The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction
Average customer rating:

Great as reference or tutorial

disappointed

The benchmark book on furniture making

Great Resource for Beginners

Great literature for a novice or tradesman

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction
Andy Rae
Manufacturer: Taunton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Furniture & Carpentry | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Projects | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Design & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Furniture | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery

Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing (Complete Illustrated Guide)

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Shaping Wood (Complete Illustrated Guide)

Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Using Woodworking Tools (Complete Illustrated Guide)

Designing and Building Cabinets (New Best of Fine Woodworking)

ASIN: 1561584029
Release Date: 2001-10-15

Book Description

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction is the ultimate reference work -- a graphic, step-by-step presentation of basic furniture-construction techniques. Expert woodworker Andy Rae brings organization, enthusiasm, and more than 20 years' experience to this essential book. Readers will acquire a working knowledge of woodworking materials, a higher level of control over their work and tools, and an understanding of basic design principles.

Customer Reviews:

Great as reference or tutorial.......2007-10-04

I don't buy many woodworking books because most, especially the ones sold by home centers, aren't very good. They lack detail, they're incomplete, and I often get the feeling that they're just cranked out without much thought. But this one caught my eye in a local bookstore and I'm glad I bought it.

First of all, the book can be used either as a reference or as a complete primer on woodworking. There's lots of information there, but not so much that you get bogged down. At first I just used it to brush up on specific topics, and then I went back to the first page and started reading it straight through. It's well-written; words are used well and not wasted. Photography is superb. Despite the reference to generic "Furniture" in the title, the book is heavily oriented toward cabinets, which it covers in great detail, even to the point of describing how to construct multi-light glass doors.

The first few pages are a little off-putting as the author describes what he considers an appropriate collection of tools and a space to put them in; unfortunately, many woodworking books assume that the reader has acres of space in which to set up a shop. As you read on, though, the text is more friendly toward the hobbyist.

In short, this is a great woodworking reference or tutorial. Don't be put off by the beginning of the book; it gets better. And the Amazon price for this book is much lower than the $40 I paid in the bookstore.

disappointed.......2007-09-24

I found this book very disappointing. The pictures were very pretty but that is pretty much it. The illustrations were confusing and of little use. It gives too much of an overview and no real specifics. I found woodworking for dummies to be a much better book for the beginning woodworker.

The benchmark book on furniture making.......2007-08-05

It is well known that woodworkers have different styles. I think Andy Ray's style will work for majority people trying to learn woodworking. His writing is clear, and he also presents thoughts in logical way. Thus, the book precisely explain why he does this way but not another.

Great Resource for Beginners.......2007-07-05

I purchased this book because I had the interest to learn more about furniture design and building technique. It's very well written, easy to understand and the quality photos help visualize the instructions of the author. It's a great resource to beginners because of the structure of the book. It starts with basic tools and their use, workshop design, and then moves on to basic wood explanations and building techniques. It also gives you ideas on additional readings if you'd like to research a topic in more detail. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested woodworking by making it a part of your home library.

Great literature for a novice or tradesman.......2007-05-25

This book has plenty to offer anyone. A lot of it was review for me, but it is always good to make sure you don't forget the basics as you move forward in carpentry - it's like trying to attempt calculus without algebra.
I have read this from cover to cover and feel I could read it again to pick up on the little things I missed. It is indeed as it's titled, the "complete" guide. I will say that some basic knowledge will be instrumental for fully grasping and understanding this book, but for the most part, explinations are clear, concise, and simple. There are a few charts in this book that make it very handy and also some very good pointers - some of it is very helpful, but doesnt' seem to be able to adhere to any of my brain cells, so this is one book I like to have close to my shop.
Overall, I'm pleased with this book, and can't wait to read Taunton Press' Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery, which is referred to in this book from time to time.

The Soul of a Tree: A Master Woodworkers Reflections

Average customer rating:

The Soul of a Tree: A Master Woodworkers Reflections
George Nakashima
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Small Homes & Cottages | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Nature Form & Spirit: The Life and Legacy of George Nakashima
A Cabinetmaker's Notebook (Woodworker's Library (Fresno, Calif.).)
The Complete Japanese Joinery
The Impractical Cabinetmaker
Sam Maloof, Woodworker

ASIN: 0870119036

Book Description

On a farmlike compound near New Hope, Pennsylvania, George Nakashima, his family, and fellow wood-workers create exquisite furniture from richly grained, rare timber. Tables, desks, chairs, and cabinets from this simple workshop grace the homes and mansions and executive boardrooms of people
who prize such excellence. In this lavishly illustrated volume, George Nakashima allows us in intimate look at his artistry, his philosophy, his life. It is the portrait of an artisan who strives to find the ideal use for each plank in order to "create an object of utility to man and, if nature
smiles, an object of lasting beauty."

The author's search for the meaning of life took him as a young man to Paris, Tokyo, and Pondicherry, India. In India, he found the inner peace for which he had been searching and began to find ways to work with timber. He writes movingly about the grandeur of ancient trees and stunning figured
woods and explains how he selects and prepares his materials. Above all, he impresses us with his devotion to discovering the inherent beauty of wood so that noble trees might have a second life as furniture. The Soul of a Tree looks at the world through the eyes of an artist and evokes the joy of
living in harmony with nature.

Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Choosing and Installing Hardware

Average customer rating:

Good book. Lacking some details
Making Things Work
Must have
Outstanding Photos!

Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Choosing and Installing Hardware
Robert Settich
Manufacturer: Taunton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Do-It-Yourself | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Electrical | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Home & Garden | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing (Complete Illustrated Guide)
Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Jigs & Fixtures (Complete Illustrated Guides)
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction
Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Using Woodworking Tools (Complete Illustrated Guide)
Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Working with Wood (Complete Illustrated Guide)

ASIN: 1561585610
Release Date: 2003-11-01

Book Description

Choosing hardware can be fun and creative, but selecting the right hardware for a job can be difficult, even for the most experienced woodworker. Installing it is something else again. This comprehensive book covers the entire range of hardware, including common household pieces such as locks, pulls, and handles, all presented in a straightforward style. Over 700 step-by-step photos and drawings accompanied by exacting instructions ease the installation process. Tips and quick access guides help readers find the exact information they need right away.

Customer Reviews:

Good book. Lacking some details.......2007-01-27

As usual, books in this collection are well done. The text is clear and concise. The book is full of color pictures illustrating the text.

This book covers all kind of hardware from simple nail to complex hinges.
The "catalog" part of the book is well done. If covers a lot without getting too boring.

I would have given it a 5 stars rating if the information on how to install the hardware was more detailed. If you already know how to install something, reading the text makes complete sense. If you don't it is sometimes difficult with the text alone to get a good idea of the process.

Making Things Work.......2005-04-02

For the most part hardware is an unromantic subject. Frequently your options are plain and hidden away, and, unless you make your own, the fun stops as soon as you make your choices. Yet a mistake in the use or installation of hardware is often the mistake that is spotted first, easily becoming the ruin if hours of painstaking work.

Hinges happen to be my low water. I've measured, chiseled, shed blood, and excruciated more times than I want to talk about, only to find that it wasn't quite right and I had to make some devious adjustment. Settich's book may not be poetic, but it is eminently practical, and I discovered several tricks that eased the way as I read it. There are twelve sections that cover everything from the simplest nail or screw to the more arcane worlds of locks, slides, and hinges.

Lots of illustration and accompanying text reduce things into easily digestible advice that will improve your work and open new possibilities. My copy is already showing wear from numerous consultations. This really should be one of your earlier purchases in this series.

Must have.......2003-12-09

This book has far exceeded my expectations. The photos and instructions are clear, concise, and of professional quality. R. Settich presents the material in a knowledgeable and fun way. A must have resource for any workshop!

Outstanding Photos!.......2003-12-05

This book has been an excellent resource in my workshop. The photos are many and of excellent quality. The instructions are surprisingly clear... a great guide for anyone!

Average customer rating:

Excellent Book
Good, detailed, and well explained plans.
Good content and informative
A great book, just like the series.

Classics from the New Yankee Workshop
Russell Morash , and Norm Abram
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Norm Abram | Expert Advice | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Design & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

The New Yankee Workshop
Mostly Shaker from the New Yankee Workshop
Measure Twice, Cut Once: Lessons from a Master Carpenter
The New Yankee Workshop: Outdoor Projects
Making Authentic Shaker Furniture: With Measured Drawings of Museum Classics (Furniture Making)

ASIN: 0316004553

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Book.......2000-04-19

Excellent book! Well laid out and thought out plans. Now if only we could have Norm to run the band saw for us and cut out those curves for the chair.

Good, detailed, and well explained plans........2000-01-22

He's got this book laid out so that each chapter is it's own project. That's a good way to do it to make sure there's enough info to do it right. However, That means that in this relatively fat (expensive) book there are only 10 projects or so. The only project I really liked was the Adirondack chair, the others were too specialized for my simple tastes.

Good content and informative.......1999-02-08

I enjoyed reading and studying some of these projects. Each one of Norm's books have something new and interesting to learn about. My only question is when will there be a next issue? The TV projects are great and it would be nice to review the available plans and be able to order them on the net.

A great book, just like the series........1998-08-16

I bought this book at my local book store the other day. I must say it is excellent. It is mostly for non-amateurs, but they can give it a try. It says on the book, a companion to the series. I totally agree. Though you can probably make the projects from the book, it will be much easier to follow along with the specific episode. Nice illustrations. Scaled down plans are included.

Customer Reviews:

Detail but dated and incompleted.......2007-04-06

This book is focus on putting new veneer or laminated board on old cabinet, not what I was looking for as refacing the existing face with stain or new paint. Even on the subject of installing new cabinet face, it lacks the final finish (clear coat, stain)suggestion. The pictures are way dated and not inspiring. it's a good wood work book, but not very helpful if you want to evaluate different options to modernize your kitchen such as sanding and painting the existing panels.

Has it all.......2007-03-12

I don't think I could have gotten the project done without this book. Organized in perfect order. Many, many techniques to make the job look great and save time making everything fit. I talked to some professional cabinet refacers and they weren't even aware some of the techniques used in this book that made the result look great.

However, one item that is missing is the technique for getting a clean cut between 2 pieces of veneer that touch each other. It's the same overlay technique that wallpaper hangers use. Other than that, this book has it all.

I saved a lot of money buying this book.......2004-09-13

I completed my refacing project in a few days after thoroughly
reading and following the instructions in this excellent book.
The MUT is an indispensable tool; I got mine at Rockler. This
book saved me a lot of money by doing the reface myself and not
paying someone to redo my kitchen. It's worth every penny!

Just as an aside..........2004-09-12

The MUT (multi-use tool) is now available from Rockler, rather than fabricating your own.

Read the book, found it interesting and thorough, but have not tried a whole job using it.

I have however used some of the techniques in spot repairing fire damage, and the concepts I learned in the book were helpful.

Decent manual - delivers what is promised.......2004-05-14

This book delivers exactly what it promises. I have used the techniques and they DO work. I would recommend this approach for the extremely budget minded renovator. By the way, the veneer he uses can be found easily online.

Boat Joinery and Cabinet Making Simplified

Average customer rating:

From the Simple to the Difficult, It's All Here
Very Basic

Boat Joinery and Cabinet Making Simplified
Fred P. Bingham
Manufacturer: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Boating | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Boat Interior Construction
The Finely Fitted Yacht: The Boat Improvement Manual, Volumes 1 and 2
Boatbuilding: A Complete Handbook of Wooden Boat Construction
Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual
Yacht Style: Design and Decor Ideas for Your Boat

ASIN: 0070053073

Book Description

This book is about building things of wood, from a new cup rack to a completely new interior, but it isn't just another project book. Bingham wisely assumes that many people want to be told how to perform neat joinerwork rather than what to build. By starting with a simple task, such as a cleat, deck box, or even a toolbox, and then proceeding to more ambitious projects, you can develop the skills you need to build practically anything you can envision. Bingham's joinery techniques and handy gimmicks were born of trial and error; he provides realistic alternative procedures for many of the projects, telling how to make them by Method A, Method B, and Method C. Bingham's gift for providing simple explanations for complex problems can transform a rank beginner who has never held a hammer into a journeyman boat carpenter, and a journeyman carpenter into a true craftsman.

Customer Reviews:

From the Simple to the Difficult, It's All Here.......2004-05-11

Most cruisers are not shipwrights and never will be, but that doesn't mean you can't learn to do some easy woodworking tasks. And even if you can't master the basic rudiments of joinery, because, like me, you have clumsy hands and the artistic ability of a one-eyed fruit fly, you can at least get an idea about how to use the basic hand and electric tools used in cabinetmaking. True, you most likely won't be building a boat, but Mr. Bingham has simple projects in his book that even a simpleton like me can manage, plus if you have a lot of wood on your boat, or you are one of those who is forever changing and improving your floating home, than this is a handy book to have on board.

Very Basic.......2002-01-10

This book touches on basic woodworking joinery. Its a good reference for novices. The only short commings that i could find were that it wasnt as advanced as i thought it would be.

Average customer rating:

Norm does good work!
A good book, but with a few problems
Pretty good
Errors in Blanket Chest Plan
Great book that is easy to misinterpret

The New Yankee Workshop
Norm Abram
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Norm Abram | Expert Advice | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Classics from the New Yankee Workshop
Measure Twice, Cut Once: Lessons from a Master Carpenter
Mostly Shaker from the New Yankee Workshop
The New Yankee Workshop: Outdoor Projects
Making Authentic Shaker Furniture: With Measured Drawings of Museum Classics (Furniture Making)

ASIN: 0316004545

Customer Reviews:

Norm does good work!.......2006-07-24

As always and as expected if you have watched his shows, Norm Abram has done a really good job explaining how to put together really nice pieces of furniture.

A good book, but with a few problems.......2002-10-15

I think others have gone over this before. A few of the projects have some errors in the lay out. Kind of bad IMO, but is made up for in the very pleasing aesthetic of these items. I have made a few of them and all I can say is they look very nice when done. They have a clean Shaker style that works well in most homes and IMO is fun to make. Most items are not difficult to build and while they have some fun design elements that can make you work a bit, are not hard for the average woodworker to finish. As others have noted, Norm like the power tools. That is not a big deal, in that just because he uses them does not mean that you have to. I approached this book is like most "how to books". You look at the pictures, take what you like and discard the rest. How you put it together depends on the type of tools you have and what techniques you like to use in the shop. I do not think the average woodworker will have much problem with these projects and the beginner will have lots of fun building very respectable things that will look nice in the house.

Pretty good.......2002-09-25

I've built the blanket chest, bookshelf and chest of drawers. The only problem I had was with the chest of drawers. The dimensions allow for only an eigth inch overhang on each side of the drawer front. By adding one eigth to each side of the drawer width, you only get the width of the opening, not an overhang, and a lot of side-to-side play in the drawer. You need to make the drawer about 1/2" wider than the plan. Other than that (which should of been caught by Norm's general caveat of measure twice, cut once), I really like the book and the narratives that go along with the project. Compared to the measured drawings that you can buy directly, you are better off buying the book and interpolating a few measurements.

Errors in Blanket Chest Plan.......2002-02-03

So far, I have built 1 project from the New Yankee Workshop plan book. While building the Blanket Chest project, I found several dimensional errors in milling set up and finished parts. If the plans were followed as written, one would be unable to do the final assembly. These errors may have been corrected in later editions.

As the other reviews state, this book is not for those who are new to woodworking.

Great book that is easy to misinterpret.......2001-12-28

After reading some of the other reviews posted about this book, I felt as if they were misinterpreting the original purpose of this book and rating it based on their expectations.

First, this is not a "do-it-your-self" step by step book in the traditional sense, nor does it pretend to be. Anyone who has watched the television series knows this. During each episode, Norm mentions a materials list and measured drawing is available for purchase. By calling a telephone number or visiting the website, you can purchase the half hour episode that shows Norm working on a project and a measured drawing, or just the measured drawing. This book was meant to be a companion to the first year's episodes. Essentially, if you watch the episode, look at the materials list and still need help, this book will hopefully help you get the project done.

Many other reviewers have stated this book is not for the amatuer woodworker and they are right. Unless you already have a working knowledge of woodworking or have studied the episode in which Norm builds the project, it would be difficult to take the information in this book and complete the work. Again, this is reiterating my earlier point that this a companion book to the television series.

Norm does rely heavily on power tools, so if you are a traditionalist, this is probably not the book for you. Additionally, I agree with some of the other reviewers that the chapter on staining (all two or three pages of it) is very limited in scope. The information is not detailed and should only be read as an introduction or summary.

Book Description

When the weather is bad or it's the off-season, when their favorite sports are ruled out for whatever reason, many outdoorsmen turn their attention to making and repairing the staples of their sports. Whether it is a new gun stock, a specialized fishing lure, a duck or goose decoy, a backpack, or even a canoe, there is both pleasure and economy in fashioning it yourself. The pleasure is not only in the craftsmanship, but in actually using the gear in the field.
In THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MAKING OUTDOOR GEAR AND ACCESSORIES, Monte Burch has included instructions, diagrams, and photographs for a variety of projects of interest to outdoorsmen, including guns and gun accessories, knives, archery tackle, bird and animal calls, waterfowl blinds of various sorts, tents, quail return pens, waterproof camera boxes, shooting benches, and gun and fishing tackle cabinets. Anyone with a rudimentary grasp of carpentry and handcrafting will find something here to his taste. Whether simply taking a couple of pieces of yardstick, a rubber band, and some household tape to make a varmint call, constructing a complicated recurve bow from a kit, or installing a fiberglass deck on a johnboat, there is something here for every outdoorsman who wants to say of a piece of sporting equipment: "I made it myself."

Making Kitchen Cabinets: A Foolproof System for the Home Workshop

Average customer rating:

Best how-to cabinet making book.
Not a very good book at all
Great Euro style cabinets

Making Kitchen Cabinets: A Foolproof System for the Home Workshop
Paul Levine
Manufacturer: Taunton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Crocheting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Carpentry | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Building Your Own Kitchen Cabinets: Layout-Materials-Construction-Installation (A Fine Woodworking Book)
Building Traditional Kitchen Cabinets: Completely Revised and Updated
Building Frameless Kitchen Cabinets
Building Kitchen Cabinets
Making Kitchen Cabinets: with Paul Levine

ASIN: 0918804949
Release Date: 1988-08-01

Customer Reviews:

Best how-to cabinet making book........2003-07-20

If you are new to cabinet making, this is the one book you should have to learn how to make frameless cabinets.
Levine has a system which may not be for everyone, but it is easy to understand, and he explains things with a clarity that is hard to find in the woodworking world. Here is what I like:
1) He explains basic dimensions and layouts for kitchen cabinets. There are no plans, but there are lots of photos and illustrations.
2) His coverage of European hinges (Grass) and Accuride drawer slides will be invaluable if are just learning how to install this hardware.
3) Ditto for plastic laminate.
4) In the field of woodworking, I think Levine is just about unparalleled at taking complex information and explaining it with great clarity.
[...]

Not a very good book at all.......2000-08-17

I found the book to be very outdated and full of useless information. The book does not even give you any useable plans for constructing your own cabinets. The material choices and assembly procedures are so out dated that an extreamly large amout of wood and money would be wasted. I would not recomend this book to anyone.

Great Euro style cabinets.......2000-04-03

After checking out all of the kitchen cabinet making books I could find from local libraries, I found this one to give me the simplest foolproof way of making cabinets. I am planning to use this book to make my kitchen cabinets. It is based on the Euro style cabinets, ones without face frames. He also has an accompianing video which is also very good.

Average customer rating:

How to Build 35 Great Clocks
Joseph Daniele
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Clockmaking: 18 Antique Designs for the Woodworker
The Complete Guide to Making Wooden Clocks: Traditional, Shaker & Contemporary Designs
Making & Repairing Wooden Clock Cases
Warman's American Clocks Field Guide
Making Clocks (Workshop Practice Series 33)

ASIN: 0811722325

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books