Customer Reviews

Laminated Designs in Wood: Techniques, Patterns, Projects

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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This book gives information about a beautiful form of woodworking, complete with many colorful pictures and explanations of how to do it yourself. Mr. Rannefeld has developed wood laminating into an art form and his work is inspiring. He shows hundreds of different cutting patterns, gives details on building his special jig for the table saw, and includes some projects that anyone would be proud to make and own. Note that this is not a beginner's woodworking book. The technique and the projects require some skill. However, once you master it, the variety of objects this technique can be applied to is endless. Turned bowls, trays, tables, clocks, and more. All can be enhanced and beautified with this method. This is not simple surface lamination, but rather it goes throughout the wood. So once it has been created, the wood can be cut and shaped and the laminated design remains intact. An exellent book for a woodworker with the desire and dedication to create not just woodworking projects, but woodworking art.

This book is so complete with jigs that are necessary to do the exact cutting required for good results that some woodworkers may not appreciate it. It has all the formulae to calculate the amount of lumber required for a project. If the woodworker has the patience to read this book and follow the design instruction, then experiment with different widths and numbers of the laminates, the possibilities are unending. Clarence Rannefeld, the author, has tried to introduce us to a whole new field in woodworking. Use your scientific calculator for the formulae, then cut and glue, and cut and glue some more and beauty will jump out at you. Above all, be patient. This type of woodworking is an art. Intarsia enthusiasts will love it.

This book should have been entitled, "Advanced Laminated Designs in Wood." This is no easy book, but that is not the fault of the author- the subject matter itself is difficult. However, the author spared no effort to convey this method of woodworking, and if the reader is willing to take the time needed to grasp it, he/she will reap considerable rewards. I love the book, and I highly recommend it.

All the methodology is clearly layed out, with numerous pictures and illustrations of how to create these designs. The designs themselves are beautiful and so variable, you could make them for years without ever repeating the same pattern.

I should note that this method results in considerable amounts of wood turned into dust and scrap. You will also have to construct an elaborate (though very useful) cutting sled for your table saw. And at times the book reads like a college text, although the author is a very capable writer.

That being said, I still highly recommend the book to serious artists and woodworkers who use inlay, intarsia, marquetry, or do segmented turning.

I agree with the first reviewer in most respects. The book is an awesome resource on how to make solid laminates. However, it could be greatly improved if the author would give more details on how to make the jig. There are good pictures and sketchy details but no measurements or helpful details. This book is definitely for the experienced woodworker. A little experience is good, but expect to struggle. Of course, that's what some of us like about woodworking -- the struggle, then the beautiful finished product when we're done.

This book reveals, in exquisite detail, what must be a relatively new art form. The work is not for beginners. By following Mr. Rannefeld's directions it is possible to produce almost an infinite number of really beautiful patterns in wood to use in tables, platters and most especially, segmented wood vessels.

Precision is required to produce the designs and more than basic tools. Tuning your table saw before you start is very necessary, as is having really precise measuring tools. I started several designs only to find out that I needed to do something differently. It's a real learning process and it increases your general woodworking skills. Remember, your motto should be, measure four times, cut once.

The book is a must have for anyone who is interested in wood work as art. It's out of print now, but Lark Books should consider reprinting.

All you need is to be careful and persistent and the results will knock the socks off friends, family and customers. It is absolutely THE most spectacular results in woodworking I've ever seen - with no natural artistic talent is needed to achieve it. Read, follow the book, you will get what it promises. The instructions are so clear and detailed, it is as if the author is right by your side, helping you see the finished piece even when the beginning stages look like an explosion of cutoffs.

Whether you're a hobbyist crafter or just trying to bring in a little extra money to support your woodworking, this book offers a whole new path. Check it out.

Great book showing how to create laminated designs. A must have for segmented turning.