Box-Making Basics: Design, Technique, Projects [Paperback]

David Freedman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1997

A detailed guide to the basics of making wooden boxes. How-to journalist David Freedman goes beyond the usual cut-list approach. Readers will learn valuable woodworking skills and find satisfaction in making 15 attractive items for personal use or gift-giving. Appealing to anyone wanting to build intricate, small-scale projects. 65 photos. 100 drawings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 135 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561581232
• ISBN-13: 978-1561581238
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

121 of 122 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Primo primer, May 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Box-Making Basics: Design, Technique, Projects (Paperback)

I shouldn't admit it, but I judged this book by its cover. It seemed to me, from the three lovely boxes shown there, that the author had solid design chops and a good understanding of wood construction.

Fortunately, I wasn't disappointed. As a professional woodworker, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Freedman intelligently discusses everything from the precepts of design and the principles of wood movement to the mechanics of stock preparation.

There's quite a range of nice box projects here. Some are simple enough to make in just a few hours. Others, which incorporate veneering and intarsia, should provide a few day's fun in the shop. The author's use of figured and spalted hardwoods underscores the fact that making small boxes is the perfect opportunity to use those "scraps" of exotic wood you've been saving. Some of the boxes also feature cleverly designed latches and hinges.

A couple of quibbles: Although the drawings are very well done, a few of them contain small inaccuracies. (But then every woodworker who has built something from published plans has learned to double check them first.) Also, the information on calculating board feet on page 15 is woefully inaccurate.

But all in all, both beginning and advanced woodworkers should enjoy this book. Beginners will learn sound woodworking techniques without risking a week's salary worth of wood on a project. That alone should be worth the price of the book. More savvy woodworkers will find that the book is full of great tech tips and jigs as well as nice project designs.

Paul Anthony

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Got Questions? Here are the answers...., October 12, 2002

By 

KRASSEL (SPANAWAY, WA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Box-Making Basics: Design, Technique, Projects (Paperback)

This book is definitly written for those of us that are just starting out in the field of box making. Freedman is what I refer to as a "Master". He not only can do it, he can teach it.
I found myself constantly saying to myself, "so thats how ya do that, man thats easy". With enough projects and plans to keep you busy for months, and clear instructions on how to accomplish some very nice decorative touch's, this book is must read for anyone who is just getting started making decorative box's. I really like the way he incorporates the "little" things that really help you along, but probably would have taken me years to think of. Great book, can't give it a high enough rating.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Big Help, September 27, 2005

By 

David L. Neiter - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Box-Making Basics: Design, Technique, Projects (Paperback)

All my previous wood working had been on a relatively large scale. So when I wanted to use the scrap wood to make small boxes, I didn't know where to start. This book has pointed me in the right direction as far as dimensions of the wood thickness, joinery, finnishing, and ideas. The book is good for both beginners and intermediate woodworkers.