusual Uses and Peculiar Places" mentions using wood as propeller shaft bushings on submarines and battleships.The Chinese Space Agency used wood to construct heat shields for their single use re-entry vehicles.

This should give you just a glimpse of what is covered in this book.I really only scratched the surface of what Spike covered in this book.I was truly amazed at the varied uses of wood and how it interacts with our daily lives.You owe it to yourself to read this book.It is amazing!

Splintered History has something for everyone
If you like wood, then you'll find something to enjoy in Spike Carlsen's "eclectic" book on the history of wood, as it has something for everyone.From the 50,000 year old wood description and explanation to the wacky world of woodworkers, you'll find something you didn't know about this most abundant resource.

I call it an eclectic book because it's not written to flow from beginning to end like a novel, but as a treatise on the myriad uses and love of one of the most abundant resources on earth.There's the section on tools that work the wood including not only the serious use of wood lathes but also the non-serious use of belt sander racing.Can you imagine spending over $1,000 and 125 hours building a custom belt sander that can sand a 2X10" board completely in two in seconds, just so you can make it go fast down a 40 foot track?

There is literally something for everyone with just some of the topics in the book listed as follows: how trees make wood, chainsaw artistry, wood carving with a master who makes Ferraris, wood collecting, Stradivarius Violins from wood, making of a Steinway D piano using 12,000 pieces, wood in sports, wood as shelter, solving mysteries through the use of wood forensics, wood in war, wood in the use of transportation including wooden rails and gondolas, and much more.My favorite was learning how wood pilings played a major role (and still does) in the creation of Venice.Pilings were used to stabilize the foundations of the buildings on which the water city is built.

As a long time woodworker I found it thoroughly enjoying and highly recommend it.

Put this on your bookshelf
This review was written by Dan Dapra for the Central Ohio Woodturner's newsletter.

My turned wooden hat is off to Spike Carlsen and A Splintered History of Wood. No dry-as-sawdust treatise on ecology or stultifying recitation of scientific minutiae, this engaging book immediately plunges the reader into a chapter aboutextraordinary woods (including the largest single piece of lumber that was for sale in the United States when the book was published) and, a few chapters later, vicariously flings him over the wall of a Scottish castle with a fourteenth-century wooden catapult.
Along the way, Carlsen rolls out a wondrous exposition of mankind's ingenious wooden products, the people who create them, and the serious and lighthearted aspects of wood-related endeavors. Foremost, perhaps, among the sublimely ingenious creations are the violin, the Venetian gondola, the piano, and the "stairway to Heaven". Carlsen gives equal time to more commonplace delights such as wooden kites, chainsaw carvings, belt-sander races, wooden roller coasters, cork bottle stoppers, toothpick cities, and the common pencil.
I especially appreciated Carlsen's essays about blind woodworkers, since I have known a couple, and about wood collectors and classifiers. I found his article about Arthur Koehler, the wood technologist whose brilliant detective work solved the Lindbergh kidnapping case, absolutely fascinating. Other noteworthy woodworkers include pool cue maker Arnot Wadsworth and Livio de Marchi, whose vast repertoire of wooden objects deserves a book of its own.
Carlsen's book suffers somewhat from poor editing (violations of the subject-verb agreement rule, misused and overused words, inappropriate slang, and faulty Italian) and lack of fact-checking. He states that the kerf left by kidnapper Bruno Hauptmann's hand saw was "0.0035-inch-wide", which beggars belief, and he refers to the "six vertical strips" on the metal bow piece of a Venetian gondola. There are actually seven strips (representing Giudecca and the six neighborhoods of Venice), and they are distinctly horizontal. And isn't it Talarico (not Talerico) and Hearne Hardwoods whom Carlsen mentions in the article about Nakashima? Finally, who is Sam Krenov?
I'd like to encourage every woodworker to buy and read A Splintered History of Wood. It's ideal reading for anyone who appreciates trees, wood, and woodworking, and it's a thoroughly enjoyable examination of the crucial role that wood plays in our lives.

Polished woodwork
Well written.Somewhat simplistic since it covers a broad expanse.If you know anything about wood, this will be fascinating ... Read more

Product Description
A compilation of examples from all woodworking disciplines designed to instruct and inspire woodworkers and furniture makers. The editors have chosen to illustrate top quality items, ranging from both traditional and contemporary furniture to sculpture and musical instruments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Wow
As a craftman, this is the book I turn to when I want to get the creative juices flowing.It is inspiring, better than design book 8.It is a compilation of the most wonderful, exquisite samples of woodcraft put together in one book.Not that you will love every piece, but you will be impressed by the mastery and creativity shown in every piece.There are no drawings, plans or detailed explanations, this is not about copying, it's about inspiring.

Ideas
As a woodworker it is always good to see what some of the leading edge furniture designers and builders make. Some are conservative, to see how the profession has reached it's height throughout furniture building history, others are way out there trying out the new possibilities, all awesome work! It truly is fascinating what these books inspire in furniture designer/builders and interior designers. The photography, in most cases is truly spectacular and very detailed there where it is supposed to be detailed. The only, slightly negative, comment I have is that information is cheap at best. Don't expect any information of why a piece was designed / built the way it was, or some of the woodworking difficulties that were overcome in building a particular piece. I am sure that there would be some very interesting captions and explanations to be written about the furniture and other items displayed in this, otherwise, wonderful coffee table book.

Pretty Is As Pretty Does
There is a considerable difference between the following plans part of woodworking and the artistic design part. Like anyone else who enjoys the thrumming sounds of a happy workshop, following plans is a soothing process with a satisfying result. But getting an idea into my head (and then trying to make it real) is more frustrating - my life lacks the spare 'dream time' needed. As a substitute, I like to look at the work of others. And Taunton Press's series of design books is a fine place to start.

Each book is like a juried shop with some 10,000 original entries. There are sections on cabinets, chairs and benches, tables, boxes & chests, desks, beds & furnishings, sculpture & carvings, turnings, and accessories & musical instruments. Some 266 individual pieces are presented.While the pieces will appeal differently to different individuals, they all remarkable in some fashion and invited serious thought on possibilities and techniques.

The range of style and approach presented is wide. There is everything from the ultra-modern to the ultra-traditional, from traditional furniture to sculpture and toy.One of my favorites is the clean lines of Jay Bonaventura's dining chair, that seem echo Arts & Crafts without ever becoming that style.Another is a deceptively simplesideboard by Michael Hoffer.And then there is the jaunty enthusiasm of a Randy Morris clock.I hope one day that a piece of my work merits appearance in a publication like this.Not likely, but with such good sources of inspiration, you never know.

AMAZING
Another fantastic collection of woodworking masterpieces. Anyone can appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these pieces. To have this many excellent works in one book is awesome. One of the best woodworking books I have ever seen.

Inspiring
This book contains a compilation of photos of great masterpieces.This book really shows the diversity of design with an wide variety of beautiful hardwoods.This is one of the books I use for inspiration when designing apiece of my own.I recommend it to anyone with an eye for the arts andthe confidence to push his/her own limits. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent reference book
I bought this book for my adult son who has taken up woodworking.He found this to be an excellent resource that provides clear descriptions with accompanying illustrations.It also provides useful information on tool selection as well as woodworking techniques.Well worth the money.

woodworking
This book is a great reference for the shop. It covers pretty much everything one would need to start building furniture the right way. If you're wondering what joint to use or an alternative way of mounting shelves in a bookcase, for example, its a great go to guide.

beautiful Christmas gift
My husband has been a carpenter for over 20 years.He knows alot, but he says theres always alot more to learn.He loves this beautiful set.

Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking
Having just taken delivery of this boxed set I can see that my workshop projects will have to wait a while so enjoyable I am finding these books to read!

I was initially looking to purchase only the Andy Rae book to help in some cabinet construction work but having not bought any up-to-date woodworking books for a while I decided to buy the set. Having now briefly gone through all three books I am very pleased with my decision to purchase all.

The Rae book, my book of choice, is exceptionally good with clear easy-to-understand explanations of all the subject matter accompanied by excellent line drawing illustrations back with good colour photos as required. The content layout is also very well organised and importantly the reader doesn't get bogged down in heavy text passages on techniques and the like. Importantly even just a quick skim through the various sections of the book leaves the reader with grasp of the essence of the content.

This is a book which I see myself constantly dipping into and, as the writer states in his introduction, will be kept very close to my workshop!

The Rogowski book on joinery is presented in a similar fashion and recieves another thumbs up although I have to confess that as an amateur carpenter I doubt the need to tackle some of the more ambitious work presented. Nevertheless, I am already rethinking of changing some of the techniques I presently use in favour of those presented by Mr Rogowski.

The Bird book on shaping wood looks like becoming another very useful reference and ideas book that I shall dip into as new and more ambitious projects come along.

All in all I heartily recommend this boxed set to anyone who dabbles in and enjoys woodworking, and wants to learn more from the experts in a easily understandable and practical manner.

Definitely 5 stars to Taunton Press for compiling ths set.

Taunton Series is tops
I have almost the complete Taunton series of woodworking books and they are a joy to peruse. Filled with good ideas, tips, tools and what-all. ... Read more

Product Description
This reference book is a must for any serious woodworker interested in learning more about materials or trying new ones. 40 different wood species are discussed. ... Read more

Product Description
This thorough guide features comprehensive techniques for handling the woodworker’s most favored material. From felling a tree and milling lumber to finishing and joining, it covers every aspect of working with wood, with a special focus on how the unique properties of different species affect woodworking processes. Finishes, adhesives, joinery, design, and bending are covered, as well as working with highly figured material. Valuable information on how to process and store wood is also included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

GREAT BOOK - and you won't see this info on TV
This book does a great job of understanding wood so that we can build projects and not have them self destruct when the weather changes.All sorts of information on how wood behaves and how to work it.
Main topics include; wood properties, identifying, cutting your own, drying, buying, storing.Sections on letting wood move, cutting it, bending it, even steam bending, repairs, moisture, veneering, smoothing, joinery, clamping and finishing.
How to glue, how to let the wood expand.How to select the right boards and identify the grain characteristics for what you want to do.
Build shelves that won't sag; which wood types, length and thickness. Wood characteristics by species - several charts to cover strength, shrink percentages, indoor vs outdoor etc.
Very well illustrated book.
If you are looking for wood plans and projects, this book does not have them.Other than how to build a panel door that will stay together, which was part of the wood movement section.This book is about wood characteristics and the techniques needed to work it.
A must have for anyone who want to get serious about woodworking.

If you do woodworking you need this book! just get it!
Between the covers of this impressive tome. lie an incredible depth, breath and detail relative to the topic of wood and wood working. Beautifully written. explained and photographed, this is the gold standard on this topic!

Ken Manuelian

Great wood book!
This book is extremely comprehensive and full of great detailed pictures. Even better than the original. This would make a great companion to "The Encyclopedia of Wood" from the U.S. Department of Agriculture!

Excellent book
Everything you need to know to work with wood illustrated by numerous beautifull pictures.
You will find informtation on how to cut, dry, and use wood to build furniture.

Excellent Update to a Classic Woodworking Text
This book is an expanded and comprehensive update of the (out of print) classic "Working with Wood: The Basics of Craftsmanship" by Peter Korn.It also includes some of the wood structural information from "Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology" by Dr. R. Bruce Hoadley.

"Working with Wood" examines not only how to fell a tree, cut it up, sticker the wood, build a kiln, and when to use the lumber, but also how to construct furniture so it doesn't crack, or buckle due to changes in seasonal humidity.This book is well on its way to becoming a new classic. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

It is Krenov
When I read reviews I look at the 1 star and 2 star reviews. Especially in tools.If there was a problem I will get that problem. Would give this book five stars, but like me you might think...I won't find what I need?I got what I needed from James Krenov.James Krenov can suprise you, and inspire you.He tells us how it feels to be a woodworker. He always said it feels great to be able to do this and get paid for it. ( Not in so many words...:) )He credits the photographer for giving us the feel and spirit of his pieces.

For many woodworkers and others he has triggered a change in how we work and why we work,Mr. Krenov was instrumental, along with others in promoting a new way of making furniture with the craftsmanship of the person who creates rather than follows a pattern/plan.

This is not a detailed "how too." Really none of his books are.There are many better "plan books" and tool books out there.He is however, a must see, must read?At least for me?I have been on a journey. I asked to gopher for some old timers to learn what they "know", but no takers?Perhaps because like another reviewer I am what might be considered "too old."Oh yeah, I can't afford to go to a woodworking school?

Mr. Krenov died in 2009, but continues to be my mentor. I study this and other Krenov essays, and find new inspiration each time I look.Also to help me in the process.Mr. Krenov did not want to be called a master. He made mistakes. he worried if others would like what he made.

When I showed my wife his cabinets when I was first reading the "impractical cabinetmaker" she said "something like "they are not very functional."I was filled with inspiration when I asked her because I wondered what she saw?If you like art, craftsmanship, and inspiration, then like me ya gotta have it.LOL

KRENOV RULES
This book is a "must have" for anyone over 60 so they can see what they should have done with their youth.That is my humble opinion.

I just can't believe I didn't read this book 29 years ago.I am sure glad I was blessed with the chance to read it now..!!

Bruce at [...]

Wonderful book, many examples, details...
This book is not like his first three books; readers should not expect this book to be the same becasue it was NOT INTENDED to be the same.i feel it is unfair to say this books does not give instruction or that it is not "hands on" and give it a low rating when this book was not written to be "hands on."this book contains many beautiful photos, though many in black and white, of krenov's great works.this book contains pictures of krenov's work that are NOT in his other books and with many close-up shots of details.This book, in conjunction with his first three, gives the reader a satifying number of photos and details of krenov's work to look at.Invaluable when you are working on your own piece that you aspire to make as fine as krenov's and would like to see how Krenov detailed the back of his cabinet, or the stand which is sits on, or when you are lost and don't know how it should be done.There is a bit of text here and there, though not that much, mostly explaining a certain piece or how he arrived at it's final appearace - all very important if you are trying to understand how a master craftsman thinks.overall a great book that no real krenov fan should be without.

Good, but not hands on
This was a beautifully photographed book with lots of great pictures of gorgeous projects.I recommend it for that, but not if you want hands on information on the actual creation process. ... Read more