Customer Reviews

Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Period Furniture Details

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a valuable aid in making details. Another reviewer states that 80% of the book is in another book by Bird. This might be a bit of an over statement - no matter if just 20% is new material the book is worth it. I own both of the books he addresses - I noticed the duplication right away. The real question is "will this book make you a better period furniture maker?" I am 57 years old - own every tool required to make period furiture - hold a Masters certification from Marc Adams School of Woodworking - have taken course work with some of the top people in the field - I am now working on a Philidelphia Low Boy and am wooking with Allan Breed (instructor) - and this book is helpful and even insightful. I know at least four of the eighteen of us in class have purchased this book.

If you already own Lonnie Bird's Complete Illustrated Guide to Shaping Wood you will be extremely disappointed with this book. It seemed that 80% was duplicate material. The book descriptions says that this book expands on the techniques covered in Shaping Wood. To me, it looked like nothing more than a page for page copy.

I am surprised at the low book review. This is one of the best teaching books I have read. Lonnie Bird is an artist at conveying woodworking concepts. This is not a step by step how to guide to a completed project. Every detail that is covered is very well covered. I have both of the Lonnie Bird books and believe they complement each other. I highly reccomend this book and this author! If you want a good step by step book on Period Furniture try: Glen Huey's "Building Period Furniture" Both of these books are excellent. See my review under this book on Amazon.I have bought many books that are barely worth taking home. These two books are worth more than they cost! The printing and pictures in This book are superior as are all others I have read by Taunton press.

This is pretty comprehensive for someone interested in or embarking on a period project. the descriptions and pictures are clear and detailed, although most will be familiar with the subjects and possibly have their own method of working, it's good to have a view on how someone else tackles the problems that can be encountered.
The Author needs no introduction to woodworkers, (especially in the USA) and has complied this book carefully, a lot of effort has gone into the illustration, a good buy, worth the money.

This book was exactly what I was looking for. It is very concise and shows multiple ways of making several of the details. I would recommend this book.