Decorative woodwork Books

Book SynopsisThe basics of box-making are covered in this manual for the scroll saw, including designs for hinged and lift-off lids, boxes with drawers, and laminated boxes. Patterns are provided for 30 eye-catching variations of such items as recipe and tissue boxes, knitting trays, desk organizers, jewelry boxes, and boxes embellished with stacked wood to create checkerboard, diamond, pinwheel or pie-segmented effects. Full-sized patterns for box, lid, and lid insert are presented for all projects and an introductory chapter covers wood selection, lining material, tools, adhesives, and color photos with clear instructions to make this an informative guide for all scroll saw techniques.

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Book SynopsisFirst invented in Switzerland in 1796, music boxes have long been decorated using time-consuming hand-carving methods, but this new and revised edition of a popular scroll-saw woodworking manual offers designs that make the job much faster and more fun. Updated with 250 line drawings, the instructions include steps for cutting the base, frame, and turntable for a music box; a guide to assembling the pieces; tips on inserting the musical works; and shop-tested patterns for 100 intricate scroll-work turntable toppers with both Christmas and Victorian themes.Trade ReviewIf I had to rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10 I would have to give it a full 10. This is the nicest pattern book I have...my first impression was WOW. This is a very impressive pattern book. I own about 35 pattern books and this one is among the best.Table of ContentsABOUT THE AUTHORS..............................................................iv INTRODUCTION.........................................................................1 GETTING STARTED.....................................................................2 Safety tips............................................................................2 Copying the pattern.............................................................2 Preparing the surface...........................................................3 Transferring the pattern.......................................................3 Selecting the materials.........................................................3 Selecting the blade.............................................................4 Squaring the blade.............................................................4 Creating and auxiliary table.................................................5 Drilling blade entry holes.................................... ................5 Veining............................................................ ..................5 Cutting the frame................................................................6 Cutting the feet...................................................................7 Stack cutting......................................................................8 Sawing thin woods.............................................................8 Music box movement kit.....................................................9 Assembly for veritcal turntable projects...............................9 Assembly for horizontal turntable projects..........................10 Finishing techniques..........................................................10 Customizing your project..................................................10 PROJECTS...................................................................................11 Angels.............................................................................11 Children...........................................................................27 Christmas.........................................................................41 Mother's Day and Father's Day.........................................76 Religious..........................................................................90 Romance.......................................................................105 Victorian................................................ .......................149 Interchangeable.................................... ........................170

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Book SynopsisFeaturing animals from around the world, these 30 attractive patterns will bring the beauty of nature into your home. In addition to the original designs, you'll discover helpful information on blade and wood selection, scroll saw techniques and finishing, framing and displaying your completed project. You'll also learn how to create patterns from your own photographs!

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Book SynopsisWritten by an award-winning science teacher, this entertaining and engaging educational reference for teachers, parents and kids of all ages features full-colour, step-by-step directions for constructing a champion mousetrap-powered racer in addition to the plans for 7 additional racers. This book provides a fun weekend activity for the whole family and an engaging source of science and engineering information that doesn't read like a textbook!Trade ReviewThis new book for teachers and families wanting to encourage education while having fun, provides a step-by-step guide that introduces physics concepts while facilitating the construction of a champion mouse-trap racer.Certainly a fun project for kids of Middle School age.Kids are naturally curious. They love to build stuff and projects that involve cars will entertain children for hours. In this guide written by a Teacher-of-the-Year winner, your kids will learn how to construct race cars from ordinary, affordable household materials, while learning the science behind how they work, in language easy enough for a 7th grader to understand. With color photos, diagrams, fun illustrations, and four complete projects, your family will be racing vehicles that go the distance and go for the gold!Most Creative Solution to the Fuel Crisis: Doc Fizzix Mousetrap Racers by Alden J. Balmer, a guide to constructing mousetrap-powered vehicles. (Fox Chapel Publishing)Gr 6 Up-Building a mousetrap-powered model racer is more complex than it first appears, and Balmer uses this project as a springboard for teaching principles of physics such as energy, forces, torque, friction, and traction. Given the recommended tools and potential hazards (mousetrap springs, superglue, a drill press), it's clear that this activity is not intended for young or unsupervised children. The author's enthusiasm for the topic and for teaching are apparent throughout, and his focus on safety is consistent. The thorough instructions are complemented by clear, captioned, full-color photos and line drawings and diagrams that illustrate each step of the construction process. The book contains directions for four racers, with possible variations and modifications added in a section on advanced techniques. Principles of mousetrap racing are presented along with related lab experiments, formulae, tables, and calculations suitable for science fairs. An attractive introduction to a challenging, educational hobby.-Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OHTurn everyday household items into an afternoon of fun with "Mousetrap Racers: The Complete Builder's Manual. Build racecars while learning the science behind how they work.Image of a Mousetrap Racer and title of Doc Fizzix made the cover of Model Retailer Magazine.Doc Fizzix Mousetrap Racers, by Alden J. Balmer, has almost nothing to do with woodworking, but just might produce a future woodworker. The book teaches children how to build race cars from ordinary contraptions, such as a mousetrap. It not only gives them the basic construction secrets to design and build a vehicle, but also unearths the science behind how they work, in a language easy enough for a seventh-grader to understand. Using clear instructions, color photography, diagrams and numerous illustrations, Dox Fizzix, and his Jetson-like team of robots, walk children through four complete projects for building different vehicles. Hey, it's not always about making sawdust.Winners of a mousetrap racer competition know that physics is their friend! The design and function of a winning mousetrap car must utilize Newton's Laws of Motion, and this guide reviews both the science and engineering processes needed for a great project. Starting with a simple but effective mousetrap, this book guides readers through the steps necessary for acquiring the proper building materials, planning the design, developing knowledge of why and how the racer may run, and what must be done to construct the device. Readers will learn the skills necessary to analyze the task and work with the design until a racer can be completed to specifications for a defined task. The racer might be required to travel the greatest distance, travel fastest, navigate a track, or perform a designed function to go to a point, stop, and return. Once the decision is made on what the racer is to do, the designer must apply the principles of motion to achieve the goal. Diagrams and photographs provide clarification for the detailed printed instructions on building various types of racers for speed, distance, or performance goals. The energy of the mousetrap spring delivers the power to propel the racer, and the design is tweaked to improve performance to the championship level using various hints on how to reduce drag, increase traction, control direction, and other factors. Included in the book are definitions of the scientific terms and understandings necessary for success in this activity, ideas for types of contests, lab activities, and illustrations of supplies, assembly, and designing. Tips are provided for safety during assembly as the procedures are explained and illustrated. This book will capture the interest of both students and teachers who want to find fun in learning and achieve recognition that is not refutable. Once the goal is set, the racer either meets or exceeds the standard by completing the task. There can be no mistake that the knowledge was understood and applied as demonstrated by the path of the racer. Time spent in perfecting the design is reward in itself, but when there is a competition and recognitions are attached, students have greater motivation. The author use this activity as a final assessment that replaced an exam. Students, parents, and teachers who read this book will become engaged in both mastery of content and engineering skills as they exercise their need for competitive activities and mastery in their learning environment. The paperbound book, whether used as a lesson plan or provided as a source for hobbyist, is a good size, colorful, and written in an interesting manner. It might not last long in a library setting, but it would be a good addition to the classroom and home shelf for the students who are visual or tactile learners. See the original review at here.This complete manual will guarantee your success in building the fastest and most aerodynamic mousetrap racer yet! Divided into great sections like: Tools and Supplies You May Need, Understanding Mousetrap Racers, and Mousetrap Racer Projects like Little Moe, Basic Racer, and Big Wheel Racer, this book will help you along each step of the construction process.Mousetrap Racers: The Complete Builder's Manual ($14.95) may be the one book you add to your homeschool curriculum collection that gets dad more involved in your homeschool. It is not curriculum in the sense of a textbook or a unit study guide. However, Mousetrap Racers is definitely a great learning tool. Written by Alden J. Balmer, also known as "Doc Fizzix", this book goes beyond the how-to-build-it instructions the title implies; it explains the physics behind mousetrap cars as it gives both details and easy-to-follow directions for building. Reading through the text and studying the many detailed illustrations, it is easy to forget you're learning about principles like friction (fluid and surface), motion, traction, and energy. While most of the "academics" are snugly hidden in Chapter 2, the principles are reinforced throughout the text. Some of the illustrations are humorous, and all of them are clear. More advanced racers and building techniques are presented later in the book. Included in these are Doc Fizzix's super-secret tips for improving distance racers. Of course, we won't spoil the fun by revealing these. Suffice it to say, both dad and child will probably want to move on to more advanced methods of building better and faster cars. For those who do get hooked, there is a chapter devoted to "just in case techniques" and a chapter on advanced science labs. Do these and give your student credit for having a good time learning important physics concepts. Any home center has an ample supply of mousetraps, but what about the guy who just wants a kit? We went out and bought parts at the home center and acquired several PSA discs from a local radio station to serve as wheels. That's probably the most economical way to get the goods you need to build a racer. For those who would prefer a kit, Doc Fizzix has a website devoted to all things mousetrap racing at www.docfizzix.com. There are kits, science labs, and building guides for all types of racers--balloon, rubber band, and, of course, mousetraps. The first step is to get your hands on a copy of Mousetrap Racers: The Complete Builder's Manual, the definitive guide for the dad who wants a fun way to get his feet wet as a homeschool teacher.Table of ContentsIntroduction to Mousetraps Racers 8 Chapter 1- Getting Started 12 Chapter 2- Understanding Mousetraps Racers 24 Chapter 3- Mousetrap Racer Projects 48 Chapter 4- Advanced Models and Contruction Techniques 92 Chapter 5- Just in case Techniques 110 Chapter 6- Advanced Science Labs 116

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Book SynopsisThis stunning book will be on the wish-list of any woodworker and is must-have for any wood-artist's library. As the first book to catalogue the preeminent collection of American studio furniture owned by the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery, "Studio Furniture" is a beautifully photographed chronicle of one of the most important movements in modern craft - the Studio Furniture movement. Featuring a Who's Who of American furniture making, it features 84 stunning pieces and provides fascinating insight into each maker's professional training, artistic techniques and inspirations. Among those included are Sam Maloof, Tage Frid, Wharton Esherick, Wendall Castle and other artists whose work is unsurpassed for its functionality, creativity and fine craftsmanship.Trade ReviewOscar P. Fitzgerald's Studio Furniture of the Renwick Gallery (Fox Chapel Publishing, $35) serves as vital analysis of contemporary American studio furniture through the 84 examples from the museum's permanent collection. The catalog chronicles the history of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery, documenting each piece with a large full-color image and a brief accompanying artist biography. In all, this is a can't miss text for any collector of American studio furniture. See the original review here.The best thing about museum collections is that the pieces are all actually there, to be experienced in person. That's also the problem with collections: that the pieces must actually be there. So any collection that purports to be representative of a major movement ends up hamstrung by logistical realities. I'm guessing here, but the seminal piece or piece must not be available in many cases. In this beautiful, wide-format soft cover, Oscar Fitzgerald does an admirable job of describing each maker's importance to the movement, but the book is only as good as the collection itself, and time and again, I found a maker's signature pieces missing. Garry Knox Bennett, John Dunnigan, Wharton Esherick, Michael Hurwitz, Kristina Madsen, Jere Osgood, the names are right but the pieces weren't. The curators had better luck with some than others. Wendell Castle and Sam Maloof got full justice. And I was exposed to wonderful pieces and makers I had never seen before. On the other hand, recent artists were included whose work is, frankly, mediocre. I saw a blasé version of a Windsor chair, a bad knockoff of a Maloof rocker, and a mediocre children's chair by someone who was briefly a student and apprentice and then left the field. And some true heavyweights were left out: David Lamb and Terry Moore, with their unmistakably contemporary but always sure handed takes on period furniture; Brian Newell and Michael Puryear, who do the same thing with Asian and African motifs, respectively. Check past back covers of Fine Woodworking for others. I came away thinking that the way to do a definitive book on the studio furniture movement is not to base it on one exhibit, even one at the nation's greatest museum. Why be at the mercy of a curator's whimsy and the realities of collection when all you need are photos of the pieces, not the pieces themselves? I'll forward that thought to our books department here at the Taunton Press. Maybe they'll take up the mantle.Art, architecture, and design meet function in this stunning book. Studio Furniture documents and celebrates the masters of the craft while offering a historical retrospective of American furniture practice. A terrific resource for the collector, student or layperson.Fitzgerald offers a long-overdue portfolio showcasing the Renwick Gallery's entire 84-piece collection of crafted American furniture. This critical resource will serve as a foundation for the study and historic preservation of 20th-century American furniture makers' work. Fitzgerald's perspective lends a deeper understanding of the craftsmen's unique personal expression, experience, and cultivated vision in this genre. His artist biographies and bibliographies highlight these individuals' ambitions and idiosyncratic development, which extends to areas including pop culture. Many adhere to traditional wood furniture craft yet incorporate new approaches in their one-of-a-kind works of art. Readers will gain further insight into functional and physical communication from the conceptual, historiographical, and narrative commentary. This comprehensive review of 50 years of modern American furniture practice recognizes furniture design's close alignment with architecture, the decorative arts, and culture. Contributing to the historical perspective are 115 color photographs highlighting the significant contributions furniture designers have made to the culture of the last century. Summing Up: Highly recommended. 3 STARS. Upper-division undergraduates through professional/practitioners; general readers.About the Author: Oscar P. Fitzgerald earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from Georgetown University and served as director of the Navy Museum in Washington, D.C., until he decided to pursue full time his passion as a furniture historian and decorative arts consultant. He is currently on the faculty of the Smithsonian Institution/Corcoran School Master's Program in the Decorative Arts, where he developed and teaches a core course on the studio furniture movement.His book Four Centuries of American Furniture, which includes coverage of the studio furniture movement, is the standard reference work in the field. In 2004 he was awarded a prestigious James Renwick Research Fellowship, which funded research for an essay published in the 2005 issue of Furniture Studio. About the Book: The 84 pieces of studio furniture owned by the RenwickGallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum constitute one of the largest assemblages of American studio furniture in the nation. Three former administrators-Lloyd Herman, Michael Monroe and Kenneth Trapp-amassed a seminal collection that samples studio furniture's diversity. From the carefully crafted stools ofTage Frid to the art deco chest painted by Rob Womack, from the one-of-akind Ghost Clock sculpture by Wendell Castle to the limited production stool by David Ebner, the collection highlights the astonishing variety of the American studio furniture movement. In this catalogue, author Oscar P. Fitzgerald documents each piece of furniture in a descriptive, illustrated entry. He also recounts the history of the collection's formation in an introductory essay, which illuminates the rationale and aesthetic choices of each curator and notes various donors and support organizations. Finally, Fitzgerald's statistical analysis of the collection, formulated from detailed interviews with the surviving artists, casts new light on workshop practices,marketing concerns and other aspects of the contemporary studio furniture movement. A foreword by noted scholar and curator Paul Greenhalgh gives readers a brilliant overview of the studio furniture field and the intimate role furniture plays in daily life.This catalog aimed at students, collectors, and furniture enthusiasts features the collection of American studio furniture at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., which consists of 84 pieces - clocks, chairs, stools, tables, benches, chests, music stands, and other pieces by artists such as Tage Frid, Rob Womack, Wendell Castle, and David Ebner. Fitzgerald, a furniture historian, decorative arts consultant, and teacher with the Smithsonian Institution, describes each piece, which is shown in a color photo, and provides a history and statistical analysis of the collection. The latter is based on interviews with the surviving artists and details workshop practices, marketing concerns, aesthetic influences, design approaches, and other aspects of the contemporary studio furniture movement. (Annotation 2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)Studio Furniture of the Renwick Gallery provides historical look at modern American furniture making Studio Furniture of the Renwick Gallery published by Fox Chapel is a beautifully designed catalogue of the Renwick Gallery's collection of American studio furniture. Inside, author Oscar P. Fitzgerald documents each of the 84 pieces, and provides intimate interviews with many of the surviving artists, who share their inspirations, workshop practices, and more. Appreciated for its careful craftsmanship, beautiful wood, sculptural form, and narrative nature, the studio furniture collection on permanent display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum constitutes one of the largest assemblages of American studio furniture in the nation. From the one-of-a-kind Ghost Clock sculpture by Wendell Castle to the rocking chairs from Sam Maloof, the collection highlights the astonishing variety of the studio furniture movement. Studio Furniture of the Renwick Gallery provides a vital resource for the history of modern American furniture makers and chronicles how the collection was amassed by the former administrators of the Renwick Gallery. A foreword by noted scholar and curator Paul Greenhalgh gives readers a brilliant overview of the studio furniture field. No student, collector, or furniture enthusiast should be without this coffee-table style book, available in hard or soft-cover that so beautifully illustrates such an important movement in modern craft.The wide variety of landmark furniture pieces, no matter the style, is what makes this book so visually stunning. That, and the fact that all of the 84 pieces that comprise the collection are beautifully photographed and a short description about each maker and piece is included. Many of the great makers from the last 100 years are covered - Sam Maloof, Wendell Castle, Tage frid, George Nakashima - as well as many lesser known makers. If you read this book one hundred years from now, i'm sure it would be as thought provoking as it is today. These are 84 great pieces, and this is one great book.Table of Contents7 Foreword Paul Greenbalgh 10 Acknowledgments 13 Building the Collection 31 The Collection 205 A Statistical Snapshot of the Collection 217 Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThis ultimate, comprehensive guide explains how to make a wide range of traditional walking sticks, market sticks and crooks. Includes sourcing and seasoning wood, adapting material, shaping handles, fitting collars, decorating, and finishing.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing clear language and appealing full-colour illustrations, this intermediate-level manual shifts the focus to a survey of interesting special techniques that are seldom seen together in one volume - including chucking, turning spindles, drilling, forming round objects and multi-axis turning. Projects in this guidebook include chucking a spoon, creating a ring and turning a sculpture of a tree from a block of wood. Many of these tricks are shown to come from the long history of woodturning and a number of old engravings and other materials are presented to give historical depth to the discussion.

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Book SynopsisWritten directly from transcribed audiotapes recorded during a week-long interview with the master woodworker, this tribute to Bob Stocksdale reveals his life experiences, philosophies and often replicated turning methods, all in his own words. Stocksdale's lifelong quest for the perfect bowl is chronicled, while select step-by-step, how-to tips for fellow craftsmen are detailed. Featuring a gallery of beautiful, never-before-seen photographs sure to inspire artists, this unique biography provides the master's advice on tools - including lathes, band saws and jointers - sharpening devices and wood selection, as well as his business tips for pricing, selling and shipping finished pieces. A portrait of a beloved and respected artisan, this guide offers the first in-depth look at the man behind the perfect wooden bowl.Trade ReviewI have always regarded Bob Stocksdale as the consummate craftsman, the epitome of old world craftsmanship in "the new world." During the time that the studio woodturning movement was developing within American craft, Bob was already long established as a highly successful and respected professional woodturner, in a league all his own. My professional relationship with Bob began in 1978 when our work was exhibited, along with that of my father and Ed Moulthrop, in a show at the Renwick Gallery, the first exhibition of studio woodturning held by a major museum. The following year, I met Bob for the first time when The Elements Gallery in New York gave us a two-person show. It was an honor to show with him at that time as it is now to have my work appear alongside his in the collections of many museums. Bob was unphased by the new attention being focused on woodturning, and unswayed by the new generation's impatience with the traditions of craftsmanship. Throughout his long career, he maintained the same focus and pure vision, producing bowls whose form and grace hold their own against the backdrop of contemporary innovation and stylistic exploration."I came to know Bob and Kay during the decade I was managing del Mano Gallery and my wife and I would drive up to visit them often. In the years since, I've found that the aesthetic embraced by Bob and his fellow pioneering woodturners has given way to works that are overly tricky and clever. Although I'm a fan of a lot of the sculptural work being created today, I feel that something has been lost in the move away from fine bowl forms in beautiful woods and believe that we'll see a "neo-classical" movement in the woodturning field in the future, that celebrates Bob's aesthetic and brings balance to the field."As far as I am concerned, Bob Stocksdale was the father of American woodturning.His work in bowl turning set a standard that all turners look up to today: Excellence is where you begin.Bob Stocksdale (1913-2002) is arguably the dean of American woodturners. His selection of material, masterful technique, and attention to detail set the gold standard for wood turning excellence from the early 1970's onward. An intimate look at the turner, his approach to wood turning, and his life long quest to turn the perfect bowl.A few weeks ago, I wrote about drawing inspiration for my woodturnings from the work of Bob Stocksdale, one of the most influential woodturning artisans of the past 50 years. No less a luminary than Sam Maloof says, "As far as I'm concerned, Bob Stocksdale was the father of American woodturning." A new book, scheduled to be published soon by Fox Chapel Publishing, offers up an in-depth view of Stocksdale, his work, and his approach to craft. To Turn the Perfect Wooden Bowl (paperback, $24.95), by Ron Roszkiewicz, is based largely on lengthy interviews the author taped with Stocksdale in 1987. Roszkiewicz writes that his objective "is to provide a snapshot of a few days in the studio of an American original and to hear him describe his life and work in that comfort zone." Born and raised in Indiana, Stocksdale turned his first bowl during WWII when, as a conscientious objector, he was detained in a work camp in Michigan. After the war he settled in Berkeley, California, where he lived and worked until he died in 2003. Among his first clients were Gump's, the legendary upscale San Francisco giftware store; Nieman Marcus, equally legendary and equally upscale; and Georg Jensen and Bonnier's, stores that did much to popularize Scandinavian design in this country after WWII. To Turn the Perfect Wooden Bowl reproduces letters to Stocksdale from those stores, and describes in considerable detail how Stocksdale chose his wood, roughed it out with chain saw and band saw, and how he worked at the lathe. But for me the most valuable part of the book is the photography--some 50 examples of his work. The "perfect" bowl of the title may not be among them, but you can quickly see what shapes and curves obviously captivated Stocksdale, because they occur repeatedly. What's also striking to me is how carefully Stocksdale shaped his bowls so that the wood grain and figure had maximum impact. That's no accident. Roszkiewicz writes: "Bob Stocksdale's approach to bowl making was workmanlike and efficient. Wiith each cut, new wood emerged and he often stopped to calculate the effect of continuing on the current path or altering the design." To Turn the Perfect Wooden Bowl won't teach you woodturning technique. But the inspiration and insight it does provide are worth it all. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bob's life is a microcosm of the contemporary woodturning movement. In the early 1970s, he switched from making functional salad bowls to creating decorative bowls made from exotic woods. A similar trend was happening in the craft fair circuit, and indeed many woodturners were copying Bob's bowl designs. "In addition to being known for his turning excellence and his gift for finding the best wood, Bob had a wonderful work ethic and managed to balance his work and his personal life well. As Kay [Bob's wife] explained, 'Bob is very disciplined. He's there at 9 a.m. and out by 3:30 p.m. and he never works on the weekends. That's the way it has been." I met Bob in the early 1990s. He was from Indiana and while visiting family, he stopped by to say hello. It wasn't long before two very interesting chunks of wood made their way into Bob's hands. I had no doubt that he would do them proper justice. Bob could orient a bowl in a piece of wood better than anyone. He has few equals, even today. For everyone who is interested in turning a better bowl, this book is a must.Many consider Bob Stocksdale to be the father of American Woodturning, and this book is about his lifelong quest to turn the perfect bowl. Bob Stocksdale never wrote a "how to turn" book in his lifetime and was one of the few big name turners who never did. The only other contemporary turner in the same league with Stocksdale is David Ellsworth, who had never put his techniques and philosophies into book form until his recent publication. Bob Stocksdale's work was one of the first I was able to recognize by sight. His classical forms were perfectly executed and flawlessly finished, and they left no doubt as to who made the vessel. Working mostly by himself - there weren't a lot of other turners when he started - and using primarily exotic timbers, he helped lead the way to the woodworking and woodturning renaissance that was underway in the mid-1980s. I don't get a lot of time to just sit down and enjoy a book, and usually devote my Christmas holiday vacation time to doing just that. I buy different paperback and hardcover books during the year, and those that haven't been read come with me. I got this book just prior to my trip and was looking forward to reading it on the beaches of Jamaica. BOOK FORMAT The book is basically a series of interviews that the author had with Stocksdale, while following him for a few days in 1987. The book's objective was to "provide a snapshot of a few days with an American original, and to hear him describe his life and work in that comfort zone." The book was originally planned to be released in 1987; however, the sale and subsequent resale of the original publishing house doomed the book. The book sat on the author's shelf until it was pitched to its current publisher. The book starts out with a biography of Stocksdale and how began his woodworking career using a pocket knife at age six, to when and how he came to be a turner while in the Conscientious Objector (CO) camps during WW11. It follows his life from the time he was released from those CO camps at the end of the war, until 1987, when the material for this book was collected. Included in this chapter are various letters sent to Bob and different newspaper clippings that provide a bit of insight into his life. The next section is a 30+ page gallery of his work. Stocksdale made functional pieces from exotics and domestic hardwoods, and was one of the first turners I became aware of who made use of what came to be called "natural edge." The vessels are beautiful and chronicled a lifetime of work. Those photos alone are worth the price of the book. The next chapter, done in a question-and-answer format, covers Stocksdale's philosophies on his chosen medium. Included are his views on various topics, ranging from procuring wood to drying methods, fixing defects, wood selection, burls, and decorating his work. The next chapter is basically a tour through Stocksdale's shop. The different stationary tools he used are discussed and insights that led to the way his turning tools were developed are also given. He, along with Jerry Glaser, pioneered many of the tools and techniques we take for granted today. A short section on sharpening follows, before the reader is taken through Stocksdale's processes for turning both a bowl and a platter. Step-by-step photos are provided along with a description of the process from start to finish. This is followed by a section on sanding and finishing. The last section discusses the "business of woodturning" and how he developed his pricing system, packed the vessels, and how he cultivated sales to retail outlets and collectors. Also discussed is the influence that James Prestini had on Stocksdale's work. FINAL THOUGHTS I absolutely enjoyed the book. When I started woodturning, Stocksdale was one of the premier artists of the time, and a lot of turners emulated his style and forms. Though he didn't teach or write articles or books, he managed to influence an entire contingent of budding turners during the time turning was making its comeback - and I am one of those people. I'm disappointed that I was never able to include one of Stocksdale's peices in my collection. I recommend the book to anyone who is interested in the history of woodturning and wants to look into the daily life of one of the true masters of the lathe. I read a prepublication copy of the book and the price was unknown at the time. I am looking forward to its publication date, because this book with definately be added to my library.Perfect bowl forms have been Bob Stocksdale's quest and this small sized book is an understated introduction into his aims, methods and artistic achievements. Sam Maloof calls him the father of American woodturning and the author reveals that Stockdale's innate knowledge of the material are matched with simple but refined techniques. This book is 'a snapshot of a few days in the workshop'. Roszkiewicz documents in black and white images Stockdale's process as he turns a bowl and a platter. The accompanying text is in conversational question and answer type format. There are numerous colour images of Stockdale's work to enjoy. Recommended for the turner who is serious about the essence of good form.Roszkiewicz, Ron. To Turn the Perfect Wooden Bowl: The Lifelong Quest of Bob Stocksdale. Fox Chapel. 2009. c.160p. illus. ISBN 978-1-56523-388-1. pap. $24.95. ART INSTRUCTION Born on an Indiana dirt farm in 1913, Bob Stockdale was a pioneer in the art of fine wooden bowls, legendary for his exotic woods, unique shapes, and sumptuous finishes. Stockdale described his methods in a Q&A format to author Roszkiewicz before his death in 2003 at the age of 89. Valuable for those who make or love crafts.About the Author: Ron Roszkiewicz began his career in the woodworking industry 30 years ago with Woodcraft Supply. He became an integral figure in advancing woodturning in the United States by discovering and importing much of the innovative turning tools relied upon by woodturners today. He has also written The Woodturner's Companion and TheWoodturner's Art. About the Book: During the woodturning renaissance of the 1970s, one man emerged as the inspiration for scores of newwoodturners.His namewas Bob Stocksdale. Extraordinarily talented, Stocksdale began turning bowls in the 1940s andwas a master at finding the natural beauty in wood. This unique talent, combined with his gifted use of simple tools, became the trademark of his work. With pieces in the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, he became an unassuming celebrity who set the standard for woodturning excellence. In 1987, author Ron Roszkiewicz had the once in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a week in Stocksdale's homeworkshop to hear him describe his life and his work. With text transcribed directly from audiotapes and neverbefore- seen photographs, this book illustrates more than just how a turning legend shapes, sharpens and finishes- it's a snapshot of an American original.Roszkiewicz, an independent author, spent a week in 1987 with master woodturner Bob Stocksdale in order to document his life and work, and this illustrated volume was transcribed directly from the audiotapes of the original interviews. The author includes dozens of photographs to illustrate Stocksdale's methods for turning wooden bowls into unique works of art that have been shown in such places as the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Step-by-step instructions from the artist are designed to help woodworking novices and carpenters "find the natural beauty in the wood," and newspaper clippings and personal correspondence from the artist are also included. (Annotation 2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)I have always been a book kind of guy and on many subjects I would almost as soon read about it as do it. There are dozens of books in my home on many topics of interest, but as you can imagine, woodworking and turning are two of my favorites. I was cleaning out a few books a while back and came across an old favorite from some years ago. It was published by the National Geographic Society in 1975 as part of a series on many different topics. This one is called "The Craftsman in America" (now out of print) and as I thumbed back through it I realized that much of what I love to work on and really admire springs from this book. In the introduction, Gilbert M. Grosvenor captures what I think may be the feelings of every craftsman in the world: "Every morning when I dress for work, I smile smugly at the quiet, smooth way my chest of drawers opens and closes at a slight touch of a fingertip. The early sun's rays reflect the warm matched grain and the rich color of the wood. My pleasure goes beyond mere ownership, for I built that chest myself from teak I imported from Burma and carefully aged in my basement workshop for two years." I know exactly what he meant. I have a table I made at the back door, a lamp table in the den, a clock in the hall and another on the mantle, all of which I made with these two hands and enjoy every day. Bowls I make for sale sit in my dining room so I can see and touch them every day and sometimes I consider keeping all of them. Would you sell your children? In the National Geographic book from 1975, they featured Sam Maloof, who died only recently after a long career in woodworking. We should all be so good; that was 35 years ago and he was well known even then. Of course there were many other craftsmen in the book, among them, Bob Stocksdale, wood turner extraordinaire. In fact, in the picture of Maloof's furniture, the bowls on the table were by Bob Stocksdale, taken in trade for some Maloof furniture. What a deal on either side of that exchange! I bought a book at Highland last week about Bob Stocksdale and it is quite well done. The title is Turn the Perfect Wooden Bowl, the Lifelong Quest of Bob Stocksdale by Ron Roszkiewicz. It is a perfectly delightful little book, full of color photos of bowls plus many other photos of Stocksdale at work. Apparently he was not always a very social fellow; he just wanted to work in his shop and not be bothered by guests, students or writers. He collected wood from all around the world and when he passed away a few years ago, his shop was filled with literally tons of wood. Some of it was good and some of it was not and some of it was good firewood. That didn't bother him, because as he explained, he had two fireplaces. I like that. Another book I really enjoy is Ellsworth on Woodturning, subtitled "How a Craftsman Creates Bowls, Pots & Vessels" by David Ellsworth. This is a big glossy book by another master of the craft. Ellsworth is the inventor of the eponymous Ellsworth Signature Gouge, which is one tool I have not managed to purchase yet, but I admit I am intrigued by it after reading this book. This is more a reference book than some you see, and I intend to make this a step-by-step instruction book on hollow forms - the next step in my turning education. Besides that, how can you pass up a book with a whole chapter on proper exercises before beginning work? Ellsworth starts his turning classes with everyone stretched out flat on their backs on the floor. He also has a small trapeze in the ceiling of his shop which he uses to hang by his hands several times a day to keep loose and flexible when he is working at the lathe. And I don't think I have ever seen instruction on how to plant your feet versus your elbows and hands while holding the tool at the lathe. Who would've thought? I think the main thing I get out of books like these is "possibility." Somehow I can fool myself into thinking that if those guys can do it, then I can do it. Seeing it broken down into steps and watching someone do it just opens up all those possibilities to me, and I am empowered to start. Once started, I find that I can usually get better and then off I go. I promise not to buy a book on brain surgery.This book is based on the story of Bob Stocksdale who emerged as the inspirational figure for many new woodturners during the woodturning renaissance of the 1970s. Stocksdale became known for his wooden bowls and was a master at finding the natural beauty in wood. The book, written by Ron Roszkiewicz was written following a one week stay in Stocksdale's home workshop. It describes his life and works, and also features never-before-seen photographs and interviews. Another great feature of To Turn the Perfect Wooden Bowl is the step-by-step instructions supplied by Bob Stocksdale and his excellent advice on how best to turn a bowl and platter, as well as sharpening tools, sanding and finishing tips. This is a very unusual book and is perfect if you are looking to learn more about Bob Stocksdale himself.When I picked this book for the book review this month I wasn't sure what I was going find. I don't do much on a lathe (pens and mice, actually) and I have never attempted to make a bowl. I wasn't 100% sure that this was going to be a great book for me. What a pleasant surprise I received! Right from the start the author had my interest - and I mean from the start! The foreword, the behind the book story, was just as fascinating as the book itself. Once I started reading I simply didn't want to put it down. To Turn the Perfect Wooden Bowl is basically an interview with Bob Stocksdale, one of the bowl-turning gurus of all times. Within the pages of the book, we get to know Bob almost on a personal level. We are painted the picture of his childhood, his relationship with wood, and, for those bowl-turners out there, his tips and tricks to turn that perfect bowl. In one of the quotes, Mr. Stocksdale says that he tries to bring out the inner beauty of the wood. Perhaps this is what makes him an exceptional artist. Throughout the pages of the book, we see one example after another where he seems to be connected with the wood, knowing what lies within the outer layers. As I read the book I was reminded of Michelangelo saying that, with his statue of David, he just chipped away anything that wasn't David! That special connection that an artist has with the material he is working with takes a beautiful piece of work and makes it exceptional. Here at LumberJocks.com our members share their personal journeys of attaining this level of connection with wood. Some of us may never reach that pinnacle but will definitely enjoy the journey, especially when we are inspired by such work as that of Bob Stocksdale and books such as To Turn the Perfect Wooden Bowl. My Ratings of The Book Layout and Appearance: Wonderful balance of photographs, interview questions, and quotes from letters and news clippings. Thumbs Up! Instructions: Lots of tidbits of information tucked away in the interview. Thumbs Up! Inspiration: "in leaps and bounds". Thumbs Up! Overall: Thumbs Up!This book shares the life and work of Bob Stocksdale, an artist who led a quiet revolution in the field of contemporary craft. The impact the artist has had on tile field of contemporary woodturning is undeniable and this small volume will undoubtedly make his approach accessible to future generations of woodtuners. The home and srudio Stocksdale shared with his wife, fibre artist Kay Sekimachi, was a testament to both his work ethic and embrace of a modest lifestyle. Every morning, following breakfast, the two would "go to work" - she to her light-filled loft and he to his basement workshop, with catacomblike areas stacked with chunks of trees, rough turned bowls and planks of wood on which to display his completed works. The small format of To Tum the Perfect Wooden Bowl, which measures 8" square, perfectly reflects Bob Stocksdale's humble approach. Radler than striving to promote the artist with flashy reproductions, presented in a weighty coffee-table book, it remains faithful to who Stocksdale was as a man and an artist. His approach was straightforward and consistent - creating simple bowl forms which best displayed the natural beauty of a particular piece or variety of timber. Purposely limited to simple bowl and platter forms, his works showcased subtle differences - a slight variation in the bowl's foot or in tlle curve of a bowl's profile, combined with a wide range of both domestic and exotic woods, led to an impressively varied body of work. The majority of the artist's works were modest in scale but had a quiet beauty, much like the book. Stocksdale was a connoisseur on the subject of wood and his bowls always featured, along with his signature and date, the variety of timber and where the tree grew. When collectors visited his studio, they would be told the stories of the pieces of raw material stacked behind and in his workshop. He would share the characteristics of a particular timber, where it had grown and often the history of how it came to grow in that area. Most importantly, Stocksdale knew what was within a seemingly unimpressive slab of wood and how to bring it out. In some respects, the book seems to have come from another time, from the use of the almost archaic term "wooden" in the title, to the black-and-white process photos. There are two reasons for this. The first is that the interview and photographs date back to 1987, when the idea for the book was greenlighted by Scribner's, only to have that firm bought by Macmillan, a company that in turn experienced a hostile business takeover and restructuring which left the book project in limbo. Perhaps more importantly, by 1987, Stocksdale was already an "old school" craftsman, and the field of woodturning was expanding rapidly into mixed media and sculptural approaches. Yet, the artist's approach is timeless and a number of practitioners have chosen to follow a similar path today, showing promise of a neo-traditionalist movement in woodturning which Stocksdale would have surely appreciated. To Tum the Perfect Wooden Bowl is a book that will be of value to collectors and curators, as it shares the artist's story through biographical details, copies of letters and memorabilia. Yet, the book is largely designed for the growing market of amateur woodturners who can learn from Stockdale's techniques for turning bowls and sharpening tools, as well as his marketing savvy. It also provides a continuum in the field of contemporary craft, celebrating those who came before. The Foreword by Sam Maloof, who is considered the dean of woodworking in the US and was Stocksdale's best friend, is touching. The fact that Maloof died earlier this year underlies the sense that this is a book from another time - one generation reaching out to the future and sharing its passion and vision.TO TURN THE PERFECT WOODEN BOWL: THE LIFELONG QUEST OF BOB STOCKSDALE, by Ron Roszkiewicz, is a unique look at the life of the late Bob Stocksdale, a pioneer in the wood art movement. Using never-before-seen photographs and interviews transcribed from audiotape, the author gives us a glimpse into the life and work of a man many consider the father of woodturning and the person who helped elevate woodturning to an art form. Using an interview-style question-and-answer format, Stocksdale explains how he stored and selected wood, shares techniques, and much more.For the carvers among you that like to dabble with turning, then take a look at this book, based on the story of Bob Stocksdale who emerged as the inspirational figure for many new woodturners during the 1970s. Stocksdale became known for his wooden bowls,and was a master at finding the natural beauty in wood. The pages reveal an in-depth look at the life and works of this great artist, with neverbefore-seen photographs and interviews; plus step-by-step instruction and excellent advice on how best to turn a bowl and platter, as well as how to sharpen tools, sanding and finishing tips. This is a very unusual publication and is perfect if you are looking to learn more about the Father of American woodturning.

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Book SynopsisThis is an exciting new collection of wooden puzzle patterns based on the astrological signs of the Zodiac. It features 30 projects accompanied by patterns, photographs and information about each astrological sign. It is suitable for all levels of abilities and will appeal to an array of different crafters. This book provides crafters and scrollers with inspiration from the stars with an exciting new collection of wooden puzzle patterns based on the astrological signs of the Western and Chinese Zodiac. With 2 complete projects for Capricorn and Year of the Horse, new scrollers will get step-by-step guidance from start to finish. Once they've mastered the techniques, readers will be ready to move on to more than 22 zodiac patterns, plus an additional 6 bonus patterns for other constellations, like the Big Dipper and Orion. Each project includes fascinating information about the astrological sign and it's corresponding calendar dates. Patterns are provided in a detailed cutting version and a solid silhouette version - making these patterns adaptable for all craft mediums - from scrolling and painting to needlework and woodburning. Each pattern also includes a photo of the original design inspiration allowing artists to see the transformation of each pattern, from it's conception to creation. This book is perfect for the crafter who wants to make fun items for the next craft fair or for their family and friends.Trade ReviewI promise that this book will not be the Genesis of a new astrological forecasting feature for woodworkers in our ShortCuts columns. However, this book may be an inspiration for those woodworkers that are reliant upon the stars to guide them. What a fun book the Paterson's have put together. They have put together close to 100 pages of 30 really great zodiac puzzles. They include both Eastern and Western zodiac symbols that also include the constellations. The latter includes Cassiopeia and Andromeda while you can find patterns for the dragon and the rat in the Eastern zodiac, Capricorn to Sagittarius in the Western zodiac. The authors provide the sawyers information not only on recommended wood types and grain direction but also on the patterns themselves. Scrollers will love this book.Perfect for the crafter who wants to make fun items for the next craft fair, or for their family and friends. Projects are included for beginner to experienced s.croll saw artists. Each project indudes fascinating information about the astrological sign. Patterns are provided in a detaiied cutting version and a solid silhouette veriion. making these patterns adaptable for ail craft mediums, from scrolling and painting to needlework and woodburning.Table of ContentsTable of Contents Introduction...4 About the Authors...8 Preface...9 Chapter 1: The Western Zodiac...11 Capricorn Step-by-Step...12 Western Zodiac Patterns...22 Chapter 2: The Eastern Zodiac...44 Year of the Horse Step-by-Step...46 Eastern Zodiac Patterns...52 Chapter 3: Constellations...74 Appendix Tools & Techniques...89 Practice Pattern...93 Pattern Inspiration...94 Chinese Years...94 Index...95 Pattern Index...95

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Book SynopsisFrom David Springett, the author of Woodturning Wizardry, comes the resource that experienced turners need to expand their skills. The fascinating projects in this book will leave you stunned -- and includes mind-bending geometrical shapes, twisted polygons, puzzles, gravity-defying clocks and other unusual, challenging pieces. Close up photography guides the woodturner through each and every project.

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Book SynopsisThis book features a wonderful collection of clock projects from the editors of "Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts" magazine. Learn how to make beautiful time pieces including grandfather clocks and pendulum clocks! It includes projects for all abilities and tastes, from learning to cut pieces and assemble parts to finishing and personalising. The editors of "Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts" magazine have selected a collection of the most beloved clock projects - from fancy fretwork grandfather clocks to classic pendulum clocks and whimsical desk clocks. This book offers something for everyone - no matter what their level of scrolling expertise. Beginners will learn how to cut their pieces like an expert and assemble clock parts. More advanced crafters will appreciate the section on finishing clocks and personalising special gifts. The articles, that represent the most popular clocks since the inception of "Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts" in 2000, have been fully updated to reflect current clock part sizes.Trade ReviewOn the cover of Wooden Clocks the book claims to have 31 different plans but a review of the contents reveals only 27 different projects. The discrepancy is due 10 the fact that some chapters have more than one plan based on a common theme. The cover photo is also a bit misleading. It shows a wooden gear clock which is detailed as one of the projects. However the remaining 30 plans are for wooden clocks wilh conventional battery-powered clock mechanisms. All of the projects in the book have previously appeared in Scrollsaw Woodworking & Crafts magazine and are therefore designed to be made with the scrollsaw. The projects are set out according to the level of skill involved - beginner, intermediate and 'master'. Many of the clocks are scrollsawn shapes with clock fit-ups inserted into a circular recess. Some patterns are simple while olhers are quite elaborate with a number of separate components to be cut and glued together. More traditional styles include a simple Shaker Clock (including clock case), Lang Clock (wall clock with pendulum movement) and a miniature Grandfather Clock. The Keepsake Trinket and Woven Boxes all have a clock in their lid. In each case the box is glued up in layers from scrollsawn components. The ultimate project in the book is of course the Wooden Gear Clock. In addilion to the scale plans, photographs and step-by-step instructions provided with all of the projects, for this clock there are also cross-sections and expoded diagrams of how the wooden mechanism is assembled. Wooden Clocks has a variety of clocks with a wide appeal, suitable for scrollers looking for patterns with fit-ups as well as clockmakers seeking new challenges.

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Book SynopsisWhether you're new to scrolling or have been at the craft for quite some time, there's a puzzle project waiting for you inside this new book. Collected from the pages of "Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts", you'll discover 29 of the most beloved puzzle patterns and projects. Creative, colourful and separated by difficulty level for easy selection, each design features a colour photo of the finished puzzle and a pattern, while selected projects feature step-by-step instructions for easy completion. Readers are treated to the work from a variety of talented artists, like John A. Nelson, Carl Hird-Rutter, Judy and Dave Peterson, Jim Sweet and many more. The puzzles make perfect gifts or items to sell at craft fairs. Inside you'll find: cuddly cats, Jonah and the Whale, an owl with her family, a woolly mammoth, a teacher's puzzle, The World's Most Difficult Puzzle and many more. These "Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts" subscriber favourites are sure to become your most beloved puzzles too!Trade ReviewPros: a nice book with wood project accessible for all levels. Great presentation with step by step instructions. Cons: All three projects I made so far have errors (or missing steps) in the instructions. Beware, It's very frustrating to have to redo your projects from start...A collection of articles from the Scrollsaw Woodworking & Crafts magazine, Wooden Puzzles deals primarily with projects that have a jigsaw puzzle element and hence are suited to being made on the scrollsaw. There are 31 puzzles in all. Many, such as the Woodimal Moose and Lion, Kangaroo, Wizard, Star and Motorcycle are identifiable 20 shapes which can be pulled apart like a jigsaw puzzle. Others such as the Dairy Delight, Apple Alphabet and Paul Bunyan consist of a backing tray and pull-out pieces. There are a few 3D puzzles. These include the Whale which has a small Jonah figure inside, the Interlocking Lizard and an introduction to layered marquetry puzzles. The Wooden Puzzle Vault is an interesting and complex project for the router table and drill press, rather than the scrollsaw. One project that stands out is the World's Most Difficult Four-Piece Puzzle. It might not be the most difficult but it will certainly amuse your friends. It consists of four seemingly identical jigsaw pieces that make up a square. However there is a trick to getting it apart and putting it back together. To successfully produce the puzzle a little trial and error with the cutting on the scrollsaw is required. All projects are detailed with plans, colour photographs and step-by-step instructions. Wooden Puzzles will provide hours of fun for anyone with a scrollsaw and represents good value for those interested in wooden puzzles generally.For the scroll sawyer these puzzles are fun to make and even more fun to solve. There are 31 puzzles from the pages of ScrollSaw & Crafts Magazine and they are great. I liked the challenging (to solve) four-piece puzzle, the Apple Alphabet puzzle for kids and 29 more. The authors do a great job of showing you how to make the various cuts and the materials that they used. A fun book for all.Do our LumberJocks' scrollwork projects inspire and intimidate you? Are you puzzled by scroll saw work? The book "Wooden Puzzles" takes "puzzled" to a whole new level! In "Wooden Puzzles" there are thirty-one projects that are divided into beginner, intermediate and master categories. There are puzzles for children, for educational purposes, for teenagers and for adults. Although my scroll saw skills are limited and my confidence level on the machine is low I am inspired to try my hand at making one - the projects are just too cute to resist and the beginner ones don't look too difficult. Each scroll saw project comes with a pattern for the puzzle and a picture of the finished product (sometimes with different variations which is helpful). Many of the projects come with a series of photos accompanying the step-by-step instructions. Throughout the pages of the book are dozens of tips regarding wood selection and combinations, pattern reproductions, and scrolling tips. I have looked through the book several times now, gaining the courage to try my hand at making a puzzle. Although I love the simple but beautiful puzzles I am intrigued by the variations presented. Maybe, just maybe, I'll jump right into mixing it up a bit! My Ratings of The Book Layout and Appearance: Good balance of photos, plans and instructions. Thumbs Up! Instructions: Clear step-by-step instructions and patterns. Thumbs Up! Projects Selection: Great variety (in subject matter and skill level) Inspiration: There are so many of the projects that I want to make! Inspired, indeed. Thumbs Up! Overall: Thumbs Up!

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Book SynopsisStill the Undisputed Champion of Router How-to Books More than 10 years after its original publication, WOODWORKING WITH THE ROUTER remains the most highly regarded--and best-selling--router manual available. Clear, comprehensive, and readable, it's packed with the techniques and tricks you'll need to unleash your router's incredible potential. All that and more is covered in this expanded, thoroughly revised and updated edition. Hundreds of large, clear photos and drawings--now in full color--show you everything you need to know about using a router productively and safely. The information is specific, tested, and accurate, making this crackerjack manual almost as indispensable as the router itself!

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Book SynopsisThis UK author transforms a classic craft into an art form that expresses contemporary style. This title examines the methods for burning tribal and celtic designs, animal prints like zebra and leopard, as well as delicate floral and leaf motifs. It includes photos of the author's gorgeous work that are enough to make anyone want to try their hand at this surprisingly easy craft. Simon Easton's brand of woodburning is hip, edgy, modern. He's transformed a classic craft into an art form that expresses contemporary style. The beautifully-photographed guide teaches readers how to draw with fire - otherwise known as pyrography, or woodburning. They'll learn how to make basic marks, like wavy lines and dots and how shading and repetition creates richly textured patterns. Easton calls his creations 'wood tattoos,' because each finished piece has a distinctive story to tell. The end result is the kind of decorative items you'd be proud to display on a mantel, hang on a wall, or give as a personalised gift. Projects include funky bangle bracelets, a beautiful wall clock and a decorated plate, as well as coasters, key rings, a door sign and more.Trade ReviewSimon Easton leads you through the basics of our craft with an in-depth exploration of tool styles, pen tip styles and even how to create your own wire tips. His deep understanding of the art theory used in pyrography design is clearly shown through a series of wonderful sample burns and his illustrations that reflect his approach to executing any pyro project . "Woodburning with Style" is not so much a how-to book as a why-to book that will teach the beginning pyrographer as well as the advanced new ways of thinking about how to turn any design into an exciting wood burning adventure. This is a book that you will read thoroughly and then return to often as you grow in your craft of pyrography.I am so chuffed I can't describe it!! A fellow Moderator, Simon Easton on the Crafts Forum was asked to write a book on how to get started in Pyrography and asked for non wood crafters for help to show the diversity of wood burning and that it could be combined with other crafts. So, naturally I offered my services and Si burned the initials H and S into two wooden discs so I could make Hayley and Stephens Wedding Card. I don't think I blogged it when I made it (doh) but here you can see it in print: I also asked Si to make a tooth box so that the tooth fairy could keep all Samuel's tiny baby teeth in together. Samuel likes dinosaurs and I wanted his name on the box and left the rest to Si. And here you can see how he made the design - IN HIS BOOK!!!!! Samuel's name has been burned into the wool in the style of bones. I am so pleased with the box to the extent that I am looking forward to Jacob loosing his baby teeth! So, the book is called Woodburning with Style and is by Simon Easton. It's published by Fox Chapel Publishing and is not yet available to buy - but I've got one!! It's packed full of useful tips and projects and basically everything you need to know about woodburning. The only downside, and I hope you take note of this Si, is that it should come with a scratch and sniff page as the smell of burning wood is the best in the world! You can actually pre-order it on Amazon via this link - and its a really good book to have! Both my boys have looked through it and have asked lots of questions on how it is all done. Beautiful photos and a lovely writing style that will appeal to anyone! Go buy!!!!It was many months ago that I first heard Simon Easton was writing a book. At the time it seemed such a distant completion date and such a monumental task that I admired Si's dedication in 'sticking with it'. For as long as I have been a member of the Crafts Forum I have admired Si's work. So when he asked for ways in which pyrography could be incorporated into other arts and crafts, as well as pictures he could work with, I am sure he was inundated with offers - I certainly stepped forward! The result is a seriously impressive book. Woodburning with Style is beautiful in its own right and could happily grace any coffee table whether you are into pyrography or not. The presentation style is very accessible, a comprehensive guide for beginners and more experienced pyrographers. Chock full of tips and techniques that walk you through 'how to achieve a look' but not so structured that you would not be able to develop your own style After all inspiration is flattering but outright copy catting is unfair and nasty. When someone makes a craft look easy it's testament to their skill not that it is easy! Simon manages to impart technical expertise in a way that, if you follow his guidance, you would achieve a pleasing result too. On the Craft Forum Simon has always been very generous with his knowledge and this book is no exception. Some authors give you enough to 'be getting on with' but not so much that you feel confident, but Woodburning with Style is not like that, which makes a refreshing change. Just why am I writing about a book that has nothing to do with glass? Well, Simon kept CF folk posted with his progress along the way and made everyone feel part of his project even though he alone was putting in ALL the legwork while the rest of us ooohed, ahhhed and urged him to keep up the good work! On top of that, I recognise some of his pieces and it's fun to see familiar names through the book of other virtual friends. There is even an armadillo and that chess board is stunning! Lastly, a photo of mine made it into Si's book which I am very chuffed about. The step by step project based on the photo is awesome and truly showcases Simon's expertise and willingness to share his skill in 'drawing with fire'. Wednesday, 14 July 2010My thoughts on Woodburning with Style by Simon Easton It was many months ago that I first heard Simon Easton was writing a book. At the time it seemed such a distant completion date and such a monumental task that I admired Si's dedication in 'sticking with it'. For as long as I have been a member of the Crafts Forum I have admired Si's work. So when he asked for ways in which pyrography could be incorporated into other arts and crafts, as well as pictures he could work with, I am sure he was inundated with offers - I certainly stepped forward! The result is a seriously impressive book. Woodburning with Style is beautiful in its own right and could happily grace any coffee table whether you are into pyrography or not. The presentation style is very accessible, a comprehensive guide for beginners and more experienced pyrographers. Chock full of tips and techniques that walk you through 'how to achieve a look' but not so structured that you would not be able to develop your own style. When someone makes a craft look easy it's testament to their skill not that it is easy! Simon manages to impart technical expertise in a way that, if you follow his guidance, you would achieve a pleasing result too. On the Craft Forum Simon has always been very generous with his knowledge and this book is no exception. Some authors give you enough to 'be getting on with' but not so much that you feel confident, but Woodburning with Style is not like that, which makes a refreshing change. Just why am I writing about a book that has nothing to do with glass? Well, Simon kept CF folk posted with his progress along the way and made everyone feel part of his project even though he alone was putting in ALL the legwork while the rest of us ooohed, ahhhed and urged him to keep up the good work! On top of that, I recognise some of his pieces and it's fun to see familiar names through the book of other virtual friends. There is even an armadillo and that chess board is stunning! Lastly, a photo of mine made it into Si's book which I am very chuffed about. The step by step project based on the photo is awesome and truly showcases Simon's expertise and willingness to share his skill in 'drawing with fire'. I wish Simon all the success he deserves! Also it's highly recommended that you go and get a copy before they all sell out! Perhaps on AmazonSimon Easton's brand of woodburnlng is hip, edgy, and modem. He's transformed a classic craft into an art form that expresses contemporary style. With the author's new book, Woodbuming with Style, anyone can convey a unique personal flair. This 208-page guide teaches readers how to "draw with fire" using a simple toot that's a cross between a pencil and a curling iron. Even new crafters can easily decorate any wooden surface and discover how to easily embellish objects with rich texture, patterns, and motifs.As a child, I took a brief stab at woodburning. My brother had received a kit as a birthday present and was willing to share. I don't know what happened to that artwork of my youth, but wow, woodburning (formally pyrography) has come a long way. A few weeks ago, a new book arrived at my desk. One look at the cover and I was hooked on woodburning all over again. Now, it's classy, even contemporary. After browsing through "Woodburning with Style" by Simon Easton, I bought a woodburning kit the following weekend. The way Easton presents his subject matter is simple and well presented in words and pictures. He starts with the basics: what tools you need and how to use them safely. Then come simple projects, with how-to photos and tips all along the way. He gradually sees us through making coasters, key rings, clocks, door signs and plaques. Planning, drawing, using patience, trying new objects, patterns and subjects. The book wraps up with color techniques, eye-catching Celtic patterned border plates and appendices: types of wood, texture and pattern samples and resources. Thank goodness for "resources," because I was wondering where to get those bangle bracelets shown off on the book cover. I'm planning on turning some out for Christmas presents this year. Recently I purchased a couple of wood blanks in a local crafts store and sat down with Easton's book to give it a try. What I learned is I have a long way to go, and eventually I'll have to spring for that pricey pen. But all this inspired me to contact Easton by e-mail about his terrific new book and get the scoop about woodburning as art. Were you born into pyrography? I first experienced pyrography at a young age but I certainly don't consider myself to be young now! I remember using a pyrography kit in Design and Technology lessons at school to make a games board when I was 11 or 12. I then didn't touch any woodburning equipment again for another 15 years or so. Did you take a lot of art classes? I have always loved art and design subjects, and I worked in a wide range of media during my studies at all levels. These included fine art, ceramics, photography, graphic design, printing, sculpture and many more. I eventually realized that I gained the most enjoyment from working with solid materials such as wood, glass, metal and plastics. I studied (for) a bachelor of arts degree in three-dimensional design in which I focused more on wood and metal. All of the designs that I produced featured a decorative or textural element, and pyrography has been the next step in my hunt for ways to adorn a wooden surface. Why this book? Why now? I decided to buy myself a pyrography kit back in 2007 for purely recreational reasons -- to give me something to do when not at work which was creative and rewarding. I really enjoyed using it and started making a massive range of different items and designs. I joined the UK Crafts Forum (craftsforum.co.uk) and started to learn about ways to promote and sell handmade items. Within a year, I had a website, was selling online and was exhibiting at crafts fairs. I became a moderator on the Forum and offer my experience to others starting out. I received an e-mail from Fox Chapel Publishing out of the blue one day, stating that they had seen my pyrography work and liked my individual style. I was asked if I wanted to write a book on the subject and I leapt at the opportunity, as I've always dreamt of being an author since I was a child. I believe that my style adds a new contemporary take on the art of pyrography, both complementing and adding to the talent of other woodburning artists producing great designs today. I also think that there is a substantial rise in the appeal of handcrafted gifts in the current economic climate: I believe that people are looking to get more for their money, and unique or personalized handmade designs are definitely becoming more popular due to this. You've also received awards for your woodturning, silversmithing and pewterware work. What's your favorite? Did one lead to another? It was a real honor to receive recognition for my designs from both the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the Worshipful Company of Pewterers, but the most rewarding success for me was my involvement in the "onetree" project which stemmed from a single oak tree felled in 1998. All parts of it were saved and distributed to artists, craftspeople and manufacturers to make a huge range of beautiful and useful pieces. All of the work formed a major touring exhibition across Great Britain in 2001-2002, accompanied by a book with a foreword from Prince Charles. My design for a turned wooden oak bowl with a spun pewter insert was accepted for inclusion, which was a real honor as I believe I was the only student to successfully submit a design. (Editor's note: For more information, visit onetree.org.uk; for the book, visit amazon.co.uk.) What's your next project? I'm working on updating my website (woodtattoos.com) as well as a number of commissions for customers. I'm also in the early stages on development for further books: I'm working on a visual reference book of designs I've come up with, and I would also like to make a further book of pyrography projects for budding woodburners to experiment with. Anything else you'd like to add? Pyrography is such an individual art and I hope that my book helps people of all ages and skill levels to pick up a kit and enjoy using it. People can get in touch with me through my website or at facebook.com/woodtattoos if they would like to keep updated with my latest creations.It is only necessary to glance at the three pages devoted to nib shapes in this book to realise how the craft of pyrography has changed over the past few years. Pyrography i. - and will always remain - an artform. But the craft that gives rise to this art has developed in a manner that is sure to encourage many who might have previously thought it too difficult to achieve worthwhile results. This book is clearly aimed at ensuring that aspirants are given the knowledge and guidance they need to embark upon their personal journey in pyrography. Woodburning with Style begins with a short Introduction describing the equipment and materials commonly used. Chapter 1 deals with Simple Mark Making shOWing the kind of work that can be performed with the 'four essential nib shaPe::s'. There is also a page on troubleshootmg for those who may have difficulty achieving the marks shown in the illustrations relevant to each nib. The second Chapter explores Basic Decoration Techniques and the third, the subject of Silhouettes. In Chapter 4, the author introduces the notion of Drawing with Fire - freehand sketching using a pyrographic pen. The next three chapters provide the information necessary for the reader to refine the techniques that are used when 'Drawing with Fire' - the creation of textures and patterns, the formation of lettering and the drawing of portraits. In addition to the instructional material, the book contains projects designed to test the developing skills of the reader. These include Decorative Key Rings, a Hanging Wall Clock, Landscape Artwork, a Door Sign, Tattoo Bracelets and a Patterned Border Plate. Woodburning with Style is easy to read and well illustrated. The layout and content of the book show that it is intended as a comprehensive course in pyrography but any of the hints and tips it contains would be of value even to those who are reasonably experienced in the craft.With his contemporary flair and use of pattern, Easton takes you on a journey from the concepts and basics of woodbuming to tips and techniques that encourage your creativity and the development of style. Step-by-step projects such as coasters, key rings, and a wall dock are mixed in with lessons on everything from making slniple marks to texturing and lettering. Easton's teaching style imparts guidance while letting you find your own creative niche with the art form. If you are a beginner, this book will have you wanting to learn more, and if you are an experienced pyrographer you wlll be inspired by Easton's designs.In 2000, a single oak tree was distributed root and branch to a select number of British artisans in a project called the onetree project. Simon Easton had just finished his design degree (with Honours) and was nominated because he had already won the respect of his artisan peers. Simon created a turned wooden bowl with a spun pewter insert and titled his piece Wish, Hope, Dream, Everything. Woodburning with Style reveals Simon's passion for wood tattoos and his prodigious talents as an artist as well as artisan. Simon's fresh and vital approach to the art of pyrography leaps out of every one of the 207 pages of this inspirational tome. The book is divided up into eight informative chapters, each ending with a project. The instructions and illustrations given are clear and concise, building skills and confidence in what really is a series of master classes in the art of woodburning. Chapter one introduces basic skills through the creation of a coaster. The following chapters run on the themes of decorating techniques, silhouettes, landscapes, texture and pattern, lettering and portraits. The project at the end of the chapter on Landscape Artwork is a perspective exercise in crafting a rendered perspective of a castle. The final chapter showcases Simon's Wood Tattoo creations and ends with a step-by-step lesson on how to craft the beautiful Celtic pattern featured on the cover of the book. Simon has generously poured his creative talents into producing a wonderful tour-de-force on the art of burning wood with a pyrographic pen.The craft of woodburning, or pyrography, has been greatly aided in recent years by improvements in the pens and nibs (points) used for burning. Easton, an expert woodturner and metalsmith, discusses basic mark making and decoration techniques using purchased and homemade nibs and applies them to practice projects using designs copied from many sources. There are not many books available on the craft, and this will be welcome in general collections.I will admit, I'm not a pyrography genius. In fact the last time I used a woodburning tool, it was Christmas Day and I was about five years old. It didn't go well. A lot has changed since then. The tools have improved, there is a large and growing group of woodburning artists and there are great books to show you the basics and inspire you to pick up the art of pyrography. Woodburning with Style is the perfect book if you're just learning. Not only will it teach you about the equipment available, it covers decorative techniques, lettering, portraits and more, before providing a chapter of inspirational projects and photographs to really get your imagination going. Pyrography is an art in itself but can also be used in conjunction with turnings, carvings or furniture making.I'm really quite an amateur when it comes to the art of woodburning. I played with it as a child, forgot about it, and became interested in it again a few years ago. This book was a real find. It covers everything, from selection of tools to basic techniques to complex designs. No matter what your level of expertise, you'll likely find something new somewhere in this book. There seem to be two basic tool choices available for those who want to try their hand at pyrography: the solid point tools that most children use - inexpensive, but less adaptable; and the hot wire machines - MUCH more expensive, but capable of real artistry. The patterns in this book can be realized with either tool. I'm not yet to the point where I can justify the expense of a hot wire machine, so my experiments with the patterns in this book were all done with a solid point tool. Bottom line: if you do the practice exercises included in each chapter of this book, you will GREATLY improve your technique. I was amazed at how much more comfortable I became with the pen. Each chapter also contains a project (or two) that utilizes the techniques you just practiced. Get yourself some scrap wood and just go for it. Chapters 1 and 2 are fairly basic. Chapter 3 starts to get more complicated, but even here, the project, a clock face decorated with silhouettes of trees and stags, is fairly simple, and the author provides sufficient instruction for the student to complete the project using their own choice of subject. Part of what turned me off woodburning as a child was the overemphasis on wildlife subjects. You won't have that problem with this book. Chapter 4's project takes you from a photograph to pyrographic art. It's complex, yes, but the author's step-by-step layering of techniques makes it doable even for someone like me. (I'll try to post a photo my version of this exercise later ) Each chapter provides the opportunity for the student to try new techniques, and perhaps look at woodburning in a new way. The appendices include information about different kinds of wood and pattern samples -- all good stuff. This is definitely one of the better books of its kind out there. I've started looking round my house for things to embellish with burn marks -- and I've been pouring over internet sites that offer things made of wood. This is going to keep me busy for quite awhile, I think.There are some great tips and exercises, which every carver will find useful.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing 15 fabulous toys, each with clear step-by-step instructions, detailed photographs, and easy-to-follow diagrams. Beginners can try their hand at colorful yo-yos, spinning tops, quoits, and skittles, while intermediate-level turners can relish the challenge of a kaleidoscope colour top, diavolo, or the endearing walking penguins.

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Book SynopsisReusing Mother Nature's beauty inside the home is a great way to add warmth to any decor, as this book shows. It includes five chapters that are divided into the areas of a home where the 35 stylish and practical projects can be used. It takes the reader on a journey that is both creative and inspiring. For years, Chris Lubkemann has been transforming twigs, branches and fallen trees into artfully designed yet functional pieces for the home, from candle holders and coasters to coffee tables and curtain rods. With insight into picking the right piece of wood to the basic techniques of cutting, trimming and shaping, "Tree Craft" takes the reader on a journey that is both creative and inspiring. The five chapters in the book are divided into the areas of a home where the 35 stylish and practical projects can be used. Aimed toward those with a general appreciation of wood, the projects are interesting because they use natural pieces of wood that can be turned into unique and useful items with some creative tweaking. Reusing Mother Nature's beauty inside the home is a great way to add warmth and rustic elegance to any decor.Trade ReviewOur friends at Fox Chapel recently sent us a copy of Tree Craft: 35 Rustic Wood Projects that Bring the Outdoors In, a terrific new book by Chris Lubkemann. The book is a fun collection of wood carving projects that are as approachable as they are easy to make. A master whittler, Lubkeman shows readers how to apply his craft to home projects. With easy-to-follow instructions, he lets us into the basics of woodworking and carving. So, effectively in fact, that soon you'll want to turn your own backyard logs and branches into everyday home furnishings. The whole book is based on only a few different woodworking concepts, but the plethora of ideas that come from those concepts is really wonderful and creative. For Tree Craft, Mr. Lubkemann turned to his own yard. He used a couple of trees that he had cut down to make most of the projects in the book. What we loved about the book is that he doesn't spend much for his materials and recycles materials that he already has very crafty! He has found ways to turn his old tree trunks into useful items from coasters, planters, necklaces and checkerboard tables, to planter, photo frames and lamps he really gives us a run for our money! I was so inspired that after finishing the book, I picked up a stick from our own backyard and carved a letter opener. OK, so I used a box cutter because we didn't have a pocketknife, and Lubkemann has had much more practice at whittling, but . . . I think mine looks really great!This book is AWESOME! Author Chris Lubkemann shows us 35 different crafts using found wood. He has everything from salt & pepper shakers to curtain rods to coffee tables and all sorts of coat/jewelry/hat racks. The projects in Tree Craft are not only a great way to bring the outdoors in, but are also fairly easy to make! Trust me when I say there is something for everyone in this book, and it'll have you out looking for tree stumps and fallen tree limbs.Inspiring, purposeful, and stylish--Tree Craft has ideas for everyone. This book is an inventive spin on eco-living.Great book with plenty of ideas to inspire novice or experienced woodworkers. From the lumber in our buildings to the food on our table and the landscaping on our property, trees play a big role in human life. Now woodworking craftsman Chris Lubkemann offers a way to use fallen trees in additional ways to dress up our world. Lubkemann's book, 'Tree Craft: 35 rustic wood projects that bring the outdoors in' from Fox Chapel Publishing, features projects using parts of trees to create beautiful and useful furnishings for home, yard and office. The beauty of this book rests in the open-ended plans for each item. A novice will find ways to enjoy working with tree parts to create a simple item, while a more experienced woodworker can adapt and enhance the projects to finish with a highly personal piece. Lubkemann begins with a strong foundation-a table of the characteristics of various trees and their woods. He builds on that with descriptions of the potential sources of wood for projects and the methods of cleaning wood that you've found in the great outdoors. Add a few pages on sharpening your tools and you're ready to get started. He organizes the projects by uses for the finished product. Starting with decorative items such as candlestick holders and jewelry, he then moves into ideas for dining, living, playing and working. Each of the plans starts with a tree limb, trunk or branch. None of these projects require an elaborate workshop, although the craftsman with a well-equipped shop can enjoy the book as well. A good saw and a whittling knife can handle many of the projects. Because the various concepts provide starting points rather than demanding instructions, beginners and experts can employ the ideas to their own skill levels. The book offers numerous photos of the content, from preparing the wood to the finished piece. Many of the projects can be adapted for use with young woodworkers such as Scouts, 4-H or other youth organizations. Whether you consider yourself an experienced woodworker or just an interested crafter, you'll find plenty of reasons to enjoy this book. Perhaps the greatest strength of the publication is that it provides a primer for ideas of other adaptations. If you learn to make a natural checkerboard, how big a leap is it to make a natural tic-tac-toe board? How far from a business card holder to bookends? I can safely say that after reading this volume, I will never look at a fallen branch in quite the same way again.Hand expert wood carver chris Lubkemann a piece of wood and a knife and before you know it, a pair of candlesticks, a set of wooden spoons, something wonderful to play with or even a place to hang your hat will emerge right before your eyes. With Tree Craft, this bestselling author of The Little Book of Whittling shows you how to transform mere twigs and branches into coasters, salt and pepper shakers, bud vases, a checker board with game pieces, a coat rack and 35 woodworking projects in all that will bring the rustic beauty of the outdoors into your home. Projects range from simple to complex and Chris does such a fantastic job of introducing the tools and explaining the techniques, that even beginners can get in on the fun.Projects range from simple to complex and Chris does such a fantastic job of introducing the tools and explaining the techniques, that even beginners can get in on the fun.This book has 35 projects that can "bring the outdoors in". Tree Craft by Chris Lubkemann tells you how to make rustic wood pieces for your home using found twigs, sticks and logs. Examples of the projects include lamps, a key chain, salt & pepper shakers and clothes hooks and racks. "Going green" is such a hot topic and maybe this book can help in the effort by providing creative ways to decorate your home with found items.It's a little late, but this post is in honor of Earth Day. (I was just too busy on Earth Day to post it!) Recently we got a copy of a new crafting book called Tree Craft: 35 Rustic Wood Projects That Bring the Outdoors In by Chris Lubkemann. When I first heard about it, I admit I wondered if it would be a little hokey. Okay, I was totally wrong. This is such a cool book! Check out some of the beautiful projects Chris shows you how to make using tree branches or stumps that you can find for free. They're totally "green." And several of them would make great Mother's Day gifts. . . My favorite is probably this curtain rod. Have you noticed how expensive curtain rods are? Even at Target? I could go walk around in the woods behind my house and find a curtain rod just laying on the ground! Brilliant! The other thing I like is that these projects are not just for cabins. Yes, most of them are PERFECT for cabin decor, but I could see myself using these in my own home, too. Like how cute is that spoon hanger? That would be darling with kids photos hanging from it for Mother's Day. . .hmmm, I feel a project coming on! If you want to find a copy of Tree Craft, start here. The photography is great, the instructions are clear and simple, and the ideas are genius. Love this book!Easy Projects For Giving Your Home Eco-Chic Style In the past few years the trend toward green living has grown exponentially. More than ever, people are conscious of their impact on the environment and finding opportunities to reunite with nature. Discovering creative ways to recycle and reuse are hot topics, and for the crafty homeowner, living off the land is easier than you might think. With Tree Craft (Fox Chapel Publishing. September 2010), the eco-friendly can give their homes a touch of rustic elegance by bringing the outdoors in. Using found wood, twigs and branches, readers can create a wide range of easy-to-make projects, like taper candlestick holders, knotty wood photo frames, attractive table lamps, and one-of-a-kind decor, like curtain rods, clocks and planters. There's also practical items that add beauty to the dining room and kitchen, such as spoon holders, napkin rings and salt & pepper shakers. With nothing more than a few basic tools, and the step-by-step instructions inside Tree Craft, readers can make 35 fresh projects that will bring the natural warmth of wood indoors. There's even a project for outdoor seating and a game of checkers. Also included is a gallery of contemporary rooms showcasing ideas for decorating a modern home with natural wood accents. Readers will find unfinished pine can provide a soothing, spa-like quality in the home. The many examples of how to reuse and preserve maple, oak and nature's other towering beauties, makes Tree Craft the perfect gift for thrifty and eco-friendly crafters, woodworkers, decorators and home-owners.TREE CRAFT, by Chris Lubkemann, is a how-to book of 35 rustic wood projects that "bring the outdoors in." It's a book about sustainability, using found wood to craft mass-produced items like salt shakers and curtain rods. Lubkemann transforms a small twig into a key chain, slices a branch into coasters, and a downed limb into a coat rack. Not exactly high-end or difficult projects, but an excellent introduction to working wood, especially for the younger generation. Other projects include lamps, clocks and photo frames. The checker and croquet sets are better than anything you're likely to buy in a store.Okay woodworkers, the next time you have finished a project and are waiting for materials for the next one, go out to your woodlot and pick up some dead birch, maple or even viburnum branches and then buy a copy of author Lubkemann's book. He will show you how to make perfect use of those and branches or stumps from other wood species. The author illustrates everything from napkin rings, candelabra and coasters, to the more elaborate lamps or umbrella stands. Lubkemann tells us in detail how to prepare the wood limbs for working and how to preserve them. Convert your ash tree into a gracious jewelry tree or a large tree trunk into a chess board. All of this fun stuff can be found in this beautifully illustrated Fox Chapel book.Two books have recently come on the market that should be included in the libraries of anyone who loves the "art of wood." TREE CRAFT, from Fox Chapel Publishing, provides detailed information on how to construct thirty five "folky rustic" objects of art that will help bring the outdoors, in all its charm and innovation, into your home. What's great about this book is that it provides information and insight into rustic design that has taken decades for many of us in the business to learn. Both books are richly illustrated and will provide hours of entertainment and great information for those interested in wood craft and design. And both books are part of my own library and I refer to them often!"An enduringly popular form of woodworking is the use of natural twigs, branches, and 'found wood' in making items both useful and decorative. In "Tree Craft: 35 Rustic Wood Projects That Bring the Outdoors In", woodworking expert Chris Lubkemann has compiled a series of do-it-yourself, environmentally friendly projects using such materials to create unique and distinctive items ranging from curtain rods to coat racks, and from tables to walking sticks. This superbly illustrated, 144-page instructional manual provides informative and practical information on how and where to find wood, choosing the right tools to work with it, and is further enhanced with the inclusion of a gallery of contemporary rooms presenting ideas for decorating contemporary homes with rustic accents, such as the project 'Thanksgiving Tree'. Thoroughly 'user friendly', "Tree Craft: 35 Rustic Wood Projects That Bring the Outdoors In" will prove a welcome and popular addition to personal, professional and community library woodworking reference collections.Among the 35 stylish, distinctive home décor projects in "Tree Craft" are table lamps, photo frames, curtain rods, planters, vases and a checker set. The following is an excerpt from Tree Craft: 35 Rustic Wood Projects That Bring the Outdoors In by Chris Lubkemann (Fox Chapel Publishing, 2010). Nothing adds more warmth and charm to a home than the simple beauty of natural wood. Thanks to woodworker Lubkemann's creative, practical projects in Tree Craft, bringing the splendor of the outdoors into your home is easier than ever. (Mother Earth News goes on to excerpt the Rustic Coffee Table project and Coat Rack Project)Go Green has become the collective mantra of the times, as people from the four corners of the world try to reconnect with the environment and live a conscious life, cognizant of their impact on the earth's fleeting resources. Accordingly, Chris Lubkemann's Tree Craft (due from Fox-Chapel in August 2010), adds to the ever-growing canon of green literature - a manual dedicated to teaching us how to re-use found wood and transform it into one-of-a-kind furnishings. In Tree Craft, Lubkemann (a seasoned writer and regular contributor to several wood-carving magazines) outlines how readers can use the wood they find strewn about the forest and beach and park to build practical items for both the home and office. For example, Lubkemann demonstrates how a simple branch can be used to build fashionable curtain rods that not only recycle a vital natural resource but also prove significantly more durable than those disposable plastic-based wares that line the shelves of the nation's big-box stores. With incisive step-by-step instructions, Lubkemann educates readers on how to make some 35 projects - as Tree Craft evinces, things like photo frames, table lamps, clocks and planters can be built with ease using a few common household tools. Aside from its cool Green Message, what's best about Tree Craft is in the way it's written: Rather than lecture from the pulpit, Lubkemann proves himself to be a true teacher who shows his audience how it's done by doing it with them. In this age of iPods, fast-food and endless consumption, Chris Lubkemann presents a book that slows us down a bit, urging each of us to open up our eyes and look around at what's in front of us. Ultimately, Tree Craft is not just about building things. It's also about seeing the many faces of the world that surround you.Step away from the chain saw. Think twice about what you toss into that chipper-shredder. Those nuisance storms littering your yard with tree limbs and branches could help you decorate your home. In "Tree Craft: 35 Rustic Wood Projects That Bring the Outdoors In," Lancaster County woodcarver Chris Lubkemann shows how a pocketknife, a handsaw and some sandpaper can turn tree parts into interesting home accessories: candle holders, coasters, coffee tables, even clothes "trees" that don't try to hide their humble origins. Put them all together, and you might feel as if you're living in a hobbit house. But an accent piece or two can be noticed and admired for their natural elegance. As the book says, "Nothing adds more warmth and charm to a home than the simple, rustic beauty of natural wood." And that doesn't mean highly polished cherry with Queen Anne styling, but birch with the bark still on it. Fox Chapel Publishing in East Petersburg has produced the attractively designed 128-page paperback, priced at $19.95 and packed with excellent photographs of both techniques and finished projects. Style Editor Peg Couch gets credit on the title page and in the acknowledgments for the "eco-chic" theme of this book. Lubkemann, who demonstrates woodcraft at the Amish Farm and House on Route 30 East, has authored other books for the specialty publisher. In the introduction, he explains that this one is aimed at the casual carver rather than the dedicated hobbyist. In "Getting Started," he clearly outlines basics such as selecting wood, cleaning bark, sharpening tools. Projects are divided in those for "Decorating" (i.e., knothole photo frames), "Dining" (salt and pepper shakers) "Living" (umbrella stand), "Playing" (checker set) and "Working" (letter opener). He not only includes instructions but often adds a personal anecdote. And if you don't have storm-downed wood and don't want to go out and prune your trees, Lubkemann points out that even fireplace logs will suffice for some projects, such as lamp bases. This would be an inspirational book for any Boy Scout working on the wood carving merit badge or anyone who likes to hand-make Christmas gifts. (Better get started now.) One item that captured my attention was the "Living" chapter's "Bonus Project": the "Anniversary Stump." Chris found a chunk of driftwood on Cape May's beach during an anniversary getaway with his wife. He used a woodburner to create an arrow-pierced heart with "Chris & Sheri" inside, followed by "40 Years" and "2007." I mentioned this to my husband, who seemed to believe I was dropping a hint as our 30th approaches. As long as he includes the beach getaway, I'll be appreciative. But Chris, instead of "Anniversary Stump," can we call it "Anniversary Sculpture"?From a childhood in the South American jungle to an Amish farm in Pennsylvania Dutch country, Chris Lubkemann has been playing with wood - and, this month, his latest book of playful creations, Tree Craft: 35 Rustic Wood Projects That Bring the Outdoors In (Fox Chapel, ISBN 978-1-56523-455-0) is published, with a focus on projects made from found wood. Chris himself first found wood fun to play with as a boy between the ages of six and eight years old in Brazil and Peru, where his parents were missionaries in the 1940s and 1950s. His dad would be making furniture, Chris said - it was a situation where "he had to make his own oven so he could make his own bricks to make his own house" - and small pieces of wood would fall to the ground. Chris would save these small pieces to build "fun little things" like boats. Part of that was perhaps inspired by all of the boat building going on at Contamana, the town on the Ucayali River, where the family lived in Peru. "We swam in the river, where there were alligators," Chris said, calling his "an adventurous childhood." About this time, he also began carving small dental tools from wood - he doesn't remember what inspired this, but does remember that "My mom put a stop to that. She figured we'd get some rare tropical disease, poking around in our mouths." Chris began attending boarding school in the United States at age 13 and didn't do much woodworking for the next few years, until the summer between his junior and senior years of college. While assisting the minister Dr. John Luke in programs around the mountain areas of North Carolina, Chris noticed that many of the mountaineers were making carved roosters out of Y-shaped branches. He picked up a $2.95 pocketknife, and the pastor taught him how to make these roosters. "You make the head out of this branch, the tail out of this branch, and I made my first rooster. It looked like it got in a terrible fight - and lost." In the 40-plus years since then, Chris has made "thousands" more roosters from Y-shaped branches, including one he carved from a pocketknife in 1981 that is 1/8" tall, including comb and tail. He was trying to get into the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest rooster ever carved from a Y-shaped branch, but the woodcarving category didn't exist. He did receive a certificate of superlative for the "world's smallest woodcarving" - but Chris notes that, "I don't believe for a minute that it's the smallest carving; somebody has to have carved an apple or something that's smaller." Back in the 1960s, rooster carvings and woodburnings provided items for sale that helped to fund his last year of college and, following that, the overseas travel of Chris and his wife, who themselves served as missionaries for many years. Before the first trip, Chris sold his carvings door to door to raise funds. In his travels around the world, Chris says he's used about 80 species of wood for his carvings and other projects. (Most of those other projects consist of furniture for himself - he estimates he's built "about a zillion" bookcases, although his latest is a 29"-long, foot-wide truck made of scrap wood for his grandson.) Generally, Chris said, he prefers harder woods: birches, maple, oaks, citrus woods, holly, beech, guava in the Philippines. The tighter grain and smaller pith in the harder woods works better for his type of projects: when carving something like a head on a rooster in spongy pith, he said, "It's like carving Styrofoam . It doesn't hold up." With the harder woods, "Some roosters I made 40 years ago are exactly the way I made them." While roosters are "sort of the mascot of branch carving," as well as a popular image all over the world ("they're the only bird that naturally has its tail go up," Chris says), he has carved other things, too: pheasants, herons, songbirds, roadrunners and other species. And, since 1972, he has been involved in teaching others how to do these carvings. That's when Chris wrote his first instruction sheet, which led to television appearances in Portugal and England, his books The Little Book of Whittling and The Book of Twigs and Branches, and teaching branch carving to people in the Philippines, Canada and Mexico. He also writes a column in Chip Chats, a national woodcarving magazine, and was featured carving a branch rooster on the DIY Network. Despite all this, Chris says, that, among carvers, "I consider myself sort of the low man on the totem pole. Some guys spend hundreds of hours on this. If I have a project that took me over an hour, I consider it probably took me too long." That's one reason that when Peg Couch, acquisitions editor at Fox Chapel, asked Chris to write an "eco-chic" book, he responded, "'Eco' I can handle. 'Chic" - I don't even have a clue." Tree Craft's focus is not particularly on carving, but on creating its 35 projects for home or personal use from found wood. A checker set was created from a stump in Chris's front yard; a coat rack from a neighbor's Bradford pear tree that had to come down - Chris told him, "Don't throw it out. I'll make something out of it" - and some lamps from old Christmas trees, old oak firewood and hardware Chris took out of old lamps purchased from Goodwill. Knothole picture frames are a project from the book Chris cites as particularly practical, and wooden knives, spreaders and letter openers as among the most popular. "I can't believe how much people like these little wooden knives." Chris makes his projects using a drill, a makeshift table saw and a small belt sander. "I don't have a fully equipped shop; most everything I do is with hand tools," he said. That 12' x 20' shop is located in part of old barn, where Chris does his woodcarvings and "name logs": "I cut out a slice from a log and then woodburn people's names. If they're a lacrosse player, I add lacrosse sticks. If they're a musician, I add musical notes." Chris is a resident artisan at the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Amish Farm and House living history museum, where, besides his woodworking, he also works with animals like goats - he refers to them as his "kids, grandkids and great-grandkids" - and donkeys. "I have a ton of fun in what I do," he said.Decorate Your Home the Natural Way! Nothing adds more warmth and charm to a home than the simple, rustic beauty of natural wood. Now, thanks to the inspiring and creative ideas of woodworker Chris Lubkemann, bringing the natural elegance of the outdoors into your home is easier than you think. With little effort that can produce amazing results, twigs, branches and fallen trees can be transformed into artfully designed candle holders, coat racks, and coffee tables that will flavor your home with an eco-chic style. If you're creative, have an appreciation for wood, and can work with a few basic tools, you can create these 35 unique and practical projects using easy-to-follow instructions and some found wood. Among the distinctive projects in Tree Craft, you'll find: *A gallery of knotted-wood photo frames to hold your favorite pictures *Attractive table lamps in a variety of styles *One-of-a-kind dà cor items such as curtain rods, clocks and planters *Beautiful and practical coasters, napkin rings and spoon holders Reusing what nature has provided is a simple way to add rustic elegance to your home.Get outdoors, find some wood and make something beautiful! "Tree Craft" includes 35 earthy-yet-elegant woodworking projects, such as kitchen utensils, photo frames, table lamps and a coffee table. You can tap the splendor of the outdoors easily and practically by crafting these woodworking projects that are at once rugged and artful. Using some found twigs, branches or fallen trees and a few basic tools, you can create Lubkemann's unique, striking pieces for your own space.Eco-living, the artistic way! That's what Tree Craft can show you - how to create a multitude of useful wooden items for your home and personal use. In each of Chris Lebkemann's projects the "rustic" effect is left, which shows the true beauty that nature can offer. The book is broken into 5 main chapters - "Decorating, Dining, Living, Playing, and Working." Each offers a variety of projects, ranging from simple ideas that a youth group could work on, unique additions to your dining table like napkin rings, vases and candle holders, fun games, furniture and more. Chris gathers fallen branches and limbs, eyes stumps with an artistic eye, and is always collecting materials which will find their way into the project they were meant to be at some point! He even uses "scrap" pieces of milled lumber as a base for some of his projects. The beginning of the book discusses types of wood, methods of cleaning bark, and sharpening tools. Next the creativity truly begins. Variations and bonus projects for each idea expand the options. One of my favorite projects is a unique planter or small trash can made from a hollow stump! Another is the "fencepost hole frames" - rustic and beautiful in their simplicity, they would make interesting additions to your home even without photos! The easy writing style, full color photographs, supply lists, and stepped out instructions guide you through the projects and will make you want to start gathering the supplies and start creating projects to, as his book cover states, "bring the outdoors in" yourself!An early class in some woodworking courses involves a visit to a local forest where students are given the opportunity to look at trees that are typical of those from which their raw material is derived. An instructor goes along to help them imagine how the position of the wood within the tree will alter not just the appearance, but also the physical strength of the bowl, chair rail or table leg, which they wish to make. It might be argued that the author of this book needs even more imagination to see his work in a tree since his designs are always constrained by the inclusion of some part of the tree's external surface. The book is essentially a series of projects, but the projects tend to be only superficially similar to those in other woodworking books. Tree Craft begins with a discussion about wood which - as you might expect - deals only with those available in North America. Nevertheless, mention of citrus and other fruit trees suggests that what the reader would be looking for among local trees are those with dense, close-grained wood and firmly attached bark. There are also a few notes on sharpening and some comments on wood blocks before the author launches into the making of a Bud Vase. This consists of a short segment of hollowed branch mounted on a block of prepared timber. It's simple, effective and attractive. Then there are variations on this theme - an Oil Lamp, Toothpick Holder and several Candlestick Holders. (With respect to the latter, it should be noted that no mention is made of the need (or the metal protector required by Australian laws - Ed) Chris Lubkemann then shows how a Centrepiece Ring can be cut from a hollow log and how small offcuts can be used to make wooden jewellery. There are wooden block Drink Coasters, Napkin Rings, Salt and Pepper Shakers, a Coat Tree, Lamps, Games and a Clock. The pieces would be fun to make and they certainly wouldn't demand a lot of tools or equipment - and they'd add both practical benefits and conversation starters to your home.Table of ContentsIntroduction How to use this book Getting Started Chapter 1: Decorating *Bud Vase *Candlestick holders *Centerpiece ring *Necklace *Pendant *Photo frames *Planter *Table art *Thanksgiving tree Chapter 2: Dining *Coasters *Kitchen utensil tree *Name logs *Napkin rings *Salt and pepper shakers *Wooden spoon holder Chapter 3: Living *Clock * Coat rack *Coat tree *Coffee table *Curtain rod *Hooks *Jewelry tree *Lamps *Magnets *Umbrella stand Chapter 4: Playing *Checker set *Croquet *Tightrope walker Chapter 5: Working *Business card holder *Letter opener *Desk set Dedication and acknowledgments Index

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Book SynopsisAnyone can learn to easily construct their own beautiful frames with the advice and instructions in this book. It features clear instructions, dozens of illustrations and step-by-step photographs. A good frame can accentuate a piece of art, protect a cherished memento, or enhance the decor of your home. However, professional framing can be very expensive. Fortunately, with the advice and instructions inside "How to Make Picture Frames", anyone can learn to easily construct their own beautiful frames. From antique to contemporary, readers will find designs for rustic frames, easy-to-make oval frames, highly decorated frames and even a handsome Craftsman-style frame. The experts at American Woodworker magazine have compiled their best articles on frame-making and provide clear instructions, dozens of illustrations, step-by-step photographs and everything readers need for success. With workshop tips, plans for jigs and matting & mounting instructions, readers are guaranteed to create frames they can be proud of.Trade ReviewWith a dozen featured projects and ideas for dozens more, this book is sure to get you in the right "frame" of mind for housing your family's most treasured memories and artwork. Step-by-step instructions, and vivid, full-color photographs bring the woodwork to life and ensure the success of your projects. Also includes complete tutorials on matting and mounting.Table of ContentsContents Featured Projects 6 Picture Frame techniques 8 Weekend Picture Frames 10 Create Extraordinary Frames with Ordinary Router Bits Matting and Mounting 18 Improving Aesthetics and Protecting Your Art Photo Frames by the Dozen 22 Two Jigs Let You Crank Them Out Flawlessly! Tips for Better Picture Frames 32 Frame Like a Pro with Simple Tools Router Moldings 40 Tips on Safely Making Clean-Cut Moldings for your Home and Projects Three Router-Made Picture Frames 46 Three Custom Profiles with Infinite Possibilities Tablesaw Picture Frame 52 Safely Make Shaper-Quality Molding on Your Tablesaw Without Fancy Jigs Picture Frame Projects 58 Rustic Picture Frame 60 Found Wood Brings Outstanding Results Oval Picture Frames 62 Don't Let Their Shape Intimidate You- Jigs Make Classic Frames Easy Photo Album 72 Creating Beautiful, Individualized Display Pieces Three One-Day Picture Frames 74 Distinctive creations Without Mitered Corners Craftsman Frame 84 Pegged Half-lap Joints Are the Cabinetmaker's Way to Build a Beautiful Frame Fab Frames 92 No Miters and No Fuss! Multiples and Cool Variations are Easy Lindsey Dill's Fabulous Frames 100 An Ingenious Young Woodworker Discovers the Fun of Jig-Making Sycamore Hallway Mirror 104 Weekend Project Uses Beautiful Wood, Invisible hinges, and Simple Joinery Oak Hallway Mirror 112 Step-By-Step instructions for creating an Heirloom Index 118

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Book SynopsisThis is a skill-expanding and money-saving book that every woodworker needs. For the woodworker who wants to purchase wood wisely and save money by finding, cutting, and drying it on their own, this guide from the experts at American Woodworker is a must. Along with learning the most economical way to buy and process lumber, discover how to interpret rough lumber, work with defects and use boards that are not perfect, as well as other useful skills. With expert advice, detailed drawings and step-by-step photographs, this is a skill-expanding and money-saving book that every woodworker needs.Trade ReviewGETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR WOOD-BUYING BUCKS, by the editors of American Woodworker magazine, shows woodworkers how to stretch their wallets when it comes to finding, cutting and drying their own lumber. With hundreds of tricks and tips for selecting and using material, even beginning craftsmen can build their dream projects without worrying about cost. Experts from American Woodworker share their ideas on how to find cheap wood, prepare it yourself and overcome some of the obstacles imperfect wood presents, such as knots and warping. Authors, including Dave Munkittrick, Tom Caspar and Tim Johnson, offer instructions on how to work with a portable sawmill, overcome defects, resaw imperfect boards and dry the lumber.A collection of articles from American Woodworker magazine that provides information about finding less expensive wood and how to mill and dry it yourself. There are sections on several different woods such as Butternut, Birdseye Maple, and Mahogany with specific characteristics and tips about each. The book also includes finishing tips and techniques.What a goldmine this book from American Woodworker magazine is! Your US$19.95 will save you hundreds, maybe even thousands if you are doing commercial woodworking. "Getting the Most" suggests that you can save a bundle just by buying lumber a grade or two below the best. A Wood Miser could save you thousands over the long haul and salvaging used wood has a high payoff as well. Bandsaw resawing is another way of saving $ and the authors cover this in great detail. There are great tips for milling rough lumber, stabilizing green wood and how to best dry your own wood. More good stuff shows you how to spot those 'special' wood species in the rough and how to best work with them. This is an excellent book for both the amateur and the professional woodworker, one you will refer to on a regular basis. Buy it and save money!With these simple tips for successfully milling rough lumber, you can turn inexpensive wood into the raw material you need to build beautiful wood projects. (Milling Rough Lumber chapter excerpted)

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Book SynopsisThis title provides woodworkers with advice on setting up a safe workshop, whether hobbyists or professional. An important topic for all woodworkers - this presents the options for creating a healthier atmosphere. Research tells us that prolonged exposure to fine wood dust can pose a variety of health risks for woodworkers, from pesky allergies to serious nasal and lung cancers. Add the risk of workshop fires caused by wood dust and the need for a collection system becomes a top priority. With the advice and guidance inside, "Workshop Dust Control" readers can breathe easier, knowing they have found the best solution for any size workshop. From masks and vacuums to central dust collectors and air scrubbers, the options for creating a healthier atmosphere are presented by the experts from "American Woodworker Magazine", with pros and cons. And to top it off, the book offers tips for keeping a cleaner shop and dust-free tools. Whether a part-time hobbyist or a professional woodworker, the advice and techniques inside "Workshop Dust Control" will purify the air in your shop and could potentially save your life.Trade ReviewDust control never sounds very exciting until you're swimming in dust - this book will help you plan ahead. Written in a fun, yet informative style with hundreds of color photographs, it shows you how to get tough with that most persistent of woodworkers' foes. Whether you use an ordinary shop vacuum, or a top-of-the-line collector, you'll learn the shortcuts to getting the most draw from any system, with any tool. It's loaded with clever solutions, like building an inexpensive muffler box for your noisy shop vac, and it will tell you everything you'll need to know when shopping for a dust collector.Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Well, in this case the new book spurred our item on static electricity which of course prompted our story on spontaneous combustion. In this issue of ShortCuts Book Review, the authors have nailed the subject of dust control perfectly. Most of us woodworkers know of the dangers of sawdust, the toxicity, the static dangers, the mess etcetera. The books' editors have listed an excellent selection of shop vacuums describing the pros and cons of each. A necessary blast gate for portable vacuums is described and machines with tool activated switches are featured as well. Beefing up your shop vacuum and cutting down on the noise are chapters that are a must-read. Determining the size of a built-in dust collection system for your particular shop could be a big money saver along with the chapter on installation tips. This is an excellent book and should be consulted before even considering some sort of dust collection gear.Tired of wood dust coating everything in your garage or workshop? A good dust-control system can eliminate the mess. This small, concise book illustrates several options for the home woodworking shop, from the best use of your shop vac to tool-specific systems and shop-wide air filtration. Great illustrations show how each system works, along with simple installation instructions and clever tips. Highly recommended for any woodworking collection.' an excellent guide.' 'Highly recommended!'Table of ContentsHazards of Wood Dust Vacuum the Dust *Shop Vacuums *Blast Gate Manifold for Vac Hoses *Shop Vacuums for Portable Power Tools *Soup Up Your Shop Vacuum *Dedicated Dust Collection *Muffle Your Shop Vac Collect the Dust *Central Dust Collection *Those Blasted Gates *Turn Your Dust Collector on its Head *Dust Bag Hangers *Clever Duct Tricks *Dust Collectors for a Small Shop *Cartridge Dust Filters *Random-Orbit Filter Cleaner *Wide-Mouth Dust Collection *Tool Test: Cyclone Dust Collectors *Remote Control for Your Dust Collector Tool Solutions *Dust Collection Tips *Dust-Free Band Saw *Anti-Slip Dust Collection Table *Dust Collection for Routers *Handy Blast Gate Lever *Capture Tablesaw Dust Clean the Air *Tool Test: Shop Air Cleaners *Air Scrubber Trio *No-Hassle Filter Cleaning *Electrostatic Prefilter Advantages Compressed Air *Tool Review: Small Air Compressors *Plumb Your Shop with Air Sources Index

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Book SynopsisGet Back to Basics with the core information every woodworker needs. This book will give you a clear roadmap of wood knowledge, from assessing the lumber you find to discovering the elegant tradition of green woodworking.

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Book SynopsisA straightforward manual for all woodworkers, this reference offers essential information about the core tools of the woodworking trade. With a chapter devoted to each machine--including the table saw, radial arm saw, band saw, drill press, and jointer--there is plenty of guidance for the beginning woodworker and suggestions for those with more experience. Each chapter includes a detailed diagram of the tool, instructions on its use, and important safety information. Whether woodworkers are setting up a shop, looking to buy new tools, or just interested in getting more from the tools they already own, this essential guide delivers concise information on an array of woodshop equipment.

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Book SynopsisWoodworking should be a fun and fulfilling hobby. Bypass the overwhelming overload of woodworking information available, and get Back to Basics with the core information you need to succeed. This new series offers a clear road map of fundamental woodworking knowledge on sixteen essential topics. In Constructing Kitchen Cabinets, you'll learn what is important to know now and what can be left for later. Best of all, the information is presented in the plain-spoken language you'd hear from a trusted friend or relative, and includes: - How to layout and design your kitchen to meet the demands of your household - Keeping your casework construction simple and well-built -Five different door styles and how to build each - Techniques for building strong, smoothly functioning drawers - Options for installing upper and lower cabinets - Choosing and installing the best counter surface The world's already complicated - your woodworking information shouldn't be.

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Book SynopsisStep-by-step projects for building beautiful Shaker furniture for every room of the house. About the Series: Discover the timeless projects in the Built to Last Series. These are the projects that stand the test of time in function and form, in the techniques they employ, and represent the pieces every woodworker should build in a lifetime.

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Book SynopsisThis title includes 35 amazingly detailed new projects that explore the craft of pyrography. It helps to learn the basics of pyrography systems, tools, supplies and practice boards. It includes complete instructions plus photographs of both the finished piece and the work in progress. Although it is often referred to as woodburning, the art of pyrography can be worked on just about any natural surface, including gourds, leather, or cotton rag paper. Now Lora Irish, the author of the bestselling "Great Book of Woodburning", offers thirty five amazingly detailed new projects that explore the craft of pyrography across the full range of inventive pyro media. Inside her new book, readers will learn the basics of pyrography systems, tools, supplies and practice boards. Each fascinating project includes complete instructions plus photographs of both the finished piece and the work in progress across pale, medium, dark and detailed stages.Table of ContentsPart One - Basic Supplies wood burning systems one temperature tools variable temperature tools wood burning tips general supplies sanding supplies tool tip cleaning tracing supplies Part Two - Practice Boards practice board creating a practice board testing your temperature settings simple fill patterns hand positions tool tips common textures and stroke patterns Part Three - Projects 35 projects and patterns wood Bengal Tiger Practice Board Christmas Lamb Eagle Box Steam punk Dragonfly step-by-step vegetable tanned leather Horse Practice Board American Indian Drum Gourd Duck Farm Blue Jay Mill Steam punk Key Fob Olson's Dairy Truck Griffin Artist Notebook Lee & Longstreet step-by-step dried gourds Southwest Bird House Practice Board American Indian Rattle African Bead Rattle Gourd Bird House step-by-step Posies Cache Pot Pine Cone Feeder Whimsical Farm Scene cotton fabric Five Veggie Bags Practice Board Pixie Make-Up Bag Vampire T-Shirt step-by-step artist paper Paper Dragon Practice Home Sweet Home step-by-step chipboard Three Santas Practice Board Steam punk Clock Frame step-by-step Daylily papier-mâché Grocery Bag Practice Sunflower Yarn Box

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Book SynopsisTraditional snowshoes and the art of making them is alive and well in Gil Gilpatrick's authoritative book on the topic. With this book, you will learn how to make a variety of snowshoes and furniture made in the snowshoe style using updated materials. Skills such as bending and shaping wood, assembling parts and lacing are emphasized. You will learn how to select the size and style shoe that is right for you and how to make them. You will also find directions for making an end table, rocker, coffee table, footstool and wood holder in the traditional snowshoe style. Perfect for any rustic retreat. Detailed plans and patterns are included.

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Book SynopsisThis handy pocket-sized guide offers all the tips, tricks, and ideas a woodworker or furniture maker needs to get the most out of this indispensable tool.(#1) (#2)Covering everything you need to get the most out of your tools, the Missing Shop Manual Series goes beyond the basic safety and set-up. You'll learn tips and techniques for maximizing your tools performance with jigs and fixtures without the fluff, just straight tool information you need to succeed.

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Book SynopsisDurable and pocket-sized, this manual includes clear diagrams and instructions. It is ideal for quick reference in the workshop that offers concise and accessible information. Dedicated to providing integral information about woodworking tools and techniques that other manuals overlook, the books in this series contain safety facts, explanations about basic project set up and tips for maximising tool performance. In "Band Saw", woodworkers will find out how to best utilise this essential workshop tool and how to get the most for their money by getting the most from their equipment. Filled with clear diagrams and instructions, this durable pocket sized manual offers concise and accessible information and is ideal for quick reference in the workshop.Trade ReviewI love woodworking. I'm not great at it - I figure it'll take me another 15+ years to hit that magic 10,000 hour mark in the shop to reach an expert's level of craftsmanship. But in the meantime, I try to always have something going on in the shop that either allows me to learn a new skill or get a bit more practice with an older one. Right now, I'm enjoying learning how to properly use my router table. I know how to use a router as a stand-alone device, but the table is going to allow me to branch out and really do some interesting stuff. But mounting the router underneath the table brought with it some questions that required me to dig out the router manual a big white heap of pages that answered my question but not with a lot of enjoyment. I've done this in the past, breaking out my stack of manuals to remind myself how to tune my table saw or replace the blade correctly in my band saw. The operator manuals that come with tools are definitely useful, but they have one glaringly obvious drawback - the manual will tell you how to properly and safely operate a tool, but it won't tell you how to really use it. You won't get the advice that a pro can offer when you're first getting your feet wet with a new tool (well, unless you have access to a few pros). This is exactly the situation I found myself in when I first purchased my circular saw, my table saw, my band saw, and my router. I tell you all this so you'll understand (and not poke too much fun at me) why I grabbed the box from the UPS guy and beat a path to my man cave to tear into the care package sent to me from Fox Chapel Publishing. They've got books on a lot of different subjects from Mennonite Cookbooks to Sewing to Winemaking to Woodburning. But it's their woodworking titles that make me drool, with subjects ranging from furniture making to pinewood derby cars. Tucked in the box were ten little books I've been itching to read and review, and I've just completed the entire set after just a little over a week. If that sounds like a lot of reading in a short time, rest assured that these ten little books are short, easy to read, and sure to be of interest to anyone who has stared at a power tool and wondered how to operate it, how to maintain it, and ultimately how best to use it. The series is called The Missing Shop Manual, and while I certainly hope the library continues to grow, you'll likely find at least one of the books that matches a tool in your shop maybe more. The series claims you'll wish this was the manual that originally came with your insert-tool-name-here. I can't speak for all ten books as I've not yet got a jointer, shaper, or lathe (my wife is grimacing right now as she realizes I don't yet have all the tools I really want), but I can tell you that the claim holds true for my band saw (2-page manual, I kid you not), my router (a bit better manual, but no actual usage examples), and my drill press (a little better with a 3-page manual but half of it was warnings and troubleshooting steps). I'll go ahead and say it - I wasn't really certain how much these little books (most of them averaging less than 150 pages) were going to really help me when I started reading. But after completing the Router and Table Saw books, I couldn't stop smiling. I had already picked up on some of the advice in these books, but there was new stuff in there (to me). Stuff I know I would likely never have figured out without someone with experience telling me. But since I typically work alone and am of the I'll-figure-it-out-on-my-own mentality, I tend to make mistakes often. That's how I learn, I guess. But let's take the Band Saw book, for example. I thought using a band saw was pretty straight forward. I knew how to operate it, how to tighten the blade, and how to do a few tricky cuts. But I never thought to check the blade wheel alignment. I guess the manufacturer just figured it would be perfect from the factory. (Wrong.) This little book even showed me how to test for (and fix) an out-of-round blade wheel. There was zero mention of this in the manufacturer's manual fortunately my blade wheels were round but the alignment was a bit off. I fixed it per the book's instructions and did a test cut on a piece of hardwood that had been giving me trouble. Immediate improvement that I could tell just by feel. I can go on with more examples. The Circular Saws and Jig Saws book (two tools in one book) gave me a much better understanding of two of the tools I use most in my shop. Again, I thought I knew all there was to using these tools, but the little manual proved otherwise by offering me some tips on how to make specific types of cuts with these (at times) not so accurate cutting tools, especially the jig saw. The Table Saw book I read twice. I honestly could not believe how little I knew about the maintenance and operation of one of the most expensive tools in my shop. I mean, seriously - how hard would it be for tool manufacturers to provide some DVDs and mini-projects to help us learn how to use our new tools better? Thankfully, it's never too late to learn and I can point to the Table Saw book as a prime example of where The Missing Shop Manual is a worthy investment. I started reading the Glue and Clamps book as I was waiting for my wife to get ready to go shopping - she gave me the funniest look when I put a bookmark in and took it with me. Yes, I actually enjoyed reading about gluing and clamping techniques while sitting and waiting for her to finish her shopping. I even had one guy pass by me, give me a strange look, and then ask me if the book was any good! I've never done any drawer assembly, but now I know what to buy (and why) should I ever try to put together a box. All of the books contain a mixture of color photographs and color line drawings to demonstrate techniques or concepts. They're also, as I said earlier, short and sweet. You can typically read an entire book in less than 45 minutes or, in the case of the Jointer book's 77 pages, about 20 minutes. The books range in price from $9.95 to $12.95, with the exception being the Bench Planes book that comes with a 55-minute DVD showing techniques and proper usage. After reading all ten books, I'm thinking I'd really like a lathe. The Lathe book was fun to read, even though I don't own one. I know what's involved (to a point), so it was interesting to read a detailed overview of how the tool works, how the various cutting tools are used, and some of the interesting things I can do with it. The Missing Shop Manual series is well done. Most of us who enjoy woodworking are not professional woodworkers, so it's nice to have little books like this available to help refresh our memory on operation, cleaning, tuning, and proper usage. I know I'm guilty of getting lazy here and there and operating a tool improperly, so I think I'm going to make myself a promise to review these books once a year to keep me on my toes and keep my tools in proper working order. Take a look at your own tools and find the one that gives you the most trouble or the one that you tend to take for granted that you know everything there is to know about it. Pick up a copy of the matching Missing Shop Manual and give it a read - I'll be curious to know what you think. The ten books in the series include: Jointer Lathe Shaper Glue and Clamps Band Saw Circular Saws and Jig Saws Router Table Saw Drills and Drill Presses Bench PlanesTable of ContentsIntroduction *Choosing a Band Saw *Setup *Safety *Blades *Cutting Curves *Straight Cuts *Angle and Taper Cuts *Cutting Duplicate Parts *Cutting Jigs *Band Saw Joinery *Cabriole Legs *Scroll Saw Basics Index

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Book SynopsisThis handy pocket sized guide offers all the tips, tricks and ideas a woodworker needs to get the most out of this tool, in a concise and accessible way. Dedicated to providing integral information about woodworking tools and techniques that other manuals overlook, the books in this series contain safety facts, explanations about basic project set up and tips for maximising tool performance. In "Shaper", woodworkers will find out how to best utilize this essential workshop tool and how to get the most for their money by getting the most from their equipment. Filled with clear diagrams and instructions, this pocket sized durable manual is ideal for quick reference in the workshop.Trade ReviewI love woodworking. I'm not great at it - I figure it'll take me another 15+ years to hit that magic 10,000 hour mark in the shop to reach an expert's level of craftsmanship. But in the meantime, I try to always have something going on in the shop that either allows me to learn a new skill or get a bit more practice with an older one. Right now, I'm enjoying learning how to properly use my router table. I know how to use a router as a stand-alone device, but the table is going to allow me to branch out and really do some interesting stuff. But mounting the router underneath the table brought with it some questions that required me to dig out the router manual a big white heap of pages that answered my question but not with a lot of enjoyment. I've done this in the past, breaking out my stack of manuals to remind myself how to tune my table saw or replace the blade correctly in my band saw. The operator manuals that come with tools are definitely useful, but they have one glaringly obvious drawback - the manual will tell you how to properly and safely operate a tool, but it won't tell you how to really use it. You won't get the advice that a pro can offer when you're first getting your feet wet with a new tool (well, unless you have access to a few pros). This is exactly the situation I found myself in when I first purchased my circular saw, my table saw, my band saw, and my router. I tell you all this so you'll understand (and not poke too much fun at me) why I grabbed the box from the UPS guy and beat a path to my man cave to tear into the care package sent to me from Fox Chapel Publishing. They've got books on a lot of different subjects from Mennonite Cookbooks to Sewing to Winemaking to Woodburning. But it's their woodworking titles that make me drool, with subjects ranging from furniture making to pinewood derby cars. Tucked in the box were ten little books I've been itching to read and review, and I've just completed the entire set after just a little over a week. If that sounds like a lot of reading in a short time, rest assured that these ten little books are short, easy to read, and sure to be of interest to anyone who has stared at a power tool and wondered how to operate it, how to maintain it, and ultimately how best to use it. The series is called The Missing Shop Manual, and while I certainly hope the library continues to grow, you'll likely find at least one of the books that matches a tool in your shop maybe more. The series claims you'll wish this was the manual that originally came with your insert-tool-name-here. I can't speak for all ten books as I've not yet got a jointer, shaper, or lathe (my wife is grimacing right now as she realizes I don't yet have all the tools I really want), but I can tell you that the claim holds true for my band saw (2-page manual, I kid you not), my router (a bit better manual, but no actual usage examples), and my drill press (a little better with a 3-page manual but half of it was warnings and troubleshooting steps). I'll go ahead and say it - I wasn't really certain how much these little books (most of them averaging less than 150 pages) were going to really help me when I started reading. But after completing the Router and Table Saw books, I couldn't stop smiling. I had already picked up on some of the advice in these books, but there was new stuff in there (to me). Stuff I know I would likely never have figured out without someone with experience telling me. But since I typically work alone and am of the I'll-figure-it-out-on-my-own mentality, I tend to make mistakes often. That's how I learn, I guess. But let's take the Band Saw book, for example. I thought using a band saw was pretty straight forward. I knew how to operate it, how to tighten the blade, and how to do a few tricky cuts. But I never thought to check the blade wheel alignment. I guess the manufacturer just figured it would be perfect from the factory. (Wrong.) This little book even showed me how to test for (and fix) an out-of-round blade wheel. There was zero mention of this in the manufacturer's manual fortunately my blade wheels were round but the alignment was a bit off. I fixed it per the book's instructions and did a test cut on a piece of hardwood that had been giving me trouble. Immediate improvement that I could tell just by feel. I can go on with more examples. The Circular Saws and Jig Saws book (two tools in one book) gave me a much better understanding of two of the tools I use most in my shop. Again, I thought I knew all there was to using these tools, but the little manual proved otherwise by offering me some tips on how to make specific types of cuts with these (at times) not so accurate cutting tools, especially the jig saw. The Table Saw book I read twice. I honestly could not believe how little I knew about the maintenance and operation of one of the most expensive tools in my shop. I mean, seriously - how hard would it be for tool manufacturers to provide some DVDs and mini-projects to help us learn how to use our new tools better? Thankfully, it's never too late to learn and I can point to the Table Saw book as a prime example of where The Missing Shop Manual is a worthy investment. I started reading the Glue and Clamps book as I was waiting for my wife to get ready to go shopping - she gave me the funniest look when I put a bookmark in and took it with me. Yes, I actually enjoyed reading about gluing and clamping techniques while sitting and waiting for her to finish her shopping. I even had one guy pass by me, give me a strange look, and then ask me if the book was any good! I've never done any drawer assembly, but now I know what to buy (and why) should I ever try to put together a box. All of the books contain a mixture of color photographs and color line drawings to demonstrate techniques or concepts. They're also, as I said earlier, short and sweet. You can typically read an entire book in less than 45 minutes or, in the case of the Jointer book's 77 pages, about 20 minutes. The books range in price from $9.95 to $12.95, with the exception being the Bench Planes book that comes with a 55-minute DVD showing techniques and proper usage. After reading all ten books, I'm thinking I'd really like a lathe. The Lathe book was fun to read, even though I don't own one. I know what's involved (to a point), so it was interesting to read a detailed overview of how the tool works, how the various cutting tools are used, and some of the interesting things I can do with it. The Missing Shop Manual series is well done. Most of us who enjoy woodworking are not professional woodworkers, so it's nice to have little books like this available to help refresh our memory on operation, cleaning, tuning, and proper usage. I know I'm guilty of getting lazy here and there and operating a tool improperly, so I think I'm going to make myself a promise to review these books once a year to keep me on my toes and keep my tools in proper working order. Take a look at your own tools and find the one that gives you the most trouble or the one that you tend to take for granted that you know everything there is to know about it. Pick up a copy of the matching Missing Shop Manual and give it a read - I'll be curious to know what you think. The ten books in the series include: Jointer Lathe Shaper Glue and Clamps Band Saw Circular Saws and Jig Saws Router Table Saw Drills and Drill Presses Bench PlanesTable of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Shaper Chapter 2: Cutters and Accessories Chapter 3: Setup and Safety Chapter 4: Basic Cuts and Joints Chapter 5: Vacuum Jigs Chapter 6: Frame and Panel Doors Chapter 7: Windows Chapter 8: Entry Doors Chapter 9: Handrails Index

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Book SynopsisA no nonsense guide to turning wood on a lathe. People are drawn to the woodturning lathe because it is the quickest way to go from raw wood to a finished object. Most projects can be finished in an afternoon and many can be completed in less than an hour. Unlike most woodworking machines, the lathe grips and whirls the wood while the woodworker attacks it with a hand held chisel or gouge. This makes the chips and shavings fly into the air as the blank takes on its new shape. This is also what makes woodturning so much fun: simple machines, easy skills to learn, fast results. This book provides readers with the distilled, accessible content that they need to get right to work, as well as some highly detailed illustrations and a great number of pictures.Trade ReviewWood turning is such a pleasure and a satisfying art. Some think that it is easy to just remove the wood that you don't need to bring out what you want. Contrary to some, turning is a very safe art if of course, safe practices are employed. The satisfaction comes as you become more adept and that plain old block of wood takes shape. This book is one excellent way to get started turning. The publishers have put this excellent book together for the beginning wood turner. The book is written by turners Betty Scarpino, John Jordan and Bonnie Klein. The first chapter, Setting Up, tells you just about all there is to know about the wood lathe and its component parts. Sharpening the various tools has most of the basics covered nicely and there are some nice tips to make the job a little easier. Spindle turning is well covered with great color photography. The authors take us into a little more detail by showing us reeding and fluting and some other decorative skills. Faceplate turning is well covered and the final chapter will test your newly learned skills with some projects like a lidded box, a laminated plate, a beautiful goblet and more. This is an excellent book that should be read by anyone wanting to learn the art of wood turning.WOODWORKER'S GUIDE TO TURNING, edited by John Kelsey, is the most recent book from Fox Chapel Publishing's Back to Basics Series, which makes learning to turn easy and fast. It introduces the reader to the lathe and explains machine setup and how to use turning tools. It teaches spindle and faceplate turning with projects for making a goblet, lidded box, laminated plate, table top and more. It's suited for the beginner who doesn't want to get bogged down with too much information and the experienced craftsmen who needs a handy reference tool by their side.' it's interesting to see that there is a turning book out there aimed specifically at the woodworker.''Woodworker's Guide to Turning is nicely set out with good content 'Table of ContentsSetting Up *Intro to the Lathe *Chucks and other accessories *Turning tools Sharpening Turning Tools Spindle Turning Faceplate Turning Turning Projects *Goblets *Lidded box *Laminated plate *Weed pot *Table top

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Book Synopsis"Wildlife Projects" is jam packed full of 28 extraordinary animal projects for the scroll saw. These tried and true favourite projects are plucked from the archives of "Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts", the foremost periodical on scroll sawing. Join your favourite authors, including Kathy Wise, Gary Browning, Charles Dearing and Lora Irish, as they scroll handsome projects from the animal kingdom. Readers can create birds, pets, sealife, North American wildlife and African big cats in wood. Among other animals included are: rooster, blue jay, cat, rabbit, crab, turtle, bear, elk, wolf, tiger and lion.Trade ReviewDefinitely one for the collection!Table of ContentsBirds *America's Symbol of Freedom *Birds and Boughs Fretwork *Blue Jay Intarsia *Break of Dawn *Loons Pets *Intarsia Cat Portrait *Man's Best Friend *Horse *Easter Bunny Intarsia Sea life *Brown Trout Scrollsaic *Build a Realistic Crab *Catch of the Day *On the Ocean Floor *Sea Turtle Intarsia North American Wildlife *Bear Layerscape *Buffalo Layerscape *Howling Wolf Trivet *Majestic Elk *Majestic Moose Coat Rack *Lighted Woodland Shadowbox *Pack Mates *Hunter's Pride Display Shelf *Grizzly Bear Portrait Walk Through Big Cats *Hangin' Out with Mom *Jaguar Cub *Solid Surface Veneer Lion *Stalking Leopard Portrait *Tiger Portrait

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Book SynopsisThis title offers everything you wanted to know about choosing a router, making a router table, using a router to shape wood and making joints using a router. Mounted in a table with a fence, the shop router becomes as versatile as a shaper and it's a whole lot cheaper. Along with shop test buying advice, this book includes complete plans for four complete router tables and routing work stations, plus dozens of proven, photo illustrated shop tips and router table add-ons. It also includes a special section on amazing sliding dovetail joints, which can only be made on the router table.Trade ReviewIf you are new to woodworking you will want this book. If you are an experienced woodworker you will want this book. If you are about to buy a new router you will want this book. In this writer's opinion there is only one expert at using the router and that is Patrick Spielman and sadly Patrick is no longer with us. This book is the next best thing. There are many woodworkers involved with the publishing of this book and American Woodworker/Fox Chapel has chosen the best. The book starts with the basics like choosing a router like fixed or plunge base tools and covers trim routers as well. This section looks into router lifts and tables. Further on into the book you will find great plans and ideas for building your own router table along with a router lift. Router bit storage is nicely covered as is the proper selection of bits for plunge work. Raised panel work is covered as is template routing. There are excellent tips to be found on page 130 and you will want to read about joining wood with the router on page 172. This book will be a constant reference for you in your woodshop!ROUTERS AND ROUTER TABLES, from the editors of American Woodworker magazine, offers practical advice on how to choose and use the most versatile power tool in the shop. Fully illustrated, the book offers buying advice for identifying the router that best suits your needs. It also includes plans for building four router tables and routing workstations, a router lift and several auxiliary fences for special operations, such as producing raised panels and jointing edges. Dozens of shop-tested tips and router table add-ons are included, along with a special section on producing sliding dovetail joints.Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS Choosing a Router Router Tables to Build Router Techniques Joining Wood with the Router Index

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Book SynopsisIf you thought carving a linked chain or a ball-in-cage was a challenge, get ready for some mind-altering woodcarving projects! Learn how to uncover the structure of space by looking inside a pieceof wood and carving away anything that doesn''t match your vision.

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Book SynopsisWritten specifically for the woodworker seeking new adventures in the world of wood. Awaken your modern design aesthetic with 21 striking contemporary designs for the home. The fusion of nature's elegant shapes and modern architecture's bold symmetry yields a dynamic and engaging collection of designs for scroll saw woodworking. Patterns, easy-to-understand instructions and step-by-step photography make crafting these projects attainable, no matter your skill level. Perfect for beginners looking to progress their scroll saw abilities with interesting and compelling projects; learn the ropes of scroll sawing with seven step-by-step photo-illustrated instructional projects. Advanced woodworkers can master joinery, 3D cutting and inlay with advanced projects such as Nesting Boxes, the Zigzag Business Card Holder and the Flower Abstraction Wall Mirror.Table of ContentsGetting Started: Tricks of the Trade; Chapter 1: Beginner Techniques & Projects: Wall Art (Radial Symmetry Trivet, Tree Forms, Floral Tessellation Light Catcher, Linguine Décor) Picture Frames (Farm Fields, Ripples, Linguine Forms) Chapter 2: Intermediate Techniques & Projects: Wall Art (Floral Detail, Leaf Forms, Leaf Array, floral Essence, Sun and Harvest) Clocks (Floral Time, Radial Squares, Asymmetric) Bud Vases (Circular Void I, Circular Void II, Geometrix I, Geometrix II) Chapter 3: Advanced Techniques & Projects: Boxes (Arabian, Elliptical Array, Chinese Lattice, Spiraling Shape, Ascending Spiral, Seed Pods, Rectilinear Spirals I & II) Business Card Holders (60 Degree Repetition, Simple Balance, Wright Inspired)

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Book SynopsisThis title includes information on choosing, setting up, tuning and using bench planes. This is a durable, pocket-sized manual that is ideal for quick reference. It provides a complete overview of bench planes and their accessories from master woodworker Ernie Conover that includes information on everything to do with bench planes: choosing, setting up and tuning and using. It also features plans for shooting boards and other useful plane accessories and jigs. This is a durable, pocket-sized manual that will show readers how to get the most for their money by getting the most from their equipment and is ideal for quick reference.Trade ReviewI just finished watching your planes video. For me it is right on the button. Not expensive like most woodworking media. No nonsense, pride in your heritage, a brief history lesson and a warmth for your passion. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with us average guys.I love woodworking. I'm not great at it - I figure it'll take me another 15+ years to hit that magic 10,000 hour mark in the shop to reach an expert's level of craftsmanship. But in the meantime, I try to always have something going on in the shop that either allows me to learn a new skill or get a bit more practice with an older one. Right now, I'm enjoying learning how to properly use my router table. I know how to use a router as a stand-alone device, but the table is going to allow me to branch out and really do some interesting stuff. But mounting the router underneath the table brought with it some questions that required me to dig out the router manual a big white heap of pages that answered my question but not with a lot of enjoyment. I've done this in the past, breaking out my stack of manuals to remind myself how to tune my table saw or replace the blade correctly in my band saw. The operator manuals that come with tools are definitely useful, but they have one glaringly obvious drawback - the manual will tell you how to properly and safely operate a tool, but it won't tell you how to really use it. You won't get the advice that a pro can offer when you're first getting your feet wet with a new tool (well, unless you have access to a few pros). This is exactly the situation I found myself in when I first purchased my circular saw, my table saw, my band saw, and my router. I tell you all this so you'll understand (and not poke too much fun at me) why I grabbed the box from the UPS guy and beat a path to my man cave to tear into the care package sent to me from Fox Chapel Publishing. They've got books on a lot of different subjects from Mennonite Cookbooks to Sewing to Winemaking to Woodburning. But it's their woodworking titles that make me drool, with subjects ranging from furniture making to pinewood derby cars. Tucked in the box were ten little books I've been itching to read and review, and I've just completed the entire set after just a little over a week. If that sounds like a lot of reading in a short time, rest assured that these ten little books are short, easy to read, and sure to be of interest to anyone who has stared at a power tool and wondered how to operate it, how to maintain it, and ultimately how best to use it. The series is called The Missing Shop Manual, and while I certainly hope the library continues to grow, you'll likely find at least one of the books that matches a tool in your shop maybe more. The series claims you'll wish this was the manual that originally came with your insert-tool-name-here. I can't speak for all ten books as I've not yet got a jointer, shaper, or lathe (my wife is grimacing right now as she realizes I don't yet have all the tools I really want), but I can tell you that the claim holds true for my band saw (2-page manual, I kid you not), my router (a bit better manual, but no actual usage examples), and my drill press (a little better with a 3-page manual but half of it was warnings and troubleshooting steps). I'll go ahead and say it - I wasn't really certain how much these little books (most of them averaging less than 150 pages) were going to really help me when I started reading. But after completing the Router and Table Saw books, I couldn't stop smiling. I had already picked up on some of the advice in these books, but there was new stuff in there (to me). Stuff I know I would likely never have figured out without someone with experience telling me. But since I typically work alone and am of the I'll-figure-it-out-on-my-own mentality, I tend to make mistakes often. That's how I learn, I guess. But let's take the Band Saw book, for example. I thought using a band saw was pretty straight forward. I knew how to operate it, how to tighten the blade, and how to do a few tricky cuts. But I never thought to check the blade wheel alignment. I guess the manufacturer just figured it would be perfect from the factory. (Wrong.) This little book even showed me how to test for (and fix) an out-of-round blade wheel. There was zero mention of this in the manufacturer's manual fortunately my blade wheels were round but the alignment was a bit off. I fixed it per the book's instructions and did a test cut on a piece of hardwood that had been giving me trouble. Immediate improvement that I could tell just by feel. I can go on with more examples. The Circular Saws and Jig Saws book (two tools in one book) gave me a much better understanding of two of the tools I use most in my shop. Again, I thought I knew all there was to using these tools, but the little manual proved otherwise by offering me some tips on how to make specific types of cuts with these (at times) not so accurate cutting tools, especially the jig saw. The Table Saw book I read twice. I honestly could not believe how little I knew about the maintenance and operation of one of the most expensive tools in my shop. I mean, seriously - how hard would it be for tool manufacturers to provide some DVDs and mini-projects to help us learn how to use our new tools better? Thankfully, it's never too late to learn and I can point to the Table Saw book as a prime example of where The Missing Shop Manual is a worthy investment. I started reading the Glue and Clamps book as I was waiting for my wife to get ready to go shopping - she gave me the funniest look when I put a bookmark in and took it with me. Yes, I actually enjoyed reading about gluing and clamping techniques while sitting and waiting for her to finish her shopping. I even had one guy pass by me, give me a strange look, and then ask me if the book was any good! I've never done any drawer assembly, but now I know what to buy (and why) should I ever try to put together a box. All of the books contain a mixture of color photographs and color line drawings to demonstrate techniques or concepts. They're also, as I said earlier, short and sweet. You can typically read an entire book in less than 45 minutes or, in the case of the Jointer book's 77 pages, about 20 minutes. The books range in price from $9.95 to $12.95, with the exception being the Bench Planes book that comes with a 55-minute DVD showing techniques and proper usage. After reading all ten books, I'm thinking I'd really like a lathe. The Lathe book was fun to read, even though I don't own one. I know what's involved (to a point), so it was interesting to read a detailed overview of how the tool works, how the various cutting tools are used, and some of the interesting things I can do with it. The Missing Shop Manual series is well done. Most of us who enjoy woodworking are not professional woodworkers, so it's nice to have little books like this available to help refresh our memory on operation, cleaning, tuning, and proper usage. I know I'm guilty of getting lazy here and there and operating a tool improperly, so I think I'm going to make myself a promise to review these books once a year to keep me on my toes and keep my tools in proper working order. Take a look at your own tools and find the one that gives you the most trouble or the one that you tend to take for granted that you know everything there is to know about it. Pick up a copy of the matching Missing Shop Manual and give it a read - I'll be curious to know what you think. The ten books in the series include: Jointer Lathe Shaper Glue and Clamps Band Saw Circular Saws and Jig Saws Router Table Saw Drills and Drill Presses Bench PlanesTable of ContentsIntroduction *When to use jointer, jack and smoothing planes *The physics of how planes cut *Working up rough sawn boards with bench planes *True face and true edge *Metal planes are easier to use than wooden planes *Planing the second face parallel to the first face *How planes are still useful today inthe real world *Planing end grain *Recap of points covered thus far *Infill or stuffed planes *Stanley Bailey planes *Bedrock planes *Sharpening planes *Shooting boards to make and use

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Book SynopsisReaders searching for unique and interesting box projects for the scroll saw need look no further! Carole Rothman, author of the best-selling Wooden Bowls from the Scroll Saw, returns to offer hercreative spin on box projects. She''s surveyed the most popular boxes in woodworking and shows you how to make band saw-style boxes, jewelry boxes, and lidded boxes on the scroll saw. Inside, you''ll find 29 beautiful and creative designs for boxes you''ll love to make and love to use. Rothman also walks you through the creation of her scroll-sawn bow technique, which she adapted from cake decorating. You''ll love the chapter on Fun with Food, where you'll learn make a box that looks like a pie, a cupcake, or an ice cream sundae. These scroll saw projects are useful, surprisingly easy-to-make, and make great gifts!

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Book SynopsisKeeping chickens is a trend that just keeps on growing, even for city dwellers. With this book, today's modern farmer will find plans and construction techniques for making seven different chicken coops, along with interesting chicken facts and recipes for eggs. Experienced farmer, woodworker and author Chris Gleason's hip eye for design, combined with sound woodworking techniques make the coops both attractive and sturdy. Practical information such as how to properly size a coop and how to source reclaimed materials is included. Don't miss the authors 'tour de coop' where he visits coops from other backyard farmers to find out why they keep chickens and what lessons they have to share with others interested in doing so. This book offers a whimsical and fresh perspective that reflects today's backyard farmer.Trade ReviewEver since we bought our first house I've been wanting to convert a portion of our backyard into a food source of sorts. A small garden and perhaps a chicken run would be ideal. The gardening idea hasn't made it farther than a few herbs and tomato plants but we're in the process of redoing our backyard's landscape. In the meantime I've been reading a book here and there about keeping chickens and realized there's no way I can pull it off. LOL That said, I loved this book! Not only is it inventive and inspired, but Gleason's approach is very Earth-friendly. One of the things I expected to see was all new supplies and instead the reader is encouraged to reuse old doors or scraps of wood when possible. As someone who values reusing and repurposing when possible I was really happy to see several of the coops had been made using repurposed materials. The designs themselves are each charming and adaptable. Designed for different sized flocks and with different features for both the keeper and the hens' convenience I would honestly love to build any of these if I was sure I could make it worth my efforts. Additionally this book is peppered with cool information about chicken breeds, history and recipes featuring eggs. As a whole I would recommend this book to an experienced chicken keeper looking for some nice design plans for a new coop. I also think it's a great inspiration for a new keeper, or-as in my case-someone considering keeping chickens. Maybe this would even make a neat gift for someone who just adores chicken paraphenalia.The Book: Chickens need a coop, and what better way to show your love than building one? In The Art of the Chicken Coop, seven unique coops are presented with detailed building instructions, along with an additional gallery for more inspiration for your ideal coop. With additional information from other chicken owners, the lessons to creating a place for your chickens starts here. The Yarn: When I saw this book sitting in the NetGalley listings, I knew I had to scoop it up. I dream about having chickens one day, and the idea of being able to construct my own coop seems daunting. Gleason's book helps to show anyone how to create sturdy coops from materials people may already have or can acquire easily. Chris Gleason is a known DIY author on woodworking who deals with recycled materials, but the materials lists presented for each coop are clearly able to be gleaned from any large store you can buy construction materials. Bright, colorful, step-by-step photos along the way assist in making sure that the instructions can be followed as much visually as in print. I liked the additional information such as how to build chicken runs (attached to the coops or not) or how to resize the coops based on a standard 2sf (square feet) per additional bird. Little informational bits such as chicken breeds and recipes are scattered throughout the book. At the end are three profiles of "chicken keepers", who outline why they keep chickens and how. All three are based in Salt Lake City, Utah, which while showing that even urban backyard areas can support raising chickens, they don't quite give as diverse a look at urban poultry keeping as I would like to see. The Art of the Chicken Coop is not as expansive a collection of construction plans as probably exists in other titles on the market. However the vivid photographs, construction techniques and focus on reused materials make this good for those looking for a budget-conscious DIY book.Cute Coop Ideas! I've had backyard chickens for two years now. I love my chickens and as I'd like to have more in the next few years, researching coop ideas has become a hobby for me. I was very happy to be able to review this book. Art of the Chicken Coop by Chris Gleason, has seven different coop ideas. Four of them are for flocks of six chicken or less, which is a great size for a back yard flock. We get on average five eggs per week from each of our chickens, which has given us more then enough for our family, as well as some to share. If you are planning on keep more chickens, three of the coop designs are for larger coops, if you'd like to have twelve to fifteen chickens. Also included are some guidelines on how to increase the size of any coops in the book. There's even instructions for a coop made out of salvaged materials. This is also a great book for the beginning chicken owner, because not only are there coop designs but there are a lot of chicken keeping tips through out the book and explanations for what you need to have in your coop and why. The book includes a completely supply list, step-by-step pictures - which I love - and some great egg recipes as well. There is also a section on the popular backyard breeds with pictures and a bit on info on each. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that it called for chicken wire in the coops. From my research I have learned that you need to use hardwear cloth in your coop building as the holes in chicken wire are too big, and raccoons and other predators can get through it. Also I would have loved more then one movable coop idea. Other then that, I thought this book was just great. I do not have much building experience but I would feel confident trying to build any of the coops in this book. Recommended!We've had backyard chickens for two years now. It's been so wonderful to have pastured, organic eggs, right from our own backyard. I love my chickens and as I'd like to have more in the next few years, researching coop ideas has become a hobby for me. I was very happy to be able to review this book. Art of the Chicken Coop by Chris Gleason has seven different coop ideas. Four of them are for flocks of six chickens or less, which is a great size for a back yard flock. We get on average five eggs per week from each of our chickens; this gives us enough for our family, as well as some to share occasionally. If you are planning on keep more chickens, three of the coop designs are for larger coops, if you'd like to have twelve to fifteen chickens. Also included are some guidelines on how to increase the size of any coops in the book. There's even instructions for a coop made out of salvaged materials. This is also a great book for the beginning chicken owner, because not only are there coop designs but there are a lot of chicken keeping tips through out the book and explanations for what you need to have in your coop and why. The book includes a completely supply list, step-by-step pictures - which I love - and some great egg recipes as well. There is also a section on the popular backyard breeds with pictures and a bit on info on each. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that it called for chicken wire in the coops. From my research I have learned that you need to use hardware cloth in your coop building as the holes in chicken wire are too big, and raccoons and other predators can get through it. Also I would have loved more then one movable coop idea. Other then that, I thought this book was just great. I do not have much building experience but I would feel confident trying to build any of the coops in this book. Recommended!More and more people are discovering the joy of gardening in their back yards. Even in a small yard, You can find enough space to enjoy fresh vegetables. Just one tomatoe plant can provide fresh tomatoes all summer long. Well now with the help of this book, you can add the joy of having fresh eggs to your table. I used to raise chickens and I loved having fresh eggs. They seem to taste so much better than store bought. Besides, you know what goes into their production and your chickens are not suffering in cramped, crude living conditions as most of the chickens producing store bought eggs are. Another positive thing about backyard chicken coops are the benefits of fertilizer for your garden. You no longer have to throw away those left overs bevcause chickens will eat just about anything you give them. But, they really love fresh vegetables and fruits. You can feed them the peels and pits. Also, Chris suggests using salvaged goods for building uour coop. You can find salved wood from construction and demolition sites. This book by Chris Gleason has really sparked a new interest in chickens for me. Now, if I can just talk my husband into it. I am contemplating just sticking to a few of the bantam chickens. When I had chickens, I loved the Old English Bantams, the Frizzle's (these were the best momma's and the sweetest birds), I also had a few of the rumpless Aracauna chickens that lay green eggs. Not only does the book provide wonderful ideas for coops, runs and nest boxes, but it also provides the materials needed for each project and step by step instructions. Most of the steps have color photographs to go along with the directions. Also icluded int the book are several recipes for using the eggs. One of the suggestion that I believes is one of the best things ever, is for making a hand sanitizer holder that is attached to the door of the coop. This is such a simple thing, and yet so smart. This makes it easy to have clean hands before touching your birds as well as clean hands before going back in your house.This colorful guide to chicken coop construction provides step-by-step instructions for building artistic yet practical small scale housing for chickens. The volume provides plans for seven coops of varying shapes and sizes and includes three case studies of urban chicken owners and their egg-producing pets. Additional sections provide information of building runs and a collection of photographs of other coop styles and designs. Gleason is a professional coop builder and the author of several other do-it-yourself titles.Coop-a-doodle-do! The first step in the increasingly popular hobby of raising chickens is to provide your birds a home. "Art of the Chicken Coop" provides detailed instructions for building seven functional, cool-looking coops that range in style from rustic to Victorian and accommodate flocks from six birds to 15. Tossed in you'll find handy tips for keeping chickens, delicious egg recipes from around the world, and profiles of three modern homesteaders who offer advice on living the chicken-keeping life.The Art of the Chicken Coop is of course the more practical of the two, but it's by no means a dry, technical, how-to construction guide. Seven coops are described with instructive drawings and material lists, and the construction process is also profusely illustrated with excellent color photos. Most of the coops are pretty artsy -designed more for the owners and neighbors than for the chickens, who probably won't even notice that their home looks like a gypsy caravan or a miniature barn. If you fancy a coop decorated with stars and sunrise overlays, this book is for you. But it's not totally about construction, or coops. Actually, it's like those coop tours that have become so popular: you visit several people who love and raise chickens, see what they have done to house their birds in creative as well as practical ways, and chat about cock-a-doodle-do-dom in general.Gorgeous chicken coops Sure, you could probably raise chickens in a wooden box, but with this do-it-yourself guide to coop construction, you won't have to. Art of the Chicken Coop: a Fun and Essential Guide to Housing Your Peeps by Utah native Chris Gleason lays out plans and step-by-step instructions for seven different coops, including one from salvaged parts."Art of the Chicken Coop" by Chris Gleason. What came first, the chicken or the egg? Thanks to this book, you're about to learn the correct answer to this age-old question - neither. The coop came first. So, if you're planning on keeping chickens, whether it's just a few or a large flock, you'll need a place to house your egg-laying friends. In this book, today's modern farmer - both urban and suburban - will find creative plans and easy-to-follow construction techniques for making seven stylish chicken coops.Named a 2011 Best Book in Do-It-Yourself from Library Journal. Got an urban flock? Craft some stylish housing for your backyard chickens with this specialized construction guide. Included are seven coop designs, with great instructions and clear illustrations for each step.Part 1: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00m1q5l Part 2: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001v6c0One of the biggest expenses when you decide to start keeping chickens is that of the housing. Your chickens may be relatively cheap, but if you're looking to buy a coop you can expect to pay anything from a hundred to several hundred pounds. It can be eye watering, and makes a lie of the 'cheap supply of eggs' waffle spouted by enthusiasts like me. So if you're in any way handy, building your own hen accommodation can be a much more viable alternative. Chris Gleason's 'Art Of The Chicken Coop' attempts to offer some inspiration. Packed full of photographs and detailed instructions, this book is a pleasant browse. In fact, it's down right pretty. My son has spent many a bedtime cooing over the pictures. Make no mistake, though, this isn't for the novice. I am what could charitably be called incompetent with a tool kit, so as I read through the detailed instructions and material lists I had a sense of encroaching doom. Plus, I never have the competent DIYers stock of scraps of wood, wire or cabinet doors. Try as I might, I doubt I'd ever be able to make the gypsy caravan coop. In fact, I know I couldn't. However, if you do know your way around a tape measure you could make yourself a little masterpiece. Even though I'm useless, however, I suspect that some of these designs would need some slight adaptations for the inclement British weather. Gleason makes his coops in Utah. There are seven coop designs looked at in depth, and then several more design tweaks at the back. Most of the differences are purely aesthetic, but I imagine that most people would be able to find something here that could be adapted to their own set ups.The coops are adaptable to your flock size, which is a nice touch, and we're introduced to three keepers and their home made housing. Chicken keepers are a nosey lot, by and large, and we do like to see how other people keep their poultry. I know a fair few back yard chicken keepers at this stage, but none of them have such wonderfully decorated coops. These are brightly coloured and elaborately decorated and therefore instantly appealing to the pet keeper who just wants a few eggs. They also have the benefit of looking attractive in the garden which is a concern for the average suburban or urban enthusiast. Neighbours are more likely to complain if your garden looks like Steptoes yard. Although I can imagine many a serious poultryman losing his eyebrows in his hairline at the idea of adding wooden stars and individually cut shingles to his poultry shed. But Chris Gleason hasn't written a book for the serious poultryman. He has written a book for the DIY capable novice. He has included a brief profile of some of the most popular chicken breeds, and some basic care instructions. Touchingly, there are also some basic egg recipes scattered through out the book for when your new flock decides to deliver. The whole thing reads like a gentle coax in to the world of chicken keeping, and an attempt to seduce the would-be carpenter in to using his or her imagination. It's certainly a breath of fresh air from the 'just convert a shed' mantra. My advice? If you're reading this because you really, really want chickens but your other half is reluctant, BUT likes building things, buy them this book. It might just entice them to flex their creative muscle in order to show off, and while you're enthusiastically praising their efforts you can sneak a few hens in around the back. It's a win-win situation.Starred Review: Many are seeing the benefits of urban farming and with chickens the small livestock of choice, there are a growing number of titles on the topic. This slim book focuses on housing. Gleason included a chicken coop design in his Backyard Projects for Today?s Homestead, but the seven hip coop designs here are new and fresh. Colorful, attractive illustrations display the stages of construction. The guide is well organized and features helpful tips from other city flock owners. This delightful little book is highly recommended, especially in areas with urban flocks.If you have an eye for something a bit off the beaten path and are looking for plans to build your own chicken coop, this book was written with you in mind. Author Chris Gleason, also an experienced chicken keeper and woodworker, has provided the plans for seven unique coop designs. Each set of plans includes photos of the finished coop, a pencil sketch, materials list, and step by step instructions. This has got to be my favorite one... A movable chicken gypsy caravan coop ! The author includes practical information such as what size coop you need, and how to find materials that can be re-purposed. Also included are short profiles of several backyard chicken keepers from around the country with photos of their coops and some words of wisdom from each of them. There are even a few egg recipes included. Really a fun read with some very unique coop designs. The only downside would be choosing which coop to buildIt's no longer enough to simply provide a secure shelter for your brood. Chicken coops are an art form! From chicken condos to chicken tractors and all styles in between, you'll find a plan that's just right for your girls in Art of the Chicken Coop. Offering seven unique coop designs appropriate for both large and small flocks as well as three in-depth profiles of experienced chicken-keepers, this book will provide inspiration galore for sheltering chickens in style. Whether you're preparing for your first clutch of chicks or you're an old pro, you'll find tips, ideas and advice that you can put to work today. Each chapter focuses on a different coop design and is complete with plans, materials list, step-by-step instructions and color photos.Keeping chickens is a trend that just keeps on growing, even for city dwellers. With this book. today's modern farmer will find plans and construction techniques for making seven different chicken coops, along with interesting chicken facts and recipes for eggs. Experienced farmer, woodworker and author Chris Gleason's hip eye for design, combined with sound woodworking techniques make the coops both attractive and sturdy. Practical information such as how to properly size a coop and how to source reclaimed materials is included. This book offers a whimsical and fresh perspective that reflects today's backyard farmer.In Art of the Chicken Coop there are easy to follow construction plans for seven different coops, four of them for flocks of six chickens or less. The perfect size for a backyard flock. One coop is a space saver, only using 2 x 3 feet of space! Each coop includes a complete supply list and lots of pictures! If you will be keeping over six, up to fifteen, three of the coop designs will accommodate such a flock. The author also includes instructions on how to increase the size of any of the coops in the book. What I really liked was the use of salvaged materials. Both my coops used salvaged materials. I'm sure my new coop will be no different. There are also 3 profiles of chicken keepers who offer some great advice and tips, a whole chapter on building coop runs, advice on everything you'll need in your coop, a characteristic chart of popular backyard breeds (with each breed pictured), and egg recipes. From beginner to veteran this book has great information for anyone!Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS Coop-a-doodle-do: Coop Designs 1. Sunny Side Up 2. X Marks the Spot 3. Simply Salvaged 4. Rustic Sophistication 5. Little Big Barn 6. Gypsy Hen Caravan 7. How the Chicken Crossed the Road Fowl play: Profiles of Fine-Feathered Chicken Keepers 1. Andrew Stone 2. Jimmy & Brit 3. Kate & Molly

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