Customer Reviews

Art of Fine Tools

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not a very practical book, no not at all. If you have a real appreciation for old tools it is well worth owning. Okay it is tool porn. That's right - unadulterated, unforgivable, unjustifiable tool porn. It is a shame that innocent tools are exploited like this, but you will love it.

This is a really nice book for those interested in fine tools. I was hoping to find information on how they were made. If you are a toolmaker, this book really does not include any drawings, sizes or build methods. If you are just looking for a nice historical record of works of art in tools - this is the book to get. Great pictures of Paul Hamler's miniature tools for those interested in his work too.

This is a spectacular collection of color photographs. The author has obviously sought out tools of great beauty and the editors have assembled them with care. Anyone interested in handtools and their history will be delighted. Those who are unable to understand the words in the book's title will perhaps be disappointed as the book is about art in an unexpected form.

Imagine a gazillion lovely old tools in bonerific condition, to use the standard Galoot rating for hand tools that are so perfectly preserved, so lovingly captured on shiny paper, that just touching them in two dimensions pulls you back into the past a century or two.

Mr. Nagetc. has written and photographed the ultimate book of tool porn. My editor is a bird of the same feather, and the cheap (but thoughtful)bustard was kind enough to send me the reviewer's peek at the book, which so inflamed me with tool-lust that I ran out and bought a copy -- and quit smoking just so I could afford it. (Nicotine is a mild preference, compared to tool addiction.)

This book goes in my coffin organizer. Don't even think about asking to borrow it. Do what I did: Buy two.

This is a beautifully photographed book of fine tools. Appart from the fact that all such picture books these days have a pungent chemical odor, one could hardly fault the photographic excelence of this book. Nagyszalanczy is an experienced woodworker, but it was dismaying to me that the text is full of factual erors. Most noticeably in the Japanese tool section, where it is clear that basic priciples are a mystery. I don't know how it got by the editors at Taunton Press.

The first time I saw this book, I was literally overwhelmed by the quality of the images I was seeing: Beautiful, revealing color photographs of magnificent woodworking tools the likes of which I had never seen before. This is THE book for any tool enthusiast; an absolutely MUST HAVE book for any woodworker, or a terrific gift for the tool fancier on your gift list.

For all the woodworkers on your Christmas List - or birthday list - or whatever. This is a TERRIFIC book, beautifully photographed, intelligent text, and very reasonably priced for the value. Check it out!

The "Art of Fine Tools" is a must have for anyone interested in the Artisans of the past and present. The author has done a fine job on the photography and compilation. I would also recommend the sequel "Tools Rare and Ingenious". For a Tool Collector it is great eye candy to drool over. It might be the only time one can see some of these Unique items. It also preserves part of the great collections of those whom have passed on. It is a remembrance of their acquaintance. I muse over it often. Dan Miller

When you get to a certain age, sex is no longer the dominant motivator. Some tend to notice the trouble, pain, grief and financial cost of chasing women, so we feel a need to chase something else expensive and dangerous. For some of us, that affliction is tools.

On the journey to your brand of madness, you might need some photographic stimulation to help your imagination.

Even though you can proudly place it on a coffee table, my wife still looks at me funny when I take this into the shop and lock the door. This is some of the best tool porn I've seen.

This is an art book, a coffee table book with beautiful pictures and little text. It's a survey of some of the antique pieces owned by certain collectors.
It is not a collector guide, price guide or guide to using woodworking tools. It has great pictures of primarily old, American made woodworking hand tools. So, if you appreciate this kind of rare beauty, this is a book for you.