Library
Woodshop library
October 06, 2008
ELLSWORTH ON WOODTURNING, by David Ellsworth, is the author’s first book. In the late ’70s, Ellsworth introduced the craft world to his hollow bowls and vessels, and took the wood art movement by storm. Since then, he has perfected his eggshell-thin forms, invented his own turning techniques and tools, and taught thousands of students at his studio. Now, aspiring woodturners can learn the secrets of his signature style with his easy-to-follow guide featuring step-by-step projects for turning a hollow bowl, a natural-edge vessel and a pot. Beginners will learn how to correctly position their body to increase tool control and prevent back strain while working. Advanced turners will appreciate the section on sharpening and designing their own tools. Ellsworth also focuses on exercises that help turners remain limber, ease tension, strengthen muscles and improve posture. The 256-page softcover sells for $29.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
MAKING TRADITIONAL SIDE ESCAPEMENT PLANES, with Larry Wililams, is a DVD that shows how to make a pair of hollows and rounds from a solid billet — including blade making, hardening and tempering. Hollows and rounds are used in combination to make complex moldings. This unique work is interesting as an historical record of hand tool making, as well as a guide for those who wish to make their own molding planes. Williams started in architectural woodworking in 1977 and is a founding partner of Clark & Williams Wooden Plane Makers. The three-hour DVD sells for $40. Contact: Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Inc., P.O. Box 9, Warren, ME 04864. Tel: 800-327-2520. www.lienielsen.com
TRADITIONAL MOLDING TECHNIQUES: THE BASICS, with Don McConnell, shows how to use combinations of hollows and rounds to produce complex molding profiles. From layout to finish molding, McConnell demonstrates how to match a molding on an heirloom, or make your own profile without having to get a custom-made shaper head. This video serves as a companion DVD to “Making Traditional Side Escapement Planes” with Larry Williams. McConnell first became interested in wooden planes and traditional furniture making in the 1970s and has done extensive research on traditional hand tool practices. The 80-minute DVD sells for $25. Contact: Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Inc., P.O. Box 9, Warren, ME 04864 Tel: 800-327-2520. www.lienielsen.com
THE POCKET SIZE CARPENTER’S HELPER, Third Edition, by R.F. Bailey, is crammed full of charts, tables, formulas and quick calculation hints useful for residential construction. It covers foundations, framing, roofing, insulation, drywall, stair calculations, reading blueprints and more. Bailey has been involved in the building trades for almost 40 years, working as a draftsman, carpenter and general contractor. The 126-page spiral notebook sells for $14.95. Contact: Linden Publishing, Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com
Woodshop library
September 30, 2008
A SPLINTERED HISTORY OF WOOD, by Spike Carlsen, carves out a comprehensive and dynamic history of wood’s global impact and its personal significance to people in all walks of life. As the publisher correctly points out, it’s anything but a dull dissertation on the scientific properties of wood. Carlsen has traveled thousands of miles and interviewed hundreds of wood users and enthusiasts — including former President Jimmy Carter, musical instrument makers, lumberjacks and belt sander racers. In no particular order, the book covers the history of toothpicks, the art of making a Steinway piano, 10 great moments in catapult history, and the building of the “Spruce Goose,” which Carlsen notes was made mostly from birch. Carlsen, the former executive editor of The Family Handyman magazine, is celebrating wood as a remarkable substance and has compiled an interesting and informative collection of articles for wood enthusiasts. The 432-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Harper Collins Publishers, 10 E. 53rd St., New York, NY 10022. Tel: 212-207-7000. www.harpercollins.com
COUNTRY PINE FURNITURE PROJECTS, by Bill Hylton, includes plans for building 32 classic pieces. The projects require basic woodworking skills and include desks, tables, a large Amish wardrobe, corner cupboard, hanging shelves and case of drawers. They can be completed with basic hand tools or, at the very least, with a table saw and router. Drawings, cut lists and step-by-step instructions are included with each project. The 324-page hardcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
THE BIG BOOK OF WEEKEND WOODWORKING, by John A. & Joyce C. Nelson, includes 150 projects for beginning to intermediate woodworkers. The projects include a candleholder, cutting board and assorted toys, as well as a four-drawer storage unit and Adirondack chair for the more ambitious “weekend warriors.” Every project includes a materials list that spells out how much wood you’ll need in what dimensions, step-by-step instructions, and clearly labeled, exploded views that show how to put each project together. The 448-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Lark Books, 50 College St., Asheville, NC 28801. Tel: 800-805-5489. www.larkbooks.com
TRIM CARPENTRY PROJECTS, by Chris Marshall, is a valuable guide featuring a wide variety of projects that will add value and beauty to any home. The difference between an ordinary home and an unforgettable one is in the details, and this thorough book explains how to plan the job, choose the appropriate wood and style, and use hand and power tools. More than 360 color photographs break down each process to its core components: start by adding crown molding and a rich-looking cornice, install a chair rail or raised-paneled wainscoting, or replace a boring interior doorway with a custom-crafted, block-and-plinth casing. Using custom or prefabricated parts, woodworkers can dress up a living room with an elegant coffered ceiling, add picture rails, or install baseboard moldings. Marshall is a woodworker and an author of many articles and books on woodworking and home improvement projects. The 160-page softcover sells for $14.95. Contact: Sterling Publishing Co., 387 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10016-8810. Tel: 212-532-7160. www.sterlingpublishing.com
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