The New Woodworker Handbook: The Basics for Spending Wisely, Working Safely, and Having Fun in Your Shop [Paperback]

Tom Hintz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007

With a modest workspace, a few basic tools and techniques, and this commonsense guide, aspiring home woodworkers can set up a functional and productive workshop. The advice is practical and approachable, acknowledging that setting up shop is a gradual process of buying a tool, learning a skill, and then using that skill and tool. The four projects are organized by level of difficulty, progressing from a basic box and bookcase to a more challenging shop cabinet and even addressing the complex subject of joinery. Safety protocol, including all-important fire prevention, is emphasized throughout, ensuring that beginning craftspeople build consistent safety habits as they build their skills and shops.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Second place winner, 2008 Golden Hammer Awards, National Association of Home and Workshop Writers (NAHW)

"[The] style is straightforward . . . easy to understand, complemented by 300 color photos, tips, and helpful charts and sidebars."  —Woodcraft Magazine

"I wish I had a book like this when I began woodworking."  —This Old House Magazine

"Tom presents an easy-to-read and down-to-earth approach to woodworking. I can recommend it to those who love the craft."  —Woodworker's Journal

"Tom Hintz's passion for woodworking and his desire to help others learn is evident on every page."  —American Woodworker Magazine

"If you don’t already have a copy of [this handbook], you will want one."  —Mother Earth News

"A well-done beginner's manual, this book lays out all the possibilities, and clarifies some of the more confusing questions a novice might have."  —Woodcentral.com

About the Author

Tom Hintz is the creator of NewWoodworker.com, which attracts more than 150,000 hobbyists each month. He lives in Concord, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 253 pages
• Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565232976
• ISBN-13: 978-1565232976
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,110,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the one you will use and enjoy!, July 2, 2007

By 

John Binando (Bergenfield, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Woodworker Handbook: The Basics for Spending Wisely, Working Safely, and Having Fun in Your Shop (Paperback)

I felt comfortable buying this book as I was familiar with the author prior to purchase. I have been a big fan of the author's web site for over a year. I have used his tool reviews to make purchases and enjoyed his writings on tool set up, use, and safety. Tom Hintz knows the subject and just as important, he can relate this knowledge to you in a friendly, fun, accessible manner. This woodworking book is filled with information, yet is an easy and enjoyable read. The author's sense of humor shows through just as his skill and concern to do it right. I enjoy woodworking and reading about the subject, and this is my new favorite in my book collection. The author utilizes hundreds of color photos, along with detailed drawings, tables, and examples to fully demonstrate his points. The author has a focus on accuracy and safety that really make these critical subjects integral to all the process and not as afterthoughts. The ten chapters have added bonuses worked in such as the numerous "Tips" or "New Tools" sections that expand on the subject being discussed. After reading this book you will be more productive with the tools you have and you will be a smarter consumer as you add to your shop. The information provided gives me the confidence to try new ways to make dadoes or try that half lap joint that I had been hesitant to attempt.

The ten chapters are as follows:
1) Setting up shop (32 pages)
2) Buying Tools (48 pages)
3) Tool setup, alignment, and maintenance (18 pages) - very good info, maximize the accuracy of your tools.
4) Working safely (14 pages)
5) Selecting wood (12 pages)
6) Preparing the wood (8 pages)
7) Adhesives and fasteners (16 pages)
8) Joining wood (30 pages)
9) Finishing (14 pages)
10) Skill building projects (54 pages) - Six projects. I really like this section in particular. The projects include a basic lidded box, tool box, bedside bookcase, shop wall cabinets, base cabinets, and a coffee table (I find this table design a little "clunky" but you could adapt it and there are several skill building steps involved). Tom walks you through the steps in a way where you can refine an existing skill or pick up a new skill or method.

Tom Hintz has an earnest, knowledgeable approach to woodworking. You feel and share in his enthusiasm for the projects. For me, this is a book that I am enjoying as a recent purchase, and I know that it will frequently be pulled from the shelf for reference in the future. I am a careful shopper but I am extremely pleased with this purchase. I am sure that this will be valued by anyone who enjoys woodworking.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This book is NOT for me., June 2, 2010

By 

RJinNC - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Woodworker Handbook: The Basics for Spending Wisely, Working Safely, and Having Fun in Your Shop (Paperback)

Im a new woodworker looking for useful skill-building projects. I didn't find what I wanted in this book.

The author was in stock car racing, a technical and expensive passtime. His approach to woodworking is also technical and expensive. He stresses setting-up a large dedicated shop and filling it with expensive machine tools. I'm sure that many are attracted to modern woodworking because of the machine tools. I think that woodworking is all about the finished product, the wood.

Very little is said about hand tools. What kind of "New Woodworker Handbook" doesn't explain how to buy and use hand tools?

The author has six projects that start with a table saw and router then build-up from there. I think that I can find some skill-building projects to do that start with just some hand tools and know how.

The book is pleasantly written and attractivly produced. It comes with an errata sheet.

I'm looking for another book.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The New Woodworker book review, October 6, 2009

By 

Mr. Gene (Mid Atlantic) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Woodworker Handbook: The Basics for Spending Wisely, Working Safely, and Having Fun in Your Shop (Paperback)

I am pretty good with my hands, and my tools, yet I found this book a great reference with plenty of tricks, jigs, and methods.

Examples cover a range of projects and do not require a full workshop of tools to complete.

I recommend this book for beginner to intermediate wood project hobbiests and craftsmen alike.