Customer Reviews

Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Tablesaws (Complete Illustrated Guides)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a professional woodworker,in my 20+ year career I have read many books and articles on power tools. This book is by far the most complete,concise,most comprehensive doctrine on the table saw that I have ever read. Mr.Anthony covers all aspects of using the table saw from basic cuts,safety devices,jigs and fixtures,maintenance,speciality cuts,dadoes,coves,joinery,dust collection,the list goes on. Whether you are an experienced woodworker or just a beginner there is information in this book that everyone can benefit from. I would guess the only thing better than reading this book would be to spend a week or two with Mr.Anthony in a shop and attempt to glean this much knowledge in one sitting,regardless the book could still be used for reference when the tutilage has ended. The emphasis on safety is apparent throughout the book without becoming overbearing causing the reader to dismiss the message. The pictures and illustrations are well thought out and mesh very well with the text to give the reader the most information possible.

Being a professional woodworker (luthier) I have many, many reference books on shop tools. This is by far the best I have come across for any shop tool. In addition to expertly explaining and photographing the more common topics of table saws, fixtures and proper usage, the author has addressed topics not to be found in other guides.
Beginning with the basics of choosing, proper usage and common fixtures for your table saw, he leads you into in-depth topics such as peripherals like out feed tables, dust collection systems, saw blades and creating very clever custom fixtures. The maintenance topics even include changing out an arbor on an old saw! All of this is accompanied by a ton of easy to follow pictures, leading you every step of the way. This book educates the beginner and challenges even the most advanced woodworker.
If a bible on the table saw was ever made, this is it and should be the only one you need in your library!

The book is written to communicate usage and fixtures for working with most table saws. There is enough concern and warnings about unsafe operations for beginners to retain all their fingers and eyes. The book contains procedures, such as a tuneup, that can be used with most brands, and techniques for operation that are very helpful. It also shows how to construct some very useful, inexpensive jigs to save time and increase accuracy. All in all a very useful reference.

I've been a wood working hobbiest all my life. I got my first cabinet saw this week. This book is perfect for me. I've had a benchtop saw, a contractor saw and I owned a radial saw. I thought I pretty much knew everything i needed to know. I am very glad i got this as it really fills the gaps between those saws and the cabinet saw. I would have had no clue what i was missing without the book. I would put this as the appropiate book for anyone who has not had a lot of experience with a cabinet saw or wants to do furniture work on a contractor saw. One reviewer mentioned it as not for the DIY with a benchtop saw; he is right, this is more high-end saw. I got the book before the saw and i was not all that impressed. Now that i have the saw and have used it for 1 day; i've encountered several unexpected issues that this book addresses - Very impressive and useful.
Update-
Looking at the book again, I relize that it goes well beyond intermediate(and me) with joints and jigs. It is just a great book!

I recently received this guide as a gift and was glad that my wife found such an articulate and clearly illustrated guide. I am a woodworking 'newbie' and my interests lie in cabinet-making. This guide keys on all of the basic woodworking rules and provides an easy to follow instruction-set. I found the pictorials to be clear and well-photographed. The handy 'side-bars' with small blurbs on specific topics to also be an excellent addition. Overall, I am very glad that I have this guide as a reference to "do things right"! I am eagerly waiting for additional guides from Mr. Anthony!

As a beginner I found this book to be invaluable in learning how to setup and use my table saw safely and efficiently. I am sure most of the concepts covered in this book are familiar to anyone with some experience with table saws. However, I wouldn't recommend anyone turning on their table saw, w/o reading this book first.

Clear explanations, clear graphics, clear photos, clear plans to make jigs, etc.

All I have to say is... Thank You!

I'm not even going to bother going into details on this book, other than to say it covers everything you need to know about tablesaws and their use, and does so meticulously, with beautifully detailed photographs. It is a must-have and the ONLY book you'll ever need on the subject. BUY IT!!!

This book is well written with clear instructions and good photos. I would recommend this book for a beginner or intermediate wood worker.

As a first time owner of a table saw, this book is loaded with many
helpful hints along with detailed info regarding the use of the saw.

This book is very helpful for any level of woodworker. The photography is excellent and the instructions are easy to follow. A must have resource book.