Customer Reviews

Woodwork Right Technique (Reader's Digest Woodworking)

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

 

 

In an entertaining and well constructed text, the author reviews basic layout techniques, shop geometry for laying out more advanced pieces, sharpening and glues. The text moves on to cover the preparation of stock including surfacing rough lumber, saws, resawing, crosscutting, ripping and gluing. Part 3 covers joinery. Part 4 picks up the shaping of legs, moldings, curves and panels. Part 5 discusses the construction of shop jigs and fixtures.

I learned a new way to do almost everything in the shop, often finding explanations for why some things failed in the past. The text acknowledges that most of us don't always have the optimal tool for the job and explains how to work around that issue with other tools we might have at hand. While not a design book, the text does encourage design. And, while not a safety book, the text explains why some techniques have problems and suggests ways to mitigate those.

Few instructional texts qualify as "page turners," but I found this one genuinely hard to put down. I hope to read more from this author in the future. Finally, this deserving text is hardbound.

Other books put you to sleep sometimes, even though they have great info. With this one, you never forget that an actual PERSON wrote it. He doesn't try to disguise his preferences, which is great. You can usually see through that anyhow. Instead, he explains why he prefers one method over the other and leaves it up to you. The author also has a great sense of humor. (like most woodworkers) He gives three ways to accomplish each task, and explains where one method might be better than the other. The illustrations are either hand drawn or they're computer generated to resemble hand drawings. At any rate, they are much easier to decode that a comparable photo. They are excellent and everything you could ask of an illustration. If you're only going to have two woodworking books, make them this one and "Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking Volumes 1 and 2" This one is slightly more interesting to read, but I think Tage Frid's book has more info packed into it. Also, you will be hard pressed to beat Amazon's price. For what it's worth, I have three all around woodworking books, and the Nick Engler library, and if I could only have one, this would be it.

I've always had the philosophy that the first step to becoming skilled at something is to know what tools are available to help you succeed. Once you know what choices you have, you can become skilled at each one as you need them. This book teaches you what tools (both hardware and techniques) are available to help you succeed in woodworking. It will inspire you, guide you, and teach you as you hone your woodworking skills. Highly recommended!

As a beginner woodworker, I was intrigued by the different techniques that I read in the magazines. For example, why was a box joint used on one of the projects while another project used a dado joint? This book did an excellent job of explaining the pros and cons of various joints, in addition to many other topics. It also has a good section on making several commonly used jigs. The writing and illustrations are all first rate.

After reading the book from cover to cover though, I had only wished that it would cover some additional topics critical to the success of a project, such as wood selection and finishing. Nonetheless, this is a must read for anyone who wants to know the why, not just the how, of woodworking techniques.

This book is essential in any workshop library. It gives simple, easy to follow instructions on many handy techniques, and allows for different methods of accomplishing the same task. This is nice for the beginner, and the experienced craftsman alike, because some techniques require more skill, and experience, and some just require the right tools, and set up time. This book is well written, in plain english, and is an invaluable asset when attempting any of the included techniques.

All of the major woodworking operations are covered. The three methods are: 1) Hand tools (e.g., a hand saw) 2) Portable power tools (e.g., a Skilsaw) 3) Stationary power tools (e.g., a table saw)

Regardless of your skill level or tool inventory, this book will explain the basic operations of woodworking. It is a good introductory text for beginners, and a good reference book for more experienced people (or people getting new tools and learning how to use them).

The author does a great job of describing in detail just about every aspect of woodworking, from cutting to glueing to sharpening to finishing. There is a lot to cover and he does it very succinctly and with enough detail and various methods that the reader is given a LOT of ideas on how to go about any given project.

The hardcover is a beautiful book. Even if the content wasn't as good as it is, it is still a beautiful book to look at.

This is certainly one of the best books on woodworking methods for newcomers. Here's why:

One- The first and most important thing this book accomplishes: It shows woodworking newcomers how to avoid being "sold" on unnecessary tools and accessories. Seeing three good methods for common woodworking tasks is ENOUGH for most people. One of each technique herein will probably fit almost any woodworker's skills and budget. It demonstrates the old adage; "there is more than one way to skin a cat." Obviously, the idea of skinning felines is repugnant, but the analogy is valid. Beginning woodworkers (mistakenly) believe they must have a shop full of machines and gadgets to practice the craft. This book proves that is not the case. If for no other reason, this is worth reading, especially if you are tempted to buy expensive tools for every little task. Knowing alternative methods will definitely save you a ton of money.

Two- The methods used in this volume are not always the most advanced or efficient, but they ARE ALL proven, successful techniques. All of these methods are within reach of the "average Joe" woodworker and utilize common tools that any woodworker is likely to already own. There are SO MANY ways to make joints that no finite volume could possibly contain them all. In this work, the author makes good decisions about which methods to include, carefully avoiding "gimmicky" gadgets or gizmos. He focuses on the simple and safe, not difficult or dangerous. There is nothing "Trendy" about the methods in here.

Three- Like most Reader's Digest publications, the writing and editing is professional. Instructions are clear, concise and easy-to-read. There is almost no unnecessary verbiage, so each page is packed with useful content, not anecdotal fluff.

Four- Illustrations and photography are excellent. Page-layout is logical and efficient. You see illustrations and photos WITH the accompanying comments nearby. You won't waste a lot of time looking back and forth between pages or referring to footnotes and the index.

Five- Physically, the book is attractive and well-made. It is hard-bound. (nice) The paper is stout. ( Good) The printing is high-quality and vivid. (very nice for old eyes!)

Six- I really like the fact that this book is accurately titled. There are too many books about woodworking with the word 'complete' in the tittle and absolutely NONE of them are complete. Even venerable publishers sometimes convey the false message that THEIR book is the one we should buy because it is "complete."

There is almost NOTHING new in the field of woodworking, but there ARE many new woodworkers each year. Less than one-percent of Americans are employed full-time in woodworking, but nearly one-hundred percent of homeowners own tools for money-saving do-it-yourself projects or repairs. There is a lot of competition in such a huge market. That's why there are so many glitzy-gizmos, goofy-gadgets and imported plastic doohickeys marketed to unwary neophytes. That's why we see so many advertisements for new "cool-tools." That's why so many books claim to be "complete" or "encyclopedias." Those books appeal to cheapskates who want to get the most "bang for the book-buck." Trendy products appeal to inexperienced woodworkers or confirmed klutzes who are looking for an easy-way-out.

There is no shame in seeking knowledge, as we all were beginners at one time, and we all are still beginners at something. Indeed, remaining humble and seeking knowledge is one of the loftiest, noblest human endeavors. The shame is when manufacturers take unfair advantage of the inexperienced to sell cheap products. The shame is when publishers try to capitalize on newcomers' ignorance with misleadingly optimistic titles.

In forty-five years of woodworking, I have never seen a single "complete" book on the subject, just as I have never seen a single machine that does everything well. That's why this title is so refreshing. It is an honest name for what it really is.

This book delivers what the title says.

Here is a book from someone who has been there, knowing that different people have different tools or abilities with tools. A working person's guide that cuts out all of the fluff and shows that with this, that, or something else, here is how you can do... I think other work books should view this work an make other offerings like it. I would have made it 5 stars if it covered EVERYTHING but then who can?

I have a problem with the guy that only gave four stars. This book is a must have. I've been working with wood off and on for nearly 40 years, and by page 5 I was sitting back and laughing at my ignorance. Lots of his stuff is obvious; you just haven't thought of it before, and it just keeps coming. This book will probably save you the purchase price on the cost of stock you don't waste in the first month.

It covers everything, from how to sharpen a carpenter's pencil to advanced techniques in complex cuts, and by the way, you will probably start by changing the way you sharpen your pencil.