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.
Book Description
Sherri Hunter, author of the best-selling Creating with Concrete, proves once again that concrete isn't just for sidewalks anymore; it's perfect for the garden too. A selection of 30 beautiful designs suggests the range of this increasingly popular material, and the illustrated instructions make the craft's fundamentals easy to learn. Because the simplest projects come first, beginners can work their way through the book progressively, building on their skills. Novices will have fun making the carved trough, sandcast bowl, and elegant relief panel. More sophisticated projects, including a decorative walkway and polished table, come next, and they'll bring charm to any outdoor space. More adventurous artists can unleash their creativity on a "Garden Guardian" sculpture or water feature. A Selection of the Crafters Choice and Homestyle Book Clubs.
Customer Reviews:
OK.......2007-09-21
Check it out from your local library first - not one I'd add to my permanent collection
Creative Concrete Ornaments for the Garden.......2007-08-25
Super book with detailed information on creation from beginning to end! Super for beginners and seasoned artists.
Thorough, informative and with a gammot of projects.......2007-08-24
I really enjoyed this book. It is detailed and the projects are vastly different from one another. What I also appreciated is the emphasis on doing things right, such as waiting for the concrete to set for 24 days is an example on an item. More emphasis on the internal structure using wire, rebar, etc. I would highly recommend this book and I am anxious to put into use what it taught me.
Fun Projects.......2007-07-03
This a great idea book. Many fun and interesting projects. Directions and supplies needed are well explained.
Excellent book.......2007-04-07
The author is very thorough on this subject and provides extensive desciptions of concrete ornament projects and concrete mixes. The only frustration I had was that in most examples a picture of the completed project was not included until the final chapter. It would have been more helpful after the description of 'how to' make the project. I think most would find this book extremely helpful by taking you from start to finished project.
Book Description
In this fresh and contemporary look at the world of workbenches, Lon Schleining takes us on a guided tour of a wide variety of classic, modern, and specialty benches and offers hundreds of options for choosing or building that perfect bench and its accessories. The Workbench looks at the classic subject with a focus on helping readers find the right bench and accessories for their needs. The object is to guide the reader through making critical choices, including whether to buy it or build it. Even long-time woodworkers dream of the perfect bench and the time to build it, and for them the real enjoyment is in the planning. With 279 color photos and additional illustrations, this book provides in-depth information along with the inspiration to fulfill workshop dreams.
Book Description
“Here’s the definitive guide to manufacturers, tools, safety, and crafting. See how to intermix colored clays to obtain an even wider range of hues, and the different types of paints and varnishes...for adornment. Techniques for softening the clay, balling and rolling it, working with a knife, and sanding will assure good results.”—Doll Castle News.
Customer Reviews:
Making Doll's House Miniatures with Polymer Clay by Sue Heaser.......2007-01-31
This is a book good for beginner has step by step guide how to make the individual items. IT is a value for money book for beginner.
Making Doll's House Miniatures.......2005-10-24
My son used his sister's copy of this book and loved it. He asked for it for Christmas and I bought it and received it so quickly, I was impressed. I can't wait to give it to him. It looks very impressive to me, also.
Great book!.......2004-03-02
The variety of projects in this book and the step-by-step explanations, make it a great resource for beginners and experienced miniature makers.
I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in making their own dollhouse miniatures!
This is the most wonderful book.......2003-10-07
I made myself a miniature drugstore since I am a pharmacist and I had trouble finding things like mortars and cylinders. Thanks to this book I managed to make the most beautiful look-alike mortars with pestles and all, also a little turn-of-the-century (last century, of course) telephone. The directions are precise and you can really get what you are looking for (and I had never touched polymer clay in my life!)
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!.......2002-11-30
This book is so full of good ideas for creating items in perfect scale for a dollhouse that I don't know where to start.
How to make your own tools and formers, making dishes and pots that are more realistically thin-walled than the commercially-available items, mimicking china, a ladies' vanity set, a desk set, baskets, metal, wood, flatware, foods, fireplace tools - even the kitchen sink! Way too many different items to name them all. If I was to be forced to give up all my dollhouse books but one, this would be the one I'd keep.
Excellent intro to using the clays - basic information. Trouble-shooting tips along the way.
And her videos are fabulous, too. :-)
Book Description
The patterns included in this woodworking project guide are sized for 18-inch dolls such as the popular American Girl dolls and can be scaled for larger or smaller dolls. Each project includes a list of all materials needed and details the start-to-finish procedure, from preparing wood to staining and painting the piece. Patterns for 30 pieces of doll furniture are included, and five step-by-step projects for a bed, dresser, rocking chair, table, and standing mirror are featured.
Customer Reviews:
Making Doll Furniture in Wood.......2007-06-11
Great book! I bought it for my son-in-law--he loved it.
Doll furniture.......2007-01-04
An excellent book with good projects. So far I've only built the armoire, but have others in mind. I did discover minor discrepancies in the directions. Cuts did not agree with what pictures showed in the construction. Trying to find all the different thicknesses of woods specified was difficult if you do not have access to a thickness planer or sander. There is no problem that can't be overcome with a little ingenuity.
NOT scaled for 18" dolls.......2006-07-08
How disappointing! I bought this book for my daughter's 9th Birthday. Her dad is going to make her American Girl dolls some furniture & I thought this would be the perfect guide. WRONG! The armoire is only 6" deep. The American Girl clothes hangers are 6 1/4" wide. Tell me, how is that going to work? The doors won't even be able to close! Thankfully my hubby is a skilled woodworker & can expand the dimensions, but if he is going to have to come up with his own pattern this book would have best been left on the shelf. We are very disappointed. My brother-in-law is making the picnic table & my niece told me that they were surprised & how small it is looking. Seems like more than one project is not quite up to the 18" par. Think twice before buying this one or at least find one to look at in person before hand.
Great Book.......2006-02-25
I really loved this book. My girls wanted furniture for their dolls, but Pleasant Company Products were out of my budget. Using this book, my daughters and I were able to create the simple pieces.
My older daughter designed a bedroom suite. We painted it blue with a cascade of morning glories. Flower painting is not one of my talents, so we used rub ons from the craft store. The bed was easy to build, the armoire was challenging. We turned the chest over to Grandpa to finish. I was beyond my skills.
My younger daughter wanted a dining room suite for her tea parties. The table and chairs were fine, but once again we requested Grandpa's assistance to turn an armoire into a china hutch. We painted the furniture a lovely yellow with sunflower transfers. Both of my girls love it.
In closing, the beds, tables, and chairs were fine for a beginner. If you are attempting any of the case-goods, you might need a grandpa too.
I don't have a lot of tools. My local store (the orange one) cut the wood to size for me, so we just needed to assemble it, sand it, etc. The first cut was free, and there was a nominal charge for the other cuts. The sweet gentleman who helped us liked the book. He is a grandpa, and is going to buy the book too.
I wish the case-good projects were a little easier. I also wish there were simple patterns for bed coverings and chair pillows. I am an experienced seamstress, but others may benefit from this in the next edition.
good book but----.......2006-02-08
This is not a book for beginning wood workers.
Need a lot of different tools.
Book Description
Superb, step-by-step guide enables even beginners to build masterpieces by Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite, Phyfe, other celebrated craftsmen. Fundamentals, tools, woods, hardware, joinery, dovetailing, finishing, much more. Remarkably detailed and precise construction drawings with exact measurements and full explanation of all procedures. Over 500 illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Classic topic, dated presentation.......2007-05-07
Some of the designs in this book are projects that I definitely intend to build. However, using this book to produce the designs in it requires a good set of woodworking skills and ability to come up with the project based on a minimal presentation. The drawings are adequate, but the photos are very poor quality. Frankly I could produce a better quality presentation on an office copier. Very dated to the 70's and not a book to read just for enjoyment or to look at the pictures.
Earyl Roddy.......2006-11-10
The book gives essential information to anyone interested in the design or construction classic American furniture.
High quality work.......2006-01-15
I took the initiative to build the carved corner china from the plans in this book and they are excellent. When I was done with my project I wrote Mr. Gottshall with photos of my project and he wrote back immediately, as I am perhaps the only other person he knew who built this particular project.
I telephoned him to thank him for the education I got building from his plans but alas, he had had a stroke. This was in 1978. I can be reasonably certain Frank has passed away by now, but his legacy is in his books which got better as he got older. A must for any cabintmaker.
Instructions and Measured Drawings for 40 Classic Projects.......2005-09-30
I gave this book "Making Antique Furniture Reproductions" as a present to a person who is learning how to make furniture. This book was very well received and appreciated for all of its detailed information and illustrations.
Gottshall will be a good companion........2003-01-09
Franklin Gottshall has written a number of great woodworking project/reproduction books and periodically reshuffles and reassembles his popular plans. This book one is similar to an earlier red cover version on Reproducing Antique Furniture. I built a variation of the blockfront chest. Gottshall's construction explanations are very clear and his drawings are thorough, and accurate. I wanted a four drawer instead of a three drawer chest. I used a Kittinger catalog to rescale the piece, but basically followed Gottshall's construction. His piece did call for full 7/8in sides which required a little research to find. A source supply would have been nice. I accomplished the carving of the shells from his layout, though I modified the center design somewhat, and thought his shell looked a little thick, but simply thinning it down did the trick. Because when I built the piece in 1974, I didn't have the variety of router bits available today, I found I had to design some templates and jigs to ensure success on the complex cuts. But all that is doable. Recommend that you draw up full scale plans from Gottshall's plans for complex pieces. It will help you learn the construction. Even if you do not like or build all the pieces, it is a valuable reference on fine furniture construction that you'll reference often. It's a great book.
Book Description
“With no previous woodworking experience and a few basic hand tools, anyone can make rustic furniture for the cost of a few nails, a walk in the woods, and this book. Hundreds of both color and black-and-white photographs display the rich traditions and the vast stylistic range of past and contemporary rustic furniture.”—Popular Woodworking. “Highly recommended.”—Fine Tool Journal.
Customer Reviews:
Jeff's review.......2007-04-03
Great tips throughout the 160 pages. More black and white than color
photos due to historical photo examples and workshop illustrations
more than drawings. Somewhat more stylish and art intensive than
everyday use cover suggests.
For Me - A Change of Pace.......2005-09-04
I've been doing regular woodworking and decoy carving for decades. Since I've gotten this book, I've made two rustic tables. I'm looking forward to trying some other projects soon.
Mack is passionate about this form, and I've also gotten his other book: The Art of Rustic Furniture. If you're at all interested in doing this type of work, each these books are a must-have.
Deceptive title..........2005-06-17
Misled by its title, I was expecting that this book was about making rustic furniture.
However only the last third of the book is about this.
Two thirds of the books (100 p.) consists in a gallery of pictures (with some comments), mostly chairs. Their style is not modern, but not traditional either. I find most to be weird or snob. Actually many look postmodern to me (they may not all be from the author, but from his friends -many being also from New York City like him). These may be a source of inspiration for some, but definitely not what I am looking for.
And that last third of the book, about making things is also quite a deception in itself. It is a collection of shallow articles by other authors, who show projects they make, with a very vague and general talk about the technique they use. One uses tenons and mortises (anyone knowing a bit about conventional woodworking will not learn anything here), and worse, others use nails and even bolts (the last one). I really learned nothing from this. In addition, this is all about dry wood.
I recommend instead Les Smith's Build your own Log Furniture (only a little bit of technique, for dry softwood, but at least something...), and much more a book where you really can learn many things: Drew Langsner's Green Woodworking.
YOU can do it.......2003-08-02
If by chance one of those strange looking pieces of "stick furniture" has ever caught your eye and the price seemed high for your budget than consider making your own. This book is full of useful information. Besides the more elborate high end pieces, that are closer to a work of art , there are many examples of simple pieces. The good news is that YOU can make a piece or even a set of rustic furniture. Although it looks complicated, the twisted wood all connected for a functional piece of furniture is relatively easy to make. I've had this book for years and have used it to make several projects for the backyard. You can begin easy with say, a bird house, trellis or a small stool or table. With more experience and confidence the book will provide you with suggestions and inspiration for more dificult projects to tackle. Essentially once you learn and practice some of the basic techniques you are ready to let your imagination go. If you can visualize it YOU can make it. One of the good things about this type of furniture is that if something goes "wrong" this can actually be "corrected" and may lead to an even more interesting effect. Also the piece does not have to have all one type of wood, you can use the burls and roots for interesting effects and even other non-wood objects can be incorporated . Apparently willow is one of the best woods to use but just about any wood will work to create a piece of furniture; it just may not have the intricate and flexibile weavings of willow. You can use whatever is readily avilable in your area. There are examples of various woods including hickory, driftwood, juniper, cedar and maple. While doing a major spring yard cleaning, in summer, I used California Pepper tree limbs and branches to make a large settee for the backyard. Most anyone can do this, even young people without woodworking experience; children can even participate. I incorporated the help of my 15 year old son to complete this project . He had many good ideas and once he got the hang of it was working on sections without me! It made for a good father and son project.The point here being anyone can make something, including YOU. This book will help you learn the basics and than you can move on with the suggested detailed techniques and projects. Besides the tecnical help the book provides, the outstanding varied examples of rustic furniture with different types of wood, the book also has a section on sources for books , rustic furniture dealers, places to buy old and new tools and many of the furniture makers featured in the book addresses and phone numbers for contacts. Once you get this book you will never look at the old wood pile or take a walk in the woods in the same manner. This is an excellent sourcebook with informative and creative inspiration just waiting to help you get started on your first project. Happy rustic furniture making!
An inspiring book!.......2000-03-28
If you love rustic funiture you need this book. I have several books on the subject and this is by far my favorite. It has lots of great photos of both contemporary and traditional rustic pieces, and many helpful tips and how-tos. I made a willow chair and found the instructions easy to follow, with good descriptions and step-by-step photos. It was a fun project. Daniel Mack makes beautiful furniture and does a great job of sharing his knowledge.
Product Description
Tired of overpriced, poorly made sex toys? Can your wallet not keep up with your desires?
The Better Built Bondage Book is the only guide you'll ever need to create high-quality sex toys yourself. You'll learn how to make toys by following easy-to-understand directions that let you succeed the first time. And all toys use only easy-to-find parts.
If you can tie a knot, you can already make many of the 100+ toys. But not all the toys are basic! From simple designs you can make in a few minutes to portable furniture you can build in an afternoon, you'll be making toys that could turn seasoned experts green with envy!
Douglas Kent's clear, casual writing style makes learning the skills and techniques easy. And it's loaded with pictures, too! Where other books boast of having a few hundred images, The Better Built Bondage Book packs an astonishing 1,400+ sexy photos, images, and professionally drawn illustrations into its 400 pages.
If there's a special toy that you've been dreaming of, The Better Built Bondage Book lets you make it better, cheaper, and quicker.
Make it today. Use it tonight.
Customer Reviews:
the better built bondage book.......2007-09-08
If you are into the lifestyle and want to make your own things to use in the dungeon, then this is a great book. It is filled with alot of easy to make items and they work great too. It also shows you alot of things to use that you wouldnt think of.
Enjoy the book
Getting There is Half The Fun.......2007-08-25
I'm quite pleased with The Better Built Bondage Book. It is by far one of the clearest and compleat "do it yourself" style books I have ever read. Bondage construction projects that would normaly be daunting affairs are made feasable and unintimidating. This book inspired a marathon weekend of construction and craft in this reviewer.
The Better Built Bondage Book: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own Sex Toys, Furniture and BDSM Equipment.......2007-07-06
This book I have been looking for a while. It has simple to fallow directions so that anyone cn build. The price and speed of delivery was just right.
Not worth it.......2007-03-19
If you want toys that your S&M friends will laugh at then buy this book. If you are just going to play lightly here and there then you might find it useful. Personally, as inexpensive as most S&M toys are I'd say just buy them.
I did find the flogger weaving a bit helpful though (thus the 2 stars) so that might come in handy for you.
Wow, Have I Got a Lot of Building to Do!!.......2007-02-05
This is a very informative, well-crafted book with lots of great projects for those with a kinky flair. Projects range from very quick & simple to very complex and time-consuming. If you can't find at least one project in this book that you want to craft, then you are not serious about the lifestyle and should not waste your money.
Amazon.com
Long has written a friendly, conversational book about bentwood garden accessories, some fantastic, others prosaic or elegantly simple. In nine main chapters, he covers selecting wood, making a basic trellis, more elaborate and decorative trellis designs, bentwood gates, bentwood fences, arbors, and trellises made without bentwood. He discusses the selection of plants for your structures, and finally, adds a chapter on simply enjoying your bentwood structures, even going so far as to include a few yummy recipes for muffins, teas, and shortbread to savor in your newly created garden environment!
The techniques outlined by Long can be easily adapted to your own individual designs and creative ideas. As Bertha Reppert, the founder of the Rosemary House, says, "I shall never look at plant prunings the same way again." Bentwood garden structures offer a natural, eye-pleasing alternative to plastics and mass-manufactured garden installations, making use of the garden itself to generate construction materials that might otherwise end up burned or in a landfill. --Mark A. Hetts
Customer Reviews:
Recycle that brush!.......2006-02-25
This book gives good directions and shows many attractive ideas. I am going to try a living fence and some supports for pole beans in the garden-that should be much prettier than the metal posts and twine I used last year.
A Book for Dreaming and Doing.......2000-03-26
If you love the romantic look of twig trellises, arbors, gates and fences (not to mention wattling), this is the book for you! Using raw materials that most people have or can get for free (and Jim Long tells how to do this, too), the reader is led through the step-by-step process to make a variety of pictured designs.
Long also tells what tools and materials you need, how to make a work space, how to construct the basic trellis, and how to install it (including securing it in the ground). There's even a chapter on selecting plants for your new trellis. Best of all, Long reveals the trick for actually getting your creation to look like the picture (hint: it involves a picnic table).
This is a book for dreaming and doing!
A descriptive detailed book on how to make trellises........1998-07-13
The illustrations were very good as a first time person to trellis making, I found this book very exciting. The author made it simple for people to follow and do the project. I liked the detail he gave for making each project. Making arches to gates for your flower garden, they are all nice pieces of art. He tells also what is great to grow on the trellises. Thanks
Book Description
Considered among the highest achievements of the American arts and crafts movement, Greene & Greene furniture was custom-built for specific interior spaces, and many of the pieces still remain in their original locations. This manual, written by a nationally recognized furniture maker, provides intermediate and advanced woodworkers with well illustrated, step-by-step instructions for classic Greene & Greene details, including ebony plugs, cloud lifts, leg indents, brackets, and pulls. A discussion of the design philosophy of the period accompanies how-to chapters, and photographs of contemporary Greene-inspired furniture provide ideas for projects. Biographical sketches are included for Charles and Henry Greene, Peter and John Hall (who built most of the furniture), and competing furniture maker Gustav Stickley.
Books:
- The Complete Table Saw Book
- The Curtain Sketchbook 2
- The Garden Primer
- The Gardener's Year
- The Glass Menagerie
- The Quilter's Directory of Embellishments: 40 Step-by-Step Decorative Techniques from Applique and Embroidery to Tassels and Trims
- The Secret Garden: Dawn to Dusk in the Astonishing Hidden World of the Garden
- The Secret Garden (HarperClassics)
- Trilliums
- Tropical Interiors
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance
- Whoosh Boom Splat: The Garage Warrior's Guide to Building Projectile Shooters
- Soundtrack Available: Essays on Film and Popular Music
- Speer: The Final Verdict
- The Savage Detectives: A Novel
- Where There's a Will
- The Lorax
- Portfolio of Accounting Systems for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
- Standard & Poor's 500 Guide, 2007 Edition
- Five: Five Short Novels: A HOme for the Highland Cattle,The Other Woman,Elodorado,The Antheap,Hunger
Furniture & Carpentry
| Woodworking
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
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)
