Library
Woodshop library
Written by Jennifer Hicks December 21, 2009
CABINETMAKING: THE PROFESSIONAL APPROACH, by Alan Peters, is available as a second edition. Peters, an esteemed British furniture maker, died Oct. 11.
Woodshop library
Written by Jennifer Hicks October 27, 2009
CARVING THE HUMAN FACE, 2nd EDITION, by Jeff Phares, lets woodworkers bring their carvings to life.
Woodshop library
Written by Jennifer Hicks July 29, 2009
COMPLETE GUIDE TO WOODWORKING WITH BOB CHASE, is a nine-disk DVD set featuring more than eight hours of instruction for woodworkers of all levels. Included are complete plans for building a workbench, and step-by-step instructions for other projects. DVD 1 features instructions on how to use basic shop equipment such as table saws and jointers, glue and clamps. DVD 2 instructs viewers on how to make dovetails, pocket holes and joints. The remaining disks teach viewers how to make face frame cabinetry, doors and drawers, as well as decorative millwork techniques such as fluting, crown molding and corner cuts. Chase has run a successful custom-cabinetry business for many years, and also has traveled to many Third World countries to help build schools, orphanages, churches, medical clinics and missionary homes. The DVDs were originally created as teaching instruments for inhabitants of these impoverished nations, and are now being sold to help with further educational endeavors. The nine-disk set sells for $99.95. Contact: Chase Cabinets, 3330 S. Wehr Road, New Berlin, WI 53146. Tel: 262-521-2214. www.completeguidetowoodworking.com
TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS - THE RIGHT WAY, by John Alan Cohan, features helpful tax and legal tips for small business owners to avoid IRS problems, as well as many case studies of hobbies-turned-businesses. The first few chapters cover the following topics: A businesslike approach to starting your business; Creating a business plan; Operating your business; Advertising and promotion; Home office deductions, and How to handle an IRS audit. Other chapters focus on tips for individual types of businesses, such as art and photography, agriculture, automotive, sports, collectibles and consulting. The tips are intended to help the reader assess whether he thoroughly knows the subject he's pursuing and lend insight as to whether he should invest in a business. Cohan is an attorney who has written numerous articles and essays on taxes and dealing with the IRS, including how to avoid penalties and audits, with a focus on small businesses and businesses derived from personal hobbies. The 182-page softcover with CD-ROM sells for $24.95. Contact: Self-Counsel Press Inc., 1704 North State St., Bellingham, WA 98225. www.self-counsel.com
AMERICAN COUNTRY FURNITURE, by Nick Engler and Mary Jane Favorite, features plans for 50 projects from the workshops of David T. Smith. Projects include a dry sink, Shaker candle stand, pencil-post bed, pie safe, ladder-back chair, trestle table, spice cupboard and more. Each project includes clearly illustrated diagrams and step-by-step instructions detailing how to cut and assemble each part. The book describes common woodworking techniques and offers insight on how the furniture was used. Of particular interest is the finishing section, highlighted by instruction for achieving an antique or distressed appearance. Engler made traditional American musical instruments before he began to write about woodworking. Favorite is a woodworking artist best known for her furniture designs, hundreds of which have been published in woodworking magazines and books. The 328-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
HOMEOWNER'S COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE CHAINSAW, by Brian J. Ruth and Jen W. Ruth, is an instructional manual that shows readers how to safely and confidently handle trimming branches and felling trees to splitting and stacking wood. Using hundreds of photos, illustrations and step-by-step instructions, the authors cover a gamut of topics, starting with selecting an electric or gas-powered saw. Readers will then discover what type of saw is best suited for their cutting needs, how to stay safe with protective clothing, and the best methods for starting a saw and holding it correctly. Special instructions explain how to ensure a tree falls in the right direction. Another section covers service, maintenance and sharpening. The authors are the owners of Masters of the Chainsaw, a limited group of the nation's top professional chainsaw sculptors, dedicated to promoting and preserving the integrity of the art form. The 208-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
This article originally appeared in the August 2009 issue.
Woodshop library
Written by Jennifer Hicks June 26, 2009
FURNITURE MOULDINGS, by E.J. Warne, features more than 140 full-size line drawing templates for creating detailed moldings on English furniture dating from 1574 to 1820. This is a practical presentation of English furniture enhancements that shows the care, pride and integrity of past craftsmen of the woodworking trade. The drawings were produced by the author after many years spent studying, designing and preparing similar drawings for early 20th century furniture manufacturing. The templates presented contain more than 500 detailed molding treatments and are grouped into types, including bedsteads, cabinets, bureaus, shelves, chests of drawers, clock cases and mirror frames. An index of subjects by title is provided for ease of use. The 142-page softcover sells for $16.95. Contact: Linden Publishing Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com
Woodshop library
May 06, 2009
WOODWORKER’S GUIDE TO DOVETAILS, by Ernie Conover, takes the mystery out of how to make the savvy woodworker’s corner joint of choice — the dovetail. The hallmark of fine furniture everywhere, the dovetail can be made in several different ways, and this new illustrated instructional guide covers them all, using easy-to-understand instructions and step-by-step projects. Conover, a professional furniture maker and woodworking teacher, walks readers through the methods for cutting full, half-blind and through dovetails using hand tools. After woodworkers learn the basics, they will move on to mastering the many popular router-driven jigs available on the market today, including the Leigh, Kellar, Omni, WoodRat, Incra, Akita, Sears and Powermatic. The 168-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
CELL BASED FURNITURE FABRICATION, by Ken Susnjara, discusses the benefits of using modern technology to manufacture traditional furniture and is designed for industry professionals who want to understand the changes, problems and opportunities happening around them. Susnjara is founder of Thermwood Corp., a manufacturing company specializing in CNC machine tools, manufacturing software and support products for the woodworking industry. He explains in detail how using technology and techniques common to other industries can transform the American furniture industry into a vibrant, growing and exciting business. Chapters cover the core idea of nested base manufacturing, furniture cells and the mini factory, flexible finishing, cost and profit, designing furniture for nested based settings, and selling furniture in the modern world. The 220-page hardcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Thermwood Corp., 904 Buffaloville Road, Dale, IN 47523. Tel: 800-533-6901. www.thermwood.com
TURNING BOXES WITH THREADED LIDS, by Bill Bowers, covers all the steps necessary to create six threaded-lid boxes. Some are made with leftover wood, while others are turned from exotic woods specially chosen for the projects. Four techniques of hand thread-chasing are described so readers are ready for any circumstance. The use of a rose engine lathe is demonstrated to place ornamental designs on many of the boxes. A photo gallery displays variations to entice readers to try their own hands at creating new artistic endeavors. The 80-page softcover sells for $16.99. Contact: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Tel: 610-593-1777. www.schifferbooks.com
101 ARTISTIC RELIEF PATTERNS, by Lora S. Irish, features a collection of more than 100 exquisite patterns that enables woodcarvers, woodburners and crafters to develop their skill so they can create beautiful projects quickly and efficiently. The small patterns allow for easy experimentation with new techniques, tools and supplies without a large investment of time or materials. Each design is perfect for adorning an endless variety of items, such as jewelry boxes, nameplates, house number plaques, wall hangings, trunks, tables and more. With landscapes, wildlife, sailing ships, fruit and flora, architectural scrolls, Celtic-inspired designs and handsome corner motifs, there’s a pattern inside for any project. The 122-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
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