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The Impractical Cabinetmaker: Krenov on Composing, Making, and Detailing Paperback – February 1, 1999
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- Print length160 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLinden Publishing
- Publication dateFebruary 1, 1999
- Dimensions8.24 x 0.39 x 10.78 inches
- ISBN-109780941936514
- ISBN-13978-0941936514
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About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : 0941936511
- Publisher : Linden Publishing (February 1, 1999)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 160 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780941936514
- ISBN-13 : 978-0941936514
- Item Weight : 1 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.24 x 0.39 x 10.78 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #123,009 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #149 in Industrial Manufacturing Systems
- #167 in Woodworking Projects (Books)
- #222 in Home Design & Construction (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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One reviewer sees this as something totally different. And it is. It is not a "how to". We learn about love of wood and the organicity of wood.
Mr. Kenov is in his eighties now, and leaves behind a legacy. You may not find funcionality in his cabinits but learning the respect for wood is imprortant.
I've read the other reviews. From 2 star to 5 star they say it all! What can I add? Like some of the reviewers I was looking for more of How to do it stuff. What I found was more. "Impractical Cabinetmaker" was a shocker, and a mover.
I have been making things in wood since I was told by my dad, "If I show you how to use the tools and I give you your own, will you stay out of my toolshed?" With this book I became Mr. Krenov's temporary apprentice. With words he gives a feel for being "in woodworking!" For me words are important, for other woodworkers they are not. I've had the book and read it twice, about 3 years apart. It is not a book about "what we do" but "why we do it!" Other books are more factual, more practical. This one is spiritual!
If all you want to do is cut out parts and fasten them together, why not get an erector set?...not so much sawdust. I agree with the reviewer who suggests that it should be required reading for every consumer as well.
Talks about the spirit of craftsmanship and trends in wood working. Well thought out ideas many of which I agree with.
Provides some interesting insights into designs and talks about problems that I didn't realize were there in the pieces he uses for demonstration.
Interesting chapter on veneer; the making and use.
Some interesting ideas for the advanced wood worker and maybe inspiring for the aggressive intermediate.
The bad:
The first part of the book is very wordy and diffuse. He takes over 70 pages to say what could have been said in 5. While I agree with his thesis it is ill expressed.
Could do with more/better explanations of some pieces.
Limited range of pieces and techniques.
The veneer techniques are not terribly useful, more interesting as a curiosity.
His æsthetic is very Swedish modern and doesn't shake my snake.
Definitely not for someone looking for plans, there are none.
Useless to the newbie.
The ugly:
Only covers a couple of pieces in any detail.
The information presented is limited and mostly of value to the advanced wood worker.
Overall an interesting book and ideas. Suitable for someone who is looking for a change in direction or inspiration. Great book for a very limited audience.
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D'où nait l'inspiration? qu'est ce qui va faire que l'égo va nous mener à faire des erreurs et gaspiller notre énergie ? qu'est ce qui va nous amener à être plus au contact de ce que nous faisons ? La philosophie du " c'est le résultat qui compte " peut elle nous amener vers ce que nous désirons vraiment?
L'auteur nous décrit également ses propres démarches qui l'ont amené à expérimenter et réaliser certains de ses projets.
Note de 4/5 car les photos sont en n&b et de mauvaise résolution. Les dessins à main levée (J.Krenov reconnait lui même qu'il n'est pas doué pour dessiner) ne sont pas très claires.

an inspiration for so many reasons from his philosophy, design ability, woodworking skills and wooden plane making talents.

