Product Description
Using time-tested woodworking techniques like mortise-and-tenon joinery and solid-wood cabinet construction, woodworkers can build furniture pieces that will last a lifetime.

Fine Furniture for a Lifetime teaches them the skills they need to construct and finish traditional Shaker and country furniture.All 10 projects are fun to build and will add elegance to any home.

Glen Huey provides step-by-step instructions and photos for every project including a Philadelphia tall chest, a Shaker sewing desk, a John Seymour sideboard, a Queen Anne dropleaf dining table, a Townsend height chest and more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Tree books are the exact same
Illustrated Guide to Building Period Furniture and Building 18th Century American Furniture and Fine Furniture for a Lifetime (Popular Woodworking) are the same book.I bought the tree at the same time not knowing that.
This is a racket.

BUY THIS BOOK!!!
This is one of the best woodworking books out there.You not only learn how to build several projects but you learn the art of case construction!

Excellent book
Now this is how a book of this type should be done.Nice easy to read detail/plan layouts/etc.Nicely done color photos.This book is a excellent choice.

Excellent Guide to Building Fine Furniture
I own this book and "Building Fine Furniture" (also by Glen Huey).They are both very detailed, providing complete cut lists, exploded diagrams of each piece, and thorough instructions with plenty of pictures.

I haven't built any of the pieces in the book, but I've use several of the techniques described in other pieces.

Every design is an elegant and beautiful classic piece.
This book is a standout because every piece in it is an elegant classic worthy of the effort required to build it. I don't know of any other book for which I'd make that assertion. More often books have just a few designs that meet the requirements of truly elegant proportions, classic design and practical utility for a modern home, while the majority of plans given are historically interesting but often display awkward proportions and have little practical value for the way we live now, and the spaces we live in. Not all old designs are good designs! The title of this book, "Fine Furniture for a Lifetime," is appropriate because the designs are so excellent that you'll never in your lifetime come to the realization that you've outgrown them, which can happen with lesser designs. Instead, I think you'll appreciate them more as your design sense matures.

The author's constructed examples are beautifully done, from what is often magnificent wood. The process photographs are clear and informative. The construction steps are well organized and presented. Suggested techniques are professional.

I do have one criticism, and that's regarding the drawings. All of them are done as an exploded view, and in perspective. Only a few dimensions are given on the drawings. You're required to refer to a separate cutting list to get the actual measurements. There are no straight on elevation or plan drawings. These drawings are well done, and together with the cutting lists the information's all there. But you have to labor intellectually a bit more than otherwise necessary to make sense of it. This is in contrast to the furniture drawings of Carlyle Lynch or Franklin Gottshall, for example, who do give you fully dimensioned plan and elevation drawings, and also perspective exploded views where needed. But in my opinion the designs in this book justify the additional effort required. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Ideas source
Another excellent source of design ideas from Taunton.I often use these books for little jogs to my brain when it lacks inspiration.While not all examples are to my liking they offer a plethora of design diversities.I would kave liked some background information on the construction methods used in the designs.

A welcome addition to the woodworking library
Fans of period furniture may be disappointed by Design Book Eight's focus on contemporary furniture design, but the book gathers an impressive portfolio of contemporary work organized by category (tables, beds, seating, desks, case goods, accessories, and production furniture). Works by Gary Rogowski, Kevin Rodel, and Thos. Moser share pages with many lesser known makers, and the approaches and construction techniques described are as varied as the contributors. The text accompanying the lush photography varies in utility, but the sources of inspiration suggest avenues for further reading. Design Book Eight is not a how-to manual, but more advanced woodworkers will find it useful as they consider their own designs.

Great book with nice pictures
I recommand this book. It has a nice collection of useful furniture and good descriptions.

Design book eight review
A new design book from Taunton Press continues a long tradition of Fine Woodworking documenting the Studio Furniture movement.Lots of good pictures and interesting commentary from makers; good for collectors, aspiring makers and students.Nice addition to design and craft section of your library/bookshelf.

I was disappointed
I was disappointed because a lot of the furniture in here has been covered in other places, most notably in a magazine produced by FWW about 6 months ago.I've seen probably seen half of the furniture in other publications.

However, if you've never seen this furniture before, you will be quite happy if you like contemporary styles.The authors decided that the book would cover new styles and not cover old styles that have been covered in many other places.

Some of the pieces have sidebars regarding construction techniques and others are sorely lacking in detail (a point that is acknowledged by the authors).The photos are superb but several pieces would benefit from having multiple views of the piece shown.

In conclusion, I pre-ordered this book because I really enjoyed volumes 1-7. But when I read this book, there was a huge sense of deja vu because this furniture has been published before. Actually, the more I think about it, I'm really quite disappointed in the re-hash of their magazine from six months ago.

BTW, the book focuses on furniture and shies away from stuff like musical instruments, abstract art and boxes. ... Read more

Product Description
For the majority of woodworkers, time is a factor when choosing projects. Now, Popular Woodworking has compiled twenty of its quickest quality home improvement projects--all of which can be completed in just one weekend. Readers will find:

-A diverse group of twenty home improvement projects from Christmas ornaments to an Arts & Crafts bookcase-Step-by-step color photos with captions, so beginners and advanced woodworkers can easily complete a project in a weekend-Simple projects requiring only basic woodworking tools and skills

Quick & Easy Weekend Woodworking Projects is perfect for anyone looking for a woodworking project that won't take weeks or months to complete. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Quick and easy? Not quite but still good
I have picked a few projects from this book that I will attempt and I consider myself just a little bit above the beginning woodworker. The last project in the book is a Greene & Greene table that is well above the "Quick and Easy" realm. Most of these projects require a fairly experienced hand and jigs or equipment that the average woodworker may not have. For that reason I drop this one a star to 4. The projects are well laid out and the instructions easy to follow.

Definitly worth having
It has some great looking projects that you would be proud to display. I plan on making 4 or 5 of the projects in the book. That makes it weel worth it in my opinion. The table on the cover looks like a great project for the intermediate woodworker. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Another Prespective: Consider Starting a Woodworking Program at Your Church
With educators slashing budgets across the U.S.--and an intensifying focus on core curriculum in reading, math and science--one of the really essential elements of a good education is becoming an endangered species. I'm talking about what most Baby Boomers once knew as "Shop Class." While vocational education is alive and well in many communities, we still need a whole lot more "hands on" programs for kids to start working with tools.

Many community groups are filing this gap. Scouting groups help. But religious groups can get involved, as well, if adults get some help in how to organize equipment, supplies and basic projects. The number of adults who know how to do this is also a rapidly dwindling circle. So, a huge "thank you" to Michael Bentinck-Smith for producing "It Wood Be Fun."

Michael Bentinck-Smith was the woodworking teacher at Lower School of Milton Academy in Milton, Massachusetts, for 41 years. He specialized in teaching children from kindergarten through 6th grade. His new 120-page book is as clear, as logically designed and as productive as his classes.

The chapters are geared for adults working with 5- to 10-year-old children. First, he describes how to create and equip a work and storage area. Note: This book is geared toward teaching kids to use hand tools, so he's talking about tools like a plane, hammer, rasp, coping saw, crosscut saw, hand drill and chisel. He also describes raw materials to gather for these projects that most congregations will find easy to collect or purchase. The projects, which include detailed plans and instructions for teachers, include things that many of us may have produced back in school, including: a bookshelf (or video-game shelf), a lamp, a rocking horse, a dollhouse, a chair or a toy castle.

My recommendation: Order a copy of "It Wood Be Fun: Woodworking With Children" from Amazon, read through the material and see if you can't inspire someone--perhaps you--to get busy and help some kids in your community learn a skill and a creative vision that will grow with them throughout their lives. And don't limit your vision to your own household or existing groups like Scouting groups. There are hundreds of thousands of congregations nationwide that work with young people on a weekly basis. Consider adapting these ideas to your congregation.

A must for any parent who wants to introduce their child into the wonderful world of woodworking
A Good craft teaches perseverance and patience. "It Wood Be Fun: Woodworking with Children" delves into the value of crafts for young people along with plenty of starter projects and advice for working with wood to create and build. From useful items to trinkets to toys, "It Wood Be Fun" is a must for any parent who wants to introduce their child into the wonderful world of woodworking.

The nation needs to return to the colonial way of life, when a wife was judged by the amount of wood she could split.-W.C Fields
My husband and son enjoy doing man projects together, so I got this for them.I am not the handiest of women, but while skimming through the pages after receiving the book, I knew I could do these projects, too.

The author gives you all the direction you need to complete your woodworking projects.He outlines the tools and materials needed, the time it will take to complete the project, and then gives you step by step instructions going so far as to tell you what parts are better for the adult to take over, and what parts the kids can do.There are helpful pictures and even some comments at the end to congratulate your finished project, or tell you how to switch up a design.

This book is definitely for amateurs and the tool list he suggests you use are all manual.I would think all the tools are what most people have in their homes already, I know we did.We were even able to make some of the projects even easier by using electrical tools here and there.For the most part we stayed with the manual tools so that my son could do the majority of the work.

Written by a woodworking teacher with over 40 years experience, this book is idiot proof.The instructions are so clear and easy to follow it's impossible to screw up!

Cherise Everhard, August 2010

Excellent format for teaching greater lessions
Having myself published several articles on woodworking and having spent time presenting to elementary and middle school children, I eagerly anticipated receipt and reading of Mr. Bentinck's book. Safe, accurate construction with wood requires a clear understanding of tools and techniques combined with the ability to focus on the activity. Each of these elements presents a challenge when working elementary school aged children, and I was most curious to see how Mr. Bentinck approached them.

It is worth noting that Mr. Bentinck has a firm grounding in child education with over forty years of experience teaching kindergarten through sixth grade. His familiarity and understanding of the young learner's mind are evident throughout the book.

Audience: The introduction states that it is geared for five to ten year olds, but after reading the book, I would say that it is written for parents and teachers of five to ten year olds who wish to help these children improve hand/eye coordination, analytical skills, and self-esteem. The book essentially creates an enjoyable framework for adults to interact and assist children. Simply handing this book to a five to ten year old will not accomplish these intended goals.

Format: The book is written much like a teacher's lesson plan. It begins with a brief overview of the participants (children and adults) then moved on to equipment (tools). The book follows this very linear (building-block) path throughout. For example: The care and use of tools is discussed prior to introducing the first project.Much of this preliminary information appears to be directed toward the adult with the intent that age appropriate bits are related to the child.

Projects: The chapter that begins to introduce actual woodworking projects is outstanding in that it provides insights for the adult in terms of likely problems and obstacles (child frustration, fatigue, safety issues). Not only are these noted, but recommended responses are also discussed as well.
The projects proposed are, like the book, presented in a simple-to-complex sequence. However, even the early, simple, projects are interesting enough to engage a child and motivate completion. One of the very first projects is a simple boat project, but with the added appeal that the finished boat has a rubber band powered paddle wheel, making the completed project more than just a model to set on a shelf. Other projects teach techniques for achieving accuracy (a simple box) or clever and useful items such as wooden shoes. Again, designs that are interesting, but teach at the same time.

Project progression: The projects proposed in the book begin with simple, basic designs then proceeds to successively more complex and useful, designs. Both toys and utility items (such as mailboxes and desks) are included in the proposed designs.

Age/gender appropriateness: It apparent from the selection of projects, that the author intended the book for use with both male and female children. Gender neutral, as well as, gender biased projects are included in the list of proposed projects

As for age appropriateness, the range or projects appears adequate to engage the interest of six to ten year olds. This being said, it must also be noted that the book is designed to be used in a collaborative effort between the child and adult teacher/supervisor.

Summary: Understanding the difficulty of capturing and holding the attention of elementary school aged children, I give It Wood Be Fun, Woodworking with Children very high marks. The book is very well targeted to its intended audience, thorough in its presentation and (most importantly) structured to create a fertile learning environment.

For the parent or teacher looking for a means to help children improve hand-eye coordination, thinking skills, and self-esteem, It Wood Be Fun, Woodworking with Children would be hard to beat. Highly recommended reading.

This is a fascinating book about work working.
It Wood Be Fun is an informative book about wood working. This book is designed for children, but adults can learn a lot from this book too. There is a sense of pride making something with my two hands.I made a car out pine wood as a child, and that is still one of my favorite childhood memories. Michael Bentnick Smith identifies the various kinds of different tools.He also talks and the proper way to use and care for each tool.I didn't even know what a chisel or a rasp looked like or what they are used for. This is valuable information, even though I don't work with wood now.

He details step by step how to make each project. I would love to try to make some of these projects if I had more time and better coordination of my hands. I am always looking for a place to sit, so I think I would enjoy making a chair. I would enjoy making a sign to mark my property. I am always looking for comfortable shoes, so I would have fun making shoes out of wood. Anyone who is looking for something fun and creative to do will enjoy reading this book. ... Read more

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Product Description

Product Description
This book is the ultimate guide to building high-end period furniture. Master craftsman Glen Huey packs so much knowledge and instruction between these covers that woodworkers will feel like he’s standing right next to them in the shop. Highlights include:

-A bonus DVD with real-time demonstrations of key furniture-building techniques!

-Clear, concise instruction--complete with step-by-step photos and full-scale, pull-out drawings--to answer all the important questions

-A breathtaking selection of projects worthy of the Antiques Roadshow--everything from a Federal Secretary Bookcase to a Kasper clock

With all this information at their fingertips, woodworkers will finally be able to build the heirloom furniture they’ve been dreaming about! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Tree books are the exact same
Illustrated Guide to Building Period Furniture and Building 18th Century American Furniture and Fine Furniture for a Lifetime (Popular Woodworking) are the same book.I bought the tree at the same time not knowing that.
This is a racket.

great book
I thought this was a great book. very inspiring, detailed pictures.
Lots of good pointers.

OUTSTANDING !
An outstanding book for a beginner or more experienced woodworker. I am truly impressed. I am a fairly experienced woodworker. I own many books on the subject. Glen Huey has produced a very fine book on period furniture.
Another very excellent book is Lonnie Bird's: "Period Furniture Details" I would reccomend buying both books.
This book is more step by step and informative than many.There are five main projects:1.block front chest 2.Massachusetts high chest{high boy}3.Pennsylvania chest on chest 4.Pennsylvania tall case clock 5.New England desk and bookcase{secretary} All projects are thorougly covered with step by step construction instructions.The book is easy to use in the shop with its spiral binding.There is an accompanying D.V.D That is by itself worth the price of the book! Every project has full cut lists and sources for specialty hardware.The D.V.D {82 minutes} has detailed demonstrations on: making cabriole legs,stickered miters,dye finishing,ogee feet and more. There are printable full size patterns for all curved or special parts for all projects on the D.V.D. [One negative the book like many is printed in China and in my opinion the picture and printing are not as good as many others] If you want to build one of these period pieces this is the book for you,you can do it! ... Read more

Product Description
This is a manual on the techniques of finishing with different woods. Instruction is given on French-polishing, stains, dyes, oils, varnishes and waxes as well as decorative filling of natural pores, colour bleaches, scorched finishes, and sandblasting of woods and open-pore French polishing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

From the backcover
It's the final touch that turns a good project into a work of art, that is why wood finishing has become the latest specialty in the woodworker's stockpile of skills. And now you can master the techniques that beautify and protect your finishes, with this essential guide from one of the world's true masters of finishing technique. This exhaustive handbook covers all the tools, techniques and materials for every stage of finishing, including: stains, dyes and chemical treatments, bleaching, uses of abrasives, varnishes and oils, waxes, french polishing, lacquers, decorative filling of wood pores, sandblasting, colorless color, scorched finishes and much more. Over 80 full-color photos shows the stunning finishes you can master. Step-by-step instructions. ... Read more

Product Description
Woodworkers can build 20 useful projects for the home, including benches, clocks, and kitchen and bath accessories, using this valuable guide. All projects feature a country flair, and the book includes step-by-step instructions, exploded diagrams, materials lists and full-color photographs. ... Read more

Product Description
A description of a simple four-step procedure for creating laminated designs, suitable for beginners and experienced woodworkers. The author also considers basic tools and techniques, providing a selection of five step-by-step projects for making a cheese board, candle box, serving tray, and a game table. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A Different Art Form
This book reveals, in exquisite detail, what must be a relatively new art form.The work is not for beginners. By following Mr. Rannefeld's directions it is possible to produce almost an infinite number of really beautiful patterns in wood to use in tables, platters and most especially, segmented wood vessels.

Precision is required to produce the designs and more than basic tools.Tuning your table saw before you start is very necessary, as is having really precise measuring tools.I started several designs only to find out that I needed to do something differently.It's a real learning process and it increases your general woodworking skills.Remember, your motto should be, measure four times, cut once.

The book is a must have for anyone who is interested in wood work as art.It's out of print now, but Lark Books should consider reprinting.

Spectacular results for ordinary woodworkers
All you need is to be careful and persistent and the results will knock the socks off friends, family and customers. It is absolutely THE most spectacular results in woodworking I've ever seen - with no natural artistic talent is needed to achieve it. Read, follow the book, you will get what it promises. The instructions are so clear and detailed, it is as if the author is right by your side, helping you see the finished piece even when the beginning stages look like an explosion of cutoffs.

Whether you're a hobbyist crafter or just trying to bring in a little extra money to support your woodworking, this book offers a whole new path. Check it out.

Laminated Designs
Great book showing how to create laminated designs.A must have for segmented turning.

Groundbreaking; extraordinary.
This book should have been entitled, "Advanced Laminated Designs in Wood."This is no easy book, but that is not the fault of the author- the subject matter itself is difficult.However, the author spared no effort to convey this method of woodworking, and if the reader is willing to take the time needed to grasp it, he/she will reap considerable rewards.I love the book, and I highly recommend it.

All the methodology is clearly layed out, with numerous pictures and illustrations of how to create these designs.The designs themselves are beautiful and so variable, you could make them for years without ever repeating the same pattern.

I should note that this method results in considerable amounts of wood turned into dust and scrap.You will also have to construct an elaborate (though very useful) cutting sled for your table saw.And at times the book reads like a college text, although the author is a very capable writer.

That being said, I still highly recommend the book to serious artists and woodworkers who use inlay, intarsia, marquetry, or do segmented turning.

Deep, but Thorough
This book is so complete with jigs that are necessary to do the exact cutting required for good results that some woodworkers may not appreciate it.It has all the formulae to calculate the amount of lumber required for a project.If the woodworker has the patience to read this book and follow the design instruction, then experiment with different widths and numbers of the laminates, the possibilities are unending.Clarence Rannefeld, the author, has tried to introduce us to a whole new field in woodworking.Use your scientific calculator for the formulae, then cut and glue, and cut and glue some more and beauty will jump out at you.Above all, be patient.This type of woodworking is an art.Intarsia enthusiasts will love it. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

fretwork
Book has a number of attractive plans for fretwork boxes. Some plans have designs that carry over to facing page, making it hard to copy the design easily. it would be better to make a fold out page, or a reduced drawing that could be enlarged.
Otherwise, a very nice book. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive guide to setting up wood shops considers shop safety, noise, drilling tips, respirators, carving tips, tool kits, saws, jointers, drill presses, planers, routers, sanders, and more. Projects include making a workbench, shop stool, supplies organizer, storage racks, tool chest, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The best of the best
I checked out five books from the library on setting up a home shop from scratch.Even Norm has one.This one was the best by far of what I was looking for so I bought a copy. Although I don't have the same space available, I was able to utilize alot of the secrets from this book to make my available space much better. ... Read more

Product Description
A basic handbook for obtaining green wood and curing it using the chemical polyethylene glycol 100. Includes directions for a variety of projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book for woodworkers
I found Working Green Wood with PEG a useful book. It contains detailed graphs for mixing PEG solutions.It provides many sources for PEG suppliers.This is the only book I have found that explains how to use PEG as a wood stabilizer. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes different types of joints and joinery tools, demonstrates simple, reinforced, and interlocking joints, and suggests four projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A book I'll keep
As a beginning woodworker I read the book cover to cover and find myself going back to it as a reference.A book I'll keep. ... Read more

Product Description

Standing fully 7' tall, with six shelves (five of which adjust on standards and brackets), this stately walnut showcase has more than enough room for a librarian's ransom in books. Fluted face-frame stiles and rich cove molding at the top make it a natural for traditionally styled interiors. The bookcase is approximately 42" wide, 16" deep, and 7' tall.

Product Description
Plenty of how-to books on exterior painting, as well as interior staining, are available, but until now, the do-it-yourselfer or professional had nowhere to turn for comprehensive advice on exterior staining.

Staining is gaining popularity in many areas of the country as the only practical way to protect and beautify certain woods and add to the lifespan of exterior features such as decks, fencing, exterior furniture, and various kinds of wood siding, such as cedar and redwood. In addition, stains are now available in hundreds of colors.

Perfect Exterior Staining stands alone as the one resource that provides insight to this technique, which has come into its own in the last 15 years.

The author discusses kinds of exterior wood; types of stain, tools, and equipment; and the preparation process for staining. Other topics covered are making minor repairs; staining decks, fencing, outdoor structures, siding, furniture, and play equipment; and refinishing stained wood. All this information is complemented by beautiful exterior photography. ... Read more

Product Description
This book combines mechanics of materials with theanatomical and physical characteristics of wood. It emphasizes topicsof orthotropic elasticity; dynamic behavior; visco-elasticcharacteristics, failure mechanism, and concepts of laminations; andfactors affecting the mechanical properties and methods of derivingdesign stresses. ... Read more

Product Description
Intarsia refers to the ancient art of wooden mosaics-making pictures in wood. The authors have taken this art form and adapted it for today's woodworker. Using easily available woods and common woodworking tools such as scroll and band saws, the average woodworker can produce beautiful wooden reliefs through step-by-step instruction. The included patterns range from large, majestic portraits and murals to small jewel-like mosaics. Full-color photographs illustrate the beautiful and intricate work possible in the realm of intarsia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Intarsia
Bought this as a Christmas present for my husband. He has gotten a lot of useful tips from the book and some really nice patterns. Nice book for people interested in Intarsia.

Good start for the Newbie
If you are just starting in Intarsia, as am I, this is a good reference to get some knowledge of the art and how to get rolling - or sawing as the case may be.The step-by-step description of a first project gives one more information than some need, but it certainly gives insight to the detail and proceedure required.The patterns included in the book willget you started in fine fashion.

Good, but misleading cover
I am just learning the art of intarsia, and this book had some helpful information. However, I was quite disappointed that none of the patterns in the book are for the pieces on the back cover (does and fawn, rearing horse, duck)- only the front cover patterns are included.

Lost in the woods
As I became lost in the art of intarsia, this book was my map.Completelyunknown to the craft, I purchased this book as a way to beat my summerbordom.As I opened each page, a swirl of thoughts came to me, and Iimmediately made plans to visit the local hardwood retailer to start myfirst project.But where to start?This book has the most wonderfuldesign ideas, from beginner to advanced, even I was impressed with theworks I had done.You can make each project over and over, because thewood you use is always different.I would recomend this book highly toanyone slightly interested in the art and history and creativity ofintarsia. ... Read more