Woodshop library
500 CABINETS is a collection of diverse cabinets selected by juror John Grew Sheridan for their balance, harmony, use of unexpected materials and imagination. It's a book "that reflects the variety of creative perspectives and high level of expertise that exists among woodworkers today," Sheridan explains in the introduction.
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"In addition to paying tribute to qualities like joinery, detailing and color, 500 Cabinets celebrates the wonderful contradictions that make furniture design such a vibrant medium." Woodshop News readers will be familiar with the work of Garry Knox Bennett, Dave Boykin, Tom Calhoun, Barry Daggett, Mark del Guidice, Michael Gloor, Glen Gaurino, Wendy Maruyama, Paul Schurch, Alf Sharp, R. Thomas Tedrowe Jr. and others who have been profiled in the magazine. The 420-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Lark Books. Tel: 800-367-9692. www.larkbooks.com
THE ART OF CARVING NETSUKE, by Peter Benson, is a guide to making miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th-century Japan to serve a practical purpose. It features nine projects and detailed instruction for carving realistic impressions of scales, feathers, fur, hair and more. The introduction provides a fairly thorough history of netsuke, while a gallery section shows exceptional work by netsuke carvers from around the world. Benson has been carving for more than 60 years and currently teaches carving at the Essex School of Woodcarving in Great Britain. The 167-page softcover sells for $27.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
A WOODCARVER'S GUIDE TO SHARPENING TOOLS AND SETTING UP SHOP, from the editors of Woodcarving Illustrated magazine, is a collection of articles to help woodcarvers set up their workshop, keep their tools sharp and organized, and make efficient use of their space. It offers tips and techniques from carvers Roger Schroeder, Lora Irish, Jack Kochan and others. There's a projects section for making a tool holder, dust collectors, and carving benches and stands. For beginners, there's a chapter setting up a workshop on a budget. Carving tools, from knifes to mallets, and finishing techniques are also covered. The 144-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
TRANSFORMING YOUR KITCHEN WITH STOCK CABINETRY, by Jonathan and Sherry Benson, will probably not be a hit with Woodshop News readers, but you might as well know it exists. The book teaches readers how a custom look can be achieved by installing stock cabinetry from a local home-improvement center and stores like Ikea as it follows the authors through their home kitchen makeover. Truth be told, there are a lot of great money-saving tips, especially on countertop and appliance selection. The authors certainly know their way around a kitchen - Sherry is an executive chef and Jonathan is a licensed general contractor - and they've owned a restaurant. The 160-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com
This article originally appeared in the September 2010 issue.
