Product Description
Mankind has been using wood since prehistoric times to build shelter, houses, containers, vehicles and implements and the tools and techniques used to shape and manipulate wood are thousands of years old. The basic tools were established by Roman times, but apart from the mechanization of carpentry, the majority of woodworking tools have changed little since then. This book examines the basic woodworking tools used throughout history, reflecting the astonishing variety of forms which these basic tools have assumed at different times and in different places. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume presents jigs, fixtures, and accessories that increase efficiency and make woodshop tasks easier. Covers materials, specialized benches and fixtures, and jigs for routers, tablesaws, and other tools. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

If you have a lot of time and metal working experience . . .
Most of the jigs represented in this book are tedious and time consuming to build and require a lot custom made or hard to find metal parts.Additionally, the plans are not clearly and consistently presented.Only the table saw sled is easy enough to produce in your shop with materials at hand.The book is poorly organized - i.e., there is a section on safe jigs with protective covers that should be supplementary to the appropriate jig - not a confusing separate section that doesn't give specifics like dimensions.

I can't recommend this book to beginners because it's to difficult to obtain materials and it's not clearly written.I also can't recommend this book to pros because they would find it and unorganized and serious waste of valuable shop time as all the projects could be done as well - with easier to obtain parts and better written schematics.

Not top pick
Although interesting, my advice is to get Sandor's book instead. I have both, and I use Sandor's more often...not just for his jigs, but for ideas on designing my own.

No plans, no dimensional drawings
Nice photos and descriptions.The book is lacking any detailed information on building any of the devices in the book.There are no material lists or detailed drawings.

Jigs without the Plans
I was somewhat disappointed with this book. It does have a lot of information and pictures and does describe how to use the jigs. However, there are very few actual detail drawings of the jigs. There is usually a general drawing, but that is about it. I suppose if you are an experienced wood worker, then that may be all you need. But for the beginner, there is not enough detail information to build many of the jigs or accessories. If you are looking for router jigs and tools, I highly recommend "Router Magic" by Bill Hylton. Router Magic is an excellent book with lots of detail drawings and bill of materials.

Finally!
We woodworkers all build jigs, you know those shop built attachments that hopefully allow a tool to function better than it did out of the box!If you're like me you use them and store them in the rafters.For surely theywill come in handy again!?Unfortunately most of them never get used againand end up collecting dust until you finally throw them out.For thisreason I have never been a big fan of jig books which to my mind just helpadd to the clutter.

However, in this new book from The Taunton Press weare finally treated to a selection of jigs and accessories that willundoubtedly be useful over and over again.The authors of the jigspresented are all experienced woodworkers who clearly gave some thought tothe longevity and usefulness of these accessories.

The first chapterdiscusses materials used to build jigs including various plastics.Chap 2shows benches and bench fixtures.The rest of the chapters are dividedaccording to the type of tool the jigs or accessories are designed to workwith, routers, tablesaws, etc.There is also an overview of somecommercially available router tables.

Some of the jigs are a bit complex,but even if you don't build exactly what is shown, the ideas for expandingthe usefulness of a particular tool are really innovative and should getyour own creative juices flowing!It would be a rare woodworker whowouldn't find at least several useful ideas in this book.

It would benice if tool designers gave more thought to how we woodworkers use theirtools and incorporated more versatility directly into their tools, butuntil then, this book offers an overview of well designed jigs andaccessories to fill the gap. ... Read more

Product Description
a clear and comprehensive guide to woodworking of all types, with expert advice and practical tips show how to develop your skills over 1600 colour photographs illustrate more than 200 easy-to-follow techniques and projects all shown in step by step. ... Read more

Product Description
In this book, professional woodworkers give all the information tool owners wished came in the owner's manual plus much more - what to look for when buying a table saw, bandsaw, or router, and how to tune them up for optimal performance. The information is presented in an accessible, easy-to-understand way, making this a quick reference as well as a comprehensive handbook. All the information is up-to-date and thoroughly researched.

The section on table saw, the cornerstone of any woodworking shop, is written by the recognized authority on the subject, and covers all basic operations including ripping, crosscutting and handling large stock.The section on bandsaw, a deceptively simple device, stresses the importance of tune-ups for optimum performance.The section on router covers bits, accessories, and a wide variety of routers, and surveys the router's many uses -- from edgework to cutting joinery.

Excellent color photos and a clean, friendly layout give this book on classic woodworking tools a fresh modern look. This clearly illustrated and photographed volume will quickly become the standard reference and is a must-have title for any woodworker.Buy this book before you buy the tool. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A book for any woodworker
I loved the illustrations for operationing the power tools, but I also loved the pictures showing where to stand and other safety points.

These are the answers, hints, and insights we need!
I would heartily recommend this book if it only covered one of the tools.All three, router (8 chapters, 125 pages), table saw (7 chapters, 134 pages), and band saw (6 chapters, 120 pages) contain the level of detail that makes this a must have for your woodworking library.You will get great utility from this book as tool selection, upgrades, accessories and maintenance are covered along with use and safety.The pages come alive with outstanding color pictures and diagrams.Interesting techniques and jigs are discussed and outlined.An example of the detail is the section on kickback.Not only is it discussed, but photos are shown of a foam board being used on the table saw as the camera catches what happens.This is a quality book and I thank the authors for sharing their expertise. ... Read more

Product Description
The biscuit joiner has revolutionized woodworking by enabling woodworkers to create joints that are incredibly strong, durable and fast to make. The Biscuit Joiner Project Book provides woodworkers, hobbyists and furniture makers with a variety of projects that will help them develop more efficient joinery techniques while creating wonderful new pieces of furniture for their home.

There are 12 projects in all, including a bookcase, a nightstand, a chest of drawers and an entertainment center. Each piece can be made quickly and effectively using a biscuit joiner to make joints that are as strong, if not stronger, than those made using traditional joinery techniques! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Falls short of information
Although well done, I expected a greater amount of information on the use of a biscuit joiner. Only one chapter was dedicated to use and the remainder to projects which are primarily good or bad, depending on your tastes.

very disappointed
I had been wanting this book for a long time, but when I finally bought the book and a biscuit joiner and tried to start a project, I was very disappointed.
I started cutting boards for the desktop organizer.As I looked more closely at the plans, I discovered that there were no measurements listed on the exploded view or in the text.Apparently I just have to guess at how to space the shelves.The so-called instructions are nothing but captions to photos with little hints about how to keep glue or finish out of the joints.There were no actual instructions on how to cut and assemble the project, per se.
I thought I must be missing something, so I checked the other plans in the book.None of them have measurements or decent instructions.I got the biggest laugh from p. 122, where the caption instructs one to "mark the proper spacing of the holes for the spindles" of the double futon, but nowhere in the captions does it mention just how far apart the holes should be for the 17 back spindles or the 5 side spindles.Absolutely ridiculous!
The only thing I will make from this book is the clamping jig from the introduction, which ironically, is the only drawing that shows measurements!
Instead of wasting money on this book, I would recommend that you find a plan with good measurements and instructions (from Wood Magazine, for example) and adapt them for biscuit joinery if appropriate.

Push the envelope on biscuit joinery
I can see why other reviewers were disappointed in this book, but I was not.I believe this book is true to its title, The Biscuit Joiner Project Book / Tips and Techniques to simplify your woodworking using this great tool.It promised to be a project-oriented book, not a tutorial on the tool.

After an introductory chapter on the biscuit joiner and how to use it, why biscuits work and areas where they are not so appropriate (the tutorial), there are 12 project chapters.The projects range in style and complexity and the beginner or the expert can find a skill-appropriate project.

In each of the projects, the biscuit joiner plays a key role in the construction process in ways traditionally done by other means.So the author leads the reader to exploring new uses for the tool.The astute reader will pick up on a number of techniques related to the use of the tool, but also great hints and techniques such as laminating curved work, angled work, free-form work, clamping odd shapes, and jigs and fixtures not only for the joiner, but routers and other tools.As such, it doesn't just come out and say, there are 17 ways to use a biscuit joiner and then go into detail on each (which I find a bit boring), but leads the reader on a path of discovery.With woodworkers I've talked to each has used a biscuit joiner, but has a few applications where they regularly use it.This book encourages us to expand our thinking the same way the author did when writing the book.

The author starts off by saying, "This book was a test to push the limits of the biscuit joiner.It did not fail anywhere."

Jim Stack's Biscuit Joiner Project Book
I was disappointed in this book for several reasons.First, there was little in the book about how to actually use a biscuit joiner.

Second, when the author explained how to do something, he would say something like, "there is several ways you could do this, try it a few different ways and see what works for you."I could have done that without buying the book.

Third, I was looking for information on how the experts use biscuit joiners.That is not what I got.Instead, the author clearly states that he really did not know much about using a biscuit joiner when he began writing the book.He learned as he went along.

Forth, most of the book is devoted to several projects the author used to learn enough about biscuit joining to write the book.The concept is fine, but I did not think the projects were that exciting.I would have loved to see the projects based on some exceptional designs.

The best thing about this book is that it was well laid out and the pictures are sharp.Overall, this book is not worth the asking price.

Read it for the examples
I bought Hugh Foster's "Biscuit Joiner Handbook" at a firesale at the local bookshop and read it from start to end. Foster's book is about the biscuit joiner as a machine, how it operates, and outlines the different kinds of joints one can create.
Next, I bought Jim Stack's book and I was pleased because it has lots of project examples that showed me where and how, in many different types of wooden furniture construction, I could apply biscuit joinery. This is the kind of information Hugh Foster's book does not have. As a result, I was able to pick up a Furniture & Cabinetmaking magazine, look at a project for a blanket chest that had 20+ mortise and tenon joints, and figure out how to replace those joints with biscuit joints!
The other benefits from the book were the good, sharp photographs; Hugh Foster's book has black and white photographs that are murky and indistinct and I had trouble distinguishing the workbench, the wood and the tool in lots of the photos
I did not give Jim Stack's book higher stars because there are a few subediting mistakes (e.g. wrong project and steps used in cross references - its annoying to be directed to project "x" to see how to do something when project "x" does not show this), I think it lacks an end-to-end example of how to make a panel door using biscuits and the (to me) dangerous examples of the use of circular saws (no riving attachment, no cover over the blade, fingers awfully close to the moving blade) and the jointer (fingers too close to the moving blades). I would have found the last acceptable if there had been a notice at the front saying the riving attachment and cover had been removed temporarily to make the pictures clearer.
Lastly, a suggestion for the next edition. Please add in the warning that the biscuit joiner must be up to full speed before the plunging is done in order to prevent kickback and cutting your hand - there is a nasty accident detailed on the Internet somewhere (Mick's Woodworking Tools page???) that was caused by the person plunging before the machine was at full speed.
Summary: complements Hugh Foster's Biscuit Joiner book really well, buy it for the examples of when and how to use, be aware of the dangerous circular saw and jointer photos. ... Read more

Product Description
Why should woodworkers spend money on pre-packaged tool boxes when they can create something better themselves? In this book, seasoned craftsmen Jim Stack provides clear step-by-step instructions for building 15 tool chests. Each practical and stylish design is adaptable to individual needs and provides a convenient place to store all of a woodworker’s tools.

Offering a wide range of tool chest styles--from elegant to utilitarian--and minimal tool requirements, this exciting guide is sure to have a variety of projects that will appeal to every woodworker. Readers will also find that completing these projects increase their knowledge and mastery of basic woodworking techniques.

Before becoming the Acquisitions Editor for Popular Woodworking Books, Jim Stack spent more than 20 years working in commercial cabinetmaking shops. He has contributed to Popular Woodworking magazine and is the author of Northwoods Furniture and The Biscuit Joiner Project Book. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A tool chest project book for tool nuts
A really nice book of projects for tool nuts.The projects run from simple tool totes to fine furniture versions of tool chests.Of the 15 projects, I hope to find the time to build 10 or more, if I do, there's more reason to buy more tools to put in them.Each project has 3 view drawings and materials lists and plenty of construction photos.The book covers different joinery techniques and use and care of a few hand tools that can be used while you're building.I consider myself lucky if I find a book with 3 projects that I might actually make, this book comes out way ahead of most other project books that I have bought.

Ideas and plans
A good book for ideas and plans for tool chests.As a beginner I was hoping for a little more detailed instructions on the more complicated chests as that is what I need to build.

Something for everyone, here
I am presently building a machinist's toolchest, which I designed myself, using ideas from Jim Tolpin's "The Toolbox Book" and a bunch of pictures and data from the internet. I'm happy with the results so far and confident of completing my first effort. However, if I'd had Jim Stack's book, I might have started my project a lot sooner. "Building the Perfect Toolchest" is a book of projects--15 of them--that covers almost the same RANGE as Tolpin's, but obviously not in such glorious and varied detail.

The first project is a simple plywood box with all mitred joints. Then we see a similar flip-top chest with frame and panel construction. From there we move on to a suit-case style caddy with a few simple drawers. Then, progressively, we go through multi-drawer chests, rolling tool carts, open totes and wall-mounted storage, culminating in a full-sized, professional standing cabinet in two pieces that could hold almost all you would need.

Every chapter includes complete cutting and hardware lists for duplicating the projects exactly. (A nice touch is the inclusion of inch AND metric dimensions!) The color photos are superb, the directions clear and simple and the suggestions for variations of design are very helpful.

There is a great emphasis on machining and it almost goes without saying that the router and tablesaw are used throughout the book. There are clear explanations of all fixtures, jigs and gadgets and even old hands will pick up a couple of useful tricks here. I believe the best feature of the book is its user-friendliness. Even real newbies should have no trouble working confidently, accurately and safely by following the text. Your only problem will be getting to keep any of your first efforts for yourself! ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This collection features more than 250 unique tools built with beautiful materials, lavished with artistic decoration, and crafted with remarkable precision. Privately owned, many of these tools have never been photographed or shown in publications before. Included are measuring instruments, handplanes, saws and other cutting tools, striking and drilling tools, Asian treasures, miniatures, ingenious foot-powered machines from the 19th century, and improbable combination tools. Each photo is accompanied by detailed notes that provide historical and technical background. This handsome volume will appeal to collectors, those who use tools, and anyone who appreciates finely crafted utilitarian objects. "The Art of Fine Tools photographs clapboard planes and hand adzes, British spokeshaves, and Japanese ryoba saws as lavishly and seductively as a display of tarts in Martha Stewart Living." - NewsweekAmazon.com Review
Nagyszalanczy begins his book with this simple, declarativestatement: "A well made tool is a thing of beauty that's as much apleasure to look at as it is to use." Then, in nine chapters, 231pages, and 300 color photographs, he backs it up beyond any possibleargument. Never before has such a lavish and comprehensive explorationof stunningly elegant, exotic, plain but ingenious, and just flat-outgorgeous hand tools been assembled in one book. Making use of scoresof private tool collections generously made available by privatecollectors and museums around the United States, the author doesn'tmerely write evocatively about a breathtaking variety of inventive andfinely crafted tools, he also photographed them individually and ingroupings that evoke nothing less than classic still lifes, as objectsof art and craft. And that they are, without a doubt: silver measuringtools, ivory and gilt rulers, forged-iron double-calipers, cast-ironand brass levels, and jewelry-like plumb bobs made of exquisitematerials like scrimshaw, brass, and fine steel. Hand planes ofdizzying variety and configurations, designed for dozens of particularand exacting tasks, and made of rosewood, brass, steel, and ivory;cast-iron hammers with heads shaped like fish; drills and augers, axesand saws, and chisels; a bone-handled gouge; quirky and unusualcombination tools; human-powered scroll saws and many more aredescribed and pictured in delightful detail. This is truly atool-lover's dream book. --Mark A. Hetts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Tools as an Art
Incredible research time spent on hand tools! For those that like collector tools this is the best book written.
Great photos & precise descriptions. No aficionado should should be without it.
Display it in a prominent place and your friends will be jealous!

Really 4 1/2 Stars
As a "tool nut" I have had a fascination with tools of all kinds since I was a little boy at the knee of my craftsman grandfather. This book is candy for my tool sweet-tooth. The succinct narrative enhances the artistry of the photography and makes for an easy, but very interesting read and I have learned a lot from it. This book is one of my treasured volumes. My only complaint is that there are not more fascinating tools included in the volume.

Great pictures of tools
This is a really nice book for those interested in fine tools.I was hoping to find information on how they were made.If you are a toolmaker, this book really does not include any drawings, sizes or build methods.Ifyou are just looking for a nice historical record of works of art in tools- this is the book to get.Great pictures of Paul Hamler's miniature toolsfor those interested in his work too.

The title says it all.
This is a spectacular collection of color photographs. The author has obviously sought out tools of great beauty and the editors have assembled them with care.Anyone interested in handtools and their history will bedelighted. Those who are unable to understand the words in the book's titlewill perhaps be disappointed as the book is about art in an unexpectedform.

Rich, Enjoyable, Impractical
This is not a very practical book, no not at all. If you have a real appreciation for old tools it is well worth owning. Okay it is tool porn. That's right - unadulterated, unforgivable, unjustifiable tool porn. It isa shame that innocent tools are exploited like this, but you will love it. ... Read more

Product Description
Since its first publication in 1975, R.A. Salaman'sDictionary of Woodworking Tools has come to be recognized as adefinitive pioneering reference work, one of unparalleled value tocraftsmen, collectors, antique dealers and all who are interested inthe subject of woodworking tools and their uses. His rich languagedescribes and explains the tools, not only of the more obviouswoodworking trades (such as the cabinetmaker, chairmaker, joiner,coachbuilder, cooper, shipwright, plane maker, wheelwright andinstrument maker) but of the less obvious trades as well, such asbroom and brush makers, tree feller, hoop maker, upholsterer,millwright, coffin maker and window maker. The present edition is asubstantial enlargement of the original work, revised and updated byPhilip Walker, himself an authoritative historian-collector oftools. 546 pages. Thousands of illustrations. 7" x 10". Softcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Reference
For anyone who is interested on hand tools, this is a must. It's a great reference that helps identify a huge range of hand tools from the past. Even though this reprint is smaller in dimension than the original hardback its is great value for money. Salaman's tool collection is in St Albans England and is full of interesting tools.

Tools at the tip of the finger.
This is just what I have been looking for.I think the author did a great job of finding sources to flesh out the dictionary that include not only descriptions, but interesting and accurate historical illustrations.I was particularly impressed with the pages on adzes, and the cross-referencing.This volume will remain at hand in my workshop.

The Definitive Tool Book
Dictionary of Woodworking ToolsThis book is so well researched, you will never need another.Dip into it; read it to learn how to use a particular tool; just enjoy.Whatever your interest in tools, this book will increase your knowledge and enjoyment. ... Read more

Product Description

Put the Past to Work in Your Shop

First printed in 1889, this book was written to educate college students in the craft and business of woodworking. Here, the original text is reprinted in its entirety, not only to help you discover late 19th-century practices in woodworking, but to help you make the most of traditional hand tools in the modern shop. As you work throug a series of 39 exercises, you'll discover how to:

Customer Reviews (1)

Don't buy it
This is a crude OCR print from a scan and does not include any of the essential illustrations and is worthless. ... Read more

Product Description
Tradesmen in the eighteenth century performed the tasks at hand with sophisticated tools of amazing effectiveness and efficiency. The authors of this case study used early tools to investigate life in colonial America and understand the handmade products so admired today ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Patty beat me to it!
Great book.However only had a brief moment with it.Our yellow lab, Patty decided that she wanted to see for herself what it was that took play time away from her.I've ordered another book. ... Read more

Product Description
Woodworkers take great pride in building shop-made jigs and fixtures that showcase their skill and craft. Now, in his final book, the late master woodworker, Danny Proulx offers a look into the jigs and fixture techniques perfected in his more than 30 years of woodworking experience in a book that includes:

-50 projects, each of which can be completed using scrap wood and simple hardware

-Step-by-step photos with clear, concise text and enlarged technical drawings for ease of reference

-An inclusive approach, allowing projects to be adapted to different brands of tools

Teaching woodworking tools a new trick or two is easy with the hints and insights in this book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Disappointed!
I have three other books by Danny that I use all the time.Sorry to hear about his passing.I guess that explains why this book doesn't seem to be as thorough as I expected it to be.

Not worth the money
Nice book and illustrations but pretty basic and will build a few of the jigs in the book but for most of the jigs there are better ones on wood magazine.com web site and other web sites.If you are new to woodworking then probably a good book but for others better to save your money.

Excellent book
If you're an old-hand at the shop, then this probably won't be too much for you... but for a guy like me, who has his shop in his basement, this book saved me a lot of time!

Seen one, seen all
It's getting to the point that every new jigs and fixtures book is a rehash of some previous one or its content is made up of stuff you've already seen in the wood working magazines. This is the last jigs and fixtures book I will buy because I now have five and mostly they all cover the same thing. Some actually include pictures and plans which have appeared in earlier books. If you don't have a book on jigs and fixtures, this one is OK but there are better ones out there.

Superb set of jigs for the shop!
This is the best book of jigs I have ever used (including De Cristiforo).

They are practical and easy to buid. A must have for every shop! ... Read more

Product Description
The first step for any new woodworker is to gain a solid knowledge of the different types of woods.Certain woods are best for specific uses and it can be counter productive to use an inappropriate wood for a project that requires a different type.

It-s a good idea to have an overall understanding of the different classifications of woods and a discussion ofdifferent tree species and the woods they produce.
... Read more

Product Description
This book contains 3 step-by step methods for every job and explains how to choose the one that's right for you. It's the first-ever book to present a choice of techniques for individualized skills, preferences, and tools. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Excellent for newcomers, Well written, Proven techniques
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.

Need more books like it
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?

Woodworking, the right technique
There was some interesting information here, particularly about layout and measuring but not much.Perhaps, it would be good for a beginner.

If you are a Woodworker buy this book!
I read a lot of book regarding woodworking and this is by far the best one. Just like all the other reviewers, I highly recommend this book.

Helpful for the average woodworker!!!
This is one of my favorite shop books. It is understandable and usable by the average home woodworker. You don't have to have thousands of dollars worth of tools to benefit from this book. Moran give you alternative methods of doing many things and does an excellent job of actually explaining the tasks he describes. The jigs and aids are the type we all can use.

The author doesn't talk down to you and, as other reviewers have noted, it is one of the few of this type of book that you can actually read through without being bored to tears. This one stays within easy reach. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great resource for beginners (& experienced, too)
Though it's twenty years old, this book is still one of the first I pull off the shelf to look up something. Most recently, I used it's chart on jig saw blades (it was still called a saber saw then). Though there are new versions of tools with features not covered here, this is one of the most useful books in my shop library.

Others feel the same - my son made off with my first copy; my son-in-law has my second copy; the third copy is now in the hands of the carpenter who did some remodeling for us. I'm keeping the fourth one!

It only costs a few pennies used (plus postage), so it isn't a big investment and you'll get much more than your money's worth. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether they’re fighting cramped quarters or just looking to be more organized, woodworkers will want to get their hands on the 11 projects in Building Workshop Workstations. Readers will find detailed plans for building completely self-contained units for every tool (and related accessories) in their shop.

These efficient designs ensure that all the wrenches, blades, jigs and attachments for each power tool can be put in one place and within arm’s reach. It’s the perfect way to maximize efficiency for everything from the table saw and drill press to the miter saw and sharpening stone.

Both beginning and advanced woodworkers will enjoy making--and using--these creative shop solutions. Every project includes clear step-by-step photos and instruction and was tested by the editors at Popular Woodworking magazine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Nice book, excellent illustrations and plans
Good book and will build a few of the plans and other plans gave me some ideas with modifications to solve some of the problems I have in a small garage workshop.If you have limited space like I do then this would be a good book to buy.

Missing Key Information
Some very good ideas in this book.But, the book would be much better with an introductory chapter on the materials specific tools needed.For example, Proulx mention how with the right screws and the correct blade, you can make solid joints and chip-free cuts with Melamine PB - but he doesn't describe the screws or blades!Also, it would be nice if the materials lists gave total quantities, such as number of sheets of PB, approximate screw count.

Good Ideas
There are some good ideas in this book, he uses a lot of particle board.I need to remember that it is just shop workstations, cost is most important.

Workstations galore!!
Like previous reviewers I found this book extremely useful - very good sound practical ideas, a very clear approach to construction of workstations, excellent drawings and photos accompanied by easy to digest text. Additionally, and most important for someone who lives outside the USA and who fnds it hard to source even the most basic of fittings, its very good to be provided with designs based on easily obtainable and relatively inexpensive materials with a minimal amount of hardware.

This is one of those books where a sceptic might say 'I could have thought of that simple idea' but the truth is most folks don't and it takes someone like Mr. Proulx to stimulate one's mind.

I particularly like the idea of mobile workstations - whilst Mr Proulx may not have reinvented the wheel he has pcertainly provided a variety of ways of putting it to good use and in turn (no pun intended!) has helped me solved the layout problems I previously had in my relatively small workshop.

In summary, a great 'ideas' book and well worth the purchase.

Thanks to the writer and the editor - and of course to Amazon!

Good idea for small budget.
Each project is relatively simple to build and well described by step by step intructions.
Each step is illustrated by a picture.
Most are based on using MDF or MPB and simple hardware which make it perfect for the budget limited hobyist.

Every project have measurement both in inches and centimeters.

I would have given it 5 starts if I didn't face a problem while building the router table due to some missing explanation. However, I sent an email to the author and received an answer promptly.
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Product Description
Since its first publication in 1975, R.A. Salaman's Dictionary of Woodworking Tools has come to be recognized as a definitive pioneering reference work, one of unparalleled value to craftsmen, collectors, antique dealers and all who are interested in the subject of woodworking tools and their uses. His rich language describes and explains the tools, not only of the more obvious woodworking trades (such as the cabinetmaker, chairmaker, joiner, coachbuilder, cooper, shipwright, plane maker, wheelwright and instrument maker) but of the less obvious trades as well, such as broom and brush makers, tree feller, hoop maker, upholsterer, millwright, coffin maker and window maker. The present edition is a substantial enlargement of the original work, revised and updated by Philip Walker, himself an authoritative historian-collector of tools. 546 pages. Thousands of illustrations. 7" x 10". Soft cover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Salaman's Dictionary of Woodworking Tools is great.
Salaman's Dictionary of Woodworking Tools (c1700-1970) is a comprehensive, well illustrated reference work. This is not a short work - this is the unabridged dictionary, covering the wide range of items used by tradesmen working in wood.The Revised Edition (1989) is a substantial extension of the original.

The coverage is mostly the British Isles, Canada, and the United States, with mention of medieval and ancient antecedents, and occasional mention of Japanese or Chinese equivalents.The European continent is not so well covered; e.g., I failed to find a particular joiner's clamp used in the German States in the early 1800s.

The material is well organized - if it's in there, you can find it!

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Customer Reviews (1)

This is the definitive book on the subject.
This is the definitive book on the subject. If you want to know about (the subject) it's all here. The thing it does not cover are the companies. To this book a plane is a plane. If you want to know wether a 1924 sargeant is worth more/better than a 1913 Stanley buy a dealer catalogue. If (on the other hand) you want to know what a wheelright's felloe saw looked looked, this is for you. ... Read more