Customer Reviews

The Accurate Router: Quick Setups and Simple Jigs (Cambium Handbook)

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I wasn't all that impressed with this book. Half the book is spent on generic topics (filler I guess), and when he does finally start talking about routers the explanation was unclear to me.

I expected a little more from this book. A router is a very important tool in woodshop and it requires careful attention to safe operation, proper setup, and very precise measuring for accuracy. This book does not go into depth in this area. I didn't feel that the techniques were properly explained. The book was ok and I'm sure some people, especially beginners might find it useful.

Kirby approaches the subject of using a router in a lean, and ultimately superior way. By approaching the subject with a framework of the fundamental ways that a router can be used, he reveals the underlying concepts needed to become an expert at understanding how to apply the router in woodworking. This book stands out, not a "how to" book but rather as consise treatise on this tool. I reccomend it for anyone who wants to avoid all the glossy hype and learn from a true master.

I suspect Mr. Kirby is a disciple of Stunk and White (The Elements of Style). He explains the wood working router, it's uses and limitations, in a clear, direct, and brief manner. Rather than giving long-winded, highly detailed descriptions of specific jigs he focuses on general principals that can be applied to solve many problems. This style can be upsetting for those who are used to more traditional wood working books that give detailed plans complete with materials lists and measurements making it possible to saw, drill, and assemble jigs with minimal thinking required of the reader (if you prefer this style of book, I recommend Bill Hylton's excellent works).

I learned a great deal from Mr. Kirby's book, and because of the general nature of his ideas I found I have been able to apply his techniques in other areas of craft as well (such as quickly assembling simple jigs for construction purposes, which are rather different from the fine work the book covers).

Mr. Kirby is clearly a master of his craft. The reader willing to invest the extra effort to carefully ponder this text will be richly rewarded.