Customer Reviews

The Woodwright's Workbook: Further Explorations in Traditional Woodcraft

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
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Roy Underhill continues his exploration of traditional American woodworking techniques in this title and helps preserve what would otherwise be a rapidly-disappearing art form. In this day and age of power tool mania, Roy reminds us what life used to be like - and not really all THAT long ago. As someone who is new to woodworking myself, I have found Roy's style and wealth of information both refreshing and formidable. In addition to presenting techniques in ways that are easy to understand both by way of description and a wealth of pictures, he continously provides European historical sources that helps place into perspective the techniques that our European/ American ancestors brought here with them. If you are in any way at ALL interested in woodworking as a relaxing hobby or want to make traditional pices, this series, and this book in particular is a great place to start. For example, Roy provides n this volume a fabulous chapter on how to make a traditional wood working bench equipped with vices, hold fasts and bench dogs. He references similar benches dating back to the Middle Ages to show the development of this type of bench - this book is an absolute MUST to any collection!

A fun book to read and study, it reminds us (woodworkers) that having the proper power tool isn't necessarily needed for achieving the end goal of finishing a project. The book is not so much a How-to but a How-was, informing the reader that although 200 years ago our forefathers didn't have a 3 HP table router or a 12 inch Jointer, they were able to produce furnishings that are still highly prized and beautiful today. Roy's conversationalist style of writing is often more like talking with a 200 year old carpenter and is as informative an enjoyable. Rather than giving specific plans with cutout diagrams and where to nail/screw the work he provides us with the inspiration and basic techniques for making our own unique pieces that will stand the test of time.

This is more hands-on than the first two in Underhill's Woodwright series. I'm particularly intrigued by the lathes - and we get more here than in the last book.

As always, these are great relaxing reads rather than run to the shop and build something books.

I ENJOY ALL OF ROY'S BOOKS. I HAVE WATCHED HIS PROGRAMS SINCE I WAS A KID AND AM FASCINATED WITH THE IDEA OF QUIET WOODWORKING. IT IS REWARDING, ENJOYABLE, AND RELAXING. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT MACHINES WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE IN MY SHOP, BUT HE WRITES GOOD BOOKS COVERING ALOT OF MATERIAL.

I will read anything Mr. Underhill writes. His understanding of woodworking is superior and the combination of his wit and wisdom makes reading his books that much more enjoyable. Normally, I read a woodworking book and can't wait to go to the bench.
With Mr. Underhill I want to keep reading!
Thank you Mr. Underhill for making learning entertaining.