Fancy Coffins to Make Yourself [Paperback]

Dale Power (Author), Dale L. Power (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Book for Woodworkers | Publication Date: January 1, 2000

Heres the help you need for one of lifes most critical undertakings -- making your own coffin. Author and craftsman Dale Power revisits one of his most popular woodworking projects with additional embellishment, adding finery and fancy to what could easily become your final resting place. Easily, that is, since, more than 230 color photos and detailed instructions have been provided to help guide you step by step toward your own casket. This project might truly be your lifes finest accomplishment. The installation of working coffin hardware, both exterior and interior, is explored and the proper application of finishes and linings are explained. Patterns for the coffin are provided, along with two lid designs. The color photo gallery and detailed instructions will challenge the novice and inspire experienced craftsmen.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Woodworking is usually a lighthearted hobby, so the idea of making a coffin could be somewhat odd or even repugnant. However, there is a place for such information in the library. It's surprising more folks don't build coffins, given the cost of commercial models and the fact that such a creation could be viewed as a tribute to a loved one or a catharsis for one who is ill. Power's coffins are attractive, with store-bought metal fittings and fabric linings, and could easily be mistaken for professionally made models. Experienced woodworkers would have no trouble replicating these designs. There isn't a large audience for this book, but it would round out a comprehensive public library collection.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764312499
• ISBN-13: 978-0764312496
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #377,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Even the title is misleading, March 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Fancy Coffins to Make Yourself (Paperback)

The ONE coffin in the book is fancier than a plain pine box, but not by much. The coffin is poorly built, poorly finished and poorly described. The photos don't convey much information and the text isn't much help either. The first rule of writting a "how-to" book is knowing "how-to", very obviously Dale l. Power doesn't. I have seen much better construction in a seventh grade woodshop class.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Should have read the reviews., January 21, 2005

By 

K. Gould (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fancy Coffins to Make Yourself (Paperback)

Everything about the book is unprofessional. If you're an amateur it will not help and if you're a craftsman you'll be appalled.

You could do better with your own imagination. If you need dimensions, call a local Funeral Home, they'll be glad to help.

Amazon should pull this title from their inventory.

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Junky Coffins, January 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Fancy Coffins to Make Yourself (Paperback)

This book should be entitled, "Build a coffin at Summer Camp". The quality of the coffin depicted in the illustrations would lead me to believe that the author is not a woodworker and that he is not qualified to write on the subject. The workmanship depicted looks as though a group of school kids put it together. There is nothing in this book that a little imagination and general woodworking knowledge couldn't improve on.