The Complete Book of Woodworking: Detailed Plans for More Than 40 Fabulous Projects [Paperback]

Landauer Corporation (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2004

This is the ultimate step-by-step guide to essential woodworking skills, techniques, tools, and tips. It presents a dedicated mailing and e-mail campaign to targeted woodworking and DIY related media.From the principles of basic design to essential woodworking techniques, this comprehensive and easy-to-follow volume provides readers with all the information they need to know to become a master woodworker and have a home full of fine, handmade furnishings."The Complete Guide to Woodworking" features detailed plans for 40 stunning projects for woodworkers of all levels, plus more than 1,200 step-by-step illustrations.It also includes expert information on workshop set-up and safety, how to use tools, how to make joints, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

As the title implies, this book covers every aspect of woodworking, from the initial design to a completed project. The first half shows how to set up a workshop, describes the species and types of wood, and covers nearly every commonly used woodworking tool and technique. The latter half offers a variety of plans that include household accessories, furniture, outdoor projects, and workshop furnishings. The well-designed projects include excellent instructions supplemented by clear illustrations and are perfect for woodworkers of all skill levels. If you are going to buy only one woodworking book, this should be it. Recommended for every public library.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

This book seems to turn every woodworker into a knowledgeable and skilled craftsman. -- Woodworkers Book Club, February 2002 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Landauer Corporation (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890621366
• ISBN-13: 978-1890621360
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Not Quite Complete Book of..., December 24, 2004

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Complete Book of Woodworking: Detailed Plans for More Than 40 Fabulous Projects (Hardcover)

I've been hesitant to review this book because, despite its title it is by no means a 'complete' book, and yet it is well written, and what it does it does well. It is well written, and covers many of the important subjects - Setting Up Shop, Designing Projects, Introduction to Wood, Joints, Finishes, etc. And it provides a host of projects suitable to the beginner. It's hard to fault what it does do, but there are several problems with what it doesn't do.

First and foremost of these gaps is that the book is entirely power tool oriented. Given that a woodworker rapidly gets surrounded by a host of machines, it never hurts to spend time on saws, planes, and the other hand tools that are part of good woodworking. Good hand tools are berely cheaper than machine tools, and selecting the right ones is one key to achieving top-grade results.

The book flies too high to provide important detail on the tools that it does cover. Power saws, planers, drill presses and anything else require knowledge in order to be used safely and successfully. And to make the right choices when purchasing. This book would serve best the beginner who has access to a full shop, not one who is in the process of putting a shop together.

The projects are very straightforward - too simple in some cases to keep the attention of someone who wants to attain levels of artistry. There is no effort to rank the projects by complexity, or connect the skills required to section of the book. This can trap a beginner into a task that takes experience to complete. I'm also informed that some of the shopping lists are incorrect, so make a point of checking before buying. Nothing is more irritating than having something become scrap because you followed the directions.

So be warned that this book is of the greatest value t someone who is both a complete beginner and has access to a full shop. Access to a competent woodsmith wouldn't hurt either. If you fit in that niche the this could be a satisfactory purchase. If not look about you. Several of Taunton Press's efforts may be more useful to you.

34 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars No way would I try the tennoning jig in this book, November 27, 2002

By 

Bill Smith (Troy, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Book of Woodworking: Detailed Plans for More Than 40 Fabulous Projects (Hardcover)

This book is good in the descriptions about wood selection and wood types. It has a wide variety of woodworking techniques and operations. However, the overall techniques used range from good, to absurd, to dangerous. The problem is, a beginner may not be able to know the difference between a good technique and a dangerous or poor technique. Also, some of the projects are good, and some are poor. The main problem with this book is lack of consistency. The positive is that there is good stuff in it and a wide breadth of subject matter.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a MUST HAVE book for the Novice, September 19, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Book of Woodworking: Detailed Plans for More Than 40 Fabulous Projects (Hardcover)

I have purchased or checked out from the Library probably 30 books on woodworking in the last 6 months. This one I'd rate as the Very Best, of the none specialized books on woodworking. You simply must get this book, especially if you are just getting started into woodworking. As far as I am concerned, this book is a bargain.