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James Krenov

The Impractical Cabinetmaker: Krenov on Composing, Making, and Detailing Paperback – February 1, 1999

by James Krenov (Author)

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James Krenov's delicate, lyrical cabinets have inspired a generation of wood craftsmen, as has his impassioned insistence that one do his very best work, no matter what. In this volume, first published in 1979, Krenov invites the reader into his workshop, where he shares his techniques and uncompromising approach to craftsmanship, along with thoughts about his work and its place in the world. Photo sequences show how Krenov composes a cabinet directly in the wood, without dimensioned drawings. He also discusses working with shop-sawn veneers, the technique of fitting curved doors, and the problems of accuracy and mistakes. The book concludes with a detailed exploration of three furniture projects: a curved showcase cabinet, a writing table with drawer, and a chess table.

Print length

160 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Linden Publishing
Publication date

February 1, 1999
Dimensions

8.24 x 0.39 x 10.78 inches
ISBN-10

9780941936514
ISBN-13

978-0941936514
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Krenov was a woodworker and studio furnituremaker.

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:
138 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

138 global ratings

5 star		76%
4 star		14%
3 star		6%
2 star		3%
1 star		2%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Amazon Customer

This book is changing my life!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 18, 2021

Verified Purchase

Even if you don’t do wood work this book is worth reading, it is changing my life! it is more about the “why” we should do the kind of work we like then “how” to get the work done. Although I picked up several “how to” tricks that have baffled me for years, and a few I had no idea I needed, I’m now going to order his other books.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Thomas( Doc Savage 45)

The Spirit of the "Wood!"

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 13, 2007

Verified Purchase

Inspirational reading for aspiring woodworkers who have no mentor. George Nakashima and Mr. James Krenov give an Impractical feel to wood and teaches us reverence.

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!

9 people found this helpful

Helpful

Wing Rider 2003

The Krenov syndrome

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 21, 2006

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First of all - my rating of this book is not guided by Mr. Krenov's abilities - it is obvious he is a rare talent in the woodworking and design field...a man who has thought much about what he does and why and in so doing, has mastered his craft. The other side of the coin is that this book is not for everybody - it is heady, filled with a lifetime of introspective philosophy and covers advanced techniques the average person will never use and is nearly useless for the average woodworker who is looking for a "how to" book. Unless you are into an almost Zen like approach to woodworking or are looking for inspiration at an almost unreachable level, this book may not be for you. Is it a good read? Yes, and worth reading, no doubt. Will it help you go out to your shop the day after you read it and actually do something you gleaned out of it? Probably not. This book CAN be depressing. On the other hand, it will most assuredly open your mind to a rare and beautiful area of woodworking that to this point may have escaped you. Read it, enjoy it, it may inspire you to do better work or at least make you wish you could. His creations are beautiful. At the very least, you will come away with a certain amount of awe at what a dedicated, thoughtful and talented man can do with rather simple tools :)

38 people found this helpful

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John

Positive feedback

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 25, 2014

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I ordered and have read most/all of the Krenov books. There is a certain sense of developing an understanding of what it means to adopt woodworking even if Krenov's opinions do not match my own all the time. For me, I think the experience of reading his thoughts provided some better understanding of why I enjoy woodworking and what it means to me. I think it also emphasizes the importance of keeping it simple. The photos and diagrams are a little ..... okay, they suck. But I could still get the essence of what he was saying and get the ideas. This is a purchase that is more "spirit of woodworking". I got what I wanted. It is a book that will get you to discover a bit more of what you want from woodworking and what you like.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Ed

none like it

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 20, 2006

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I bought this book a few years ago and I'm still reading it...or I should say re-reading it. As I progress with my woodworking skills, build some pieces, work with a different wood, etc, I find things in this book I didn't see before. There's a little bit of how-to here, but for me that's not where the real value lies. I love the philosophies of working with wood that Mr. Krenov offers -- they are worth the price of admission, and should be the reason for reading it. So my suggestion is to acquire the books you need about joinery, shaping, cabinet construction, etc., and as you go along every now and then take this book from the shelf and re-read it. Maybe not all of it, but I'm betting that as you grow in woodcraft you will react to it in a different way than you did the last time.

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.

24 people found this helpful

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johngjohnson

James Krenov was,

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 18, 2021

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hands down, one of the finest craftsman. His words are challenging and encouraging. He writes as if he was speaking to you. This is the third of his books I have.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

G. Robinson

Almost great 3 1/2 stars

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 2, 2010

Verified Purchase

The good:
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.

14 people found this helpful

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Chris F.

Valuable insights for the thinking woodworker

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 1, 2019

Verified Purchase

I've read all of Krenov's books in this triology, and liked them all. It's one of those things, he either speaks to what you beleive or not. These are not really how to books, though there are many good insights. It's more about the mindset one should have and the things that are important if your goal is to do fine work. Krenov used many hand tools, but also advocated using machines to ease the burden, use your time and energy where it counts. These books feed your soul and should be read by all woodworkers who love wood and are interested in taking their craft to the next level.

2 people found this helpful

Tétai

Livre qui se distingue par une description du mental du travailleur du bois

Reviewed in France 🇫🇷 on May 26, 2017

Verified Purchase

J. Krenov a une faculté d'observation de son esprit et de l'esprit des autres travailleurs du bois qu'il partage dans ce livre:

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.

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bodi

A must have for any woodworkers collection

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 17, 2013

Verified Purchase

This man is a true legend of the woodworking craft from a time before it was popular or cool to be a craftsman.
an inspiration for so many reasons from his philosophy, design ability, woodworking skills and wooden plane making talents.

One person found this helpful

Xavi Molina Membrives

Imprescindible

Reviewed in Spain 🇪🇸 on September 7, 2014

Verified Purchase

Un texto atractivo y claro que nos inteoduce en las reflexiones de un artista y de su oficio. Es imprescindible.

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T AA

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 5, 2015