The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking [Paperback]

James Krenov (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2007

With continual themes of perfection of technique and building to the limits of one’s skill, this authoritative resource provides in-depth instruction for mastering the craft of cabinetmaking. A bevy of topics, including the proper way to sharpen and hone tools, hollow grinding methodology, and obtaining proper grinding angles, are detailed in this comprehensive cabinet-making sourcebook. Lessons devoted to using and understanding various woods, including common or exotic pieces, learning how to read grain, and the pros and cons in working with air-dried wood versus kiln-dried wood, will educate any level of woodworker. Chapters devoted to resawing as well as problems and concerns due to moisture content and wood movement are also included.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Krenov is the founder and director of the fine woodworking program at the College of the Redwoods in California. He is the author of five books, including Cabinetmakers Notebook, Impractical Cabinetmaker, and With Wakened Hands. He lives in Fort Bragg, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Linden Publishing (May 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933502096
• ISBN-13: 978-1933502090
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #95 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Home Improvement & Design > How-to & Home Improvements > Carpentry

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 76 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Krenov's famous cabinetmaking techniques layed bare July 8, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This, Krenov's second book (1976), is the book that they still want you to have when you show up at the College of the Redwoods for Krenov's course. The book is devided into three parts: wood, tools and the shop, and cabinetmaking techniques. It sets out his techniques for mortice and tenon joints, dovetails, HANDPLANE CONSTRUCTION, and much more. The handplane section was so influential that several courses are taught on this subject alone, accross the country.

This book is indispensible for the serious woodworker. That said it is just a little dated since obviously a lot has changed in twenty plus years. Krenov labours close to the soul of cabinetaking, however, and a lot less has changed there than elsewhere. An obvious change is that Krenov's essential few power tools are now much cheapper to buy than they then were. But modern workers will probably assume that he now sharpens his tools with waterstones. Not so! As he recently revealed in a national magazine, and his reasoning is as sound as ever.

At a deeper level perhaps, the craft has become dominated by projects and production on the one hand, and arty self-congratulatory stuff on the other. In the old days there was another path that of extrodinary quality, and technical virtuosity. Few follow this path today due to cost, a skills shortage, and some lessened desire to have furniture which belongs in the boudoir of the Sun King. Krenov is one of the few who has written about another way.

This book is the most how-to of his essential trilogy. If that turns you on, try the Impractical Cabinetaker next, lots more "project" tips. If you like his philosophy of craft try The Cabinetaker's Notebook.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book, but not a great one. October 14, 2002

By M. Emme

Format:Paperback

This book gave me a few problems. Let me start off that I find the work of Mr Krenov to be some of the finest in the world of cabinetmaking. The trick is that this book spent a lot of time going over material that has been done other places better. The sections on shop tools, sharpening and how to do dovetails did not add much to the book and has been covered better in many other books. The section that talked about handmade planes was an interesting read, and in my opinion could have been expanded to give much more. The high points of the book are the "Details of Cabinetmaking" section and an earlier section that goes over the aesthetics of wood grain in the context of design. This gets you into the head of Mr Krenov a bit. The problem is that it is all too short. I think this book could have cut out a lot of stuff and expanded its section of the design and construction much more. Even though I kind of sound negative, I like the book for what it is and find it helpful when I design and put together a cabinet.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning From A Perfectionist May 25, 2006

By Marc Ruby™ HALL OF FAMEVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

James Krenov is one of woodworking's treasures - an acknowledged master craftsman who is open about both his aesthetics and his techniques. For many of us he is a role model who started out on a shoe string in Sweden and has gone on to create a whole style all his own. He is as devoted to teaching as he is to his work and has a gift for inspiration and straightforward exposition.

Unlike A Cabinet Maker's Notebook, The Fine Art of Cabinet Making spends most of its time talking about technique. The first 50 pages is a vast, rambling essay on wood and how to relate to it. His point, an important on, is that the process of selecting and using wood is every bit as important and any other creative process. If you pay attention you will get a deep dive into the way Krenov's designs come to be - a whole new level beyond buying some dimensioned lumber and whipping up a cabinet.

Then he introduces you to his workshop and tools. Krenov actually does use power tools, but sparingly. Many of us have been taught to value the clean, sharp edged work that a modern power woodshop can produce. Krenov is just the opposite, to him the marks of craftsmanship are part of the harmony of the work. Krenov makes his own planes, and spends a great deal of time explaining how to do the same yourself. I have to admit I'm quite happy with my Lie-Nielson's, but one has to admire the intensity of a man who wants everything 'just so.'

The remainder of the book covers details of Krenov's cabinetmaking, and it is here that you discover the extent of his quality. Whether it be dovetails, delicately curved doors, or cabinet backs, Krenov never settles for less than the best he can do. I admit to a few moments of extreme jealousy when he explains that he never clamps dovetail joints, but, as his discussion demonstrates, his attention to detail is such that he shouldn't have to use clamps. I just wonder how many years of practive it will take to accomplish the same thing.

For all that this is a technically focused book, it is also an inspiring one. A book that will have you eyeing potential lumber completely differently, and making yourself take the time to get things right.