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I especially like the project progression as a method to teach and learn the basic techniques of working with wood. In the world of a power tool for everything under the sun and instant "craftsmanship," Peter Korn's book does a masterful job of explaining when and how to use the proper tool for the correct job. As a mid-level hobbyist, this book was perfect for my need, explaining how to use both power and hand tools, when to use them and why. The book reignited a desire for high quality work with a personal touch.The book would be a good choice for those who have never done woodworking but would like to get started, as well as for those of us who have been away from it for many years. The safety tips were excellent as well.
The side table introduces basic carcase and drawer/panel door construction. His project based instruction and step by step approach is exactly what newcomer's need. Korn appears to take a more modest (and affordable) approach with essential hand tools. The milled boards are long enough that the reader can practice the joints several times. The reader learns a great deal without being intimidated by too much detail. Korn's book is almost identical to the structure and pacing of instruction from my course. The stool introduces half-blind dovetails, pinned tenons, glue-up procedure, and basic finishing. Each time your joints will get better, and you will gain valuable experience and confidence.The last 80 pages include two small projects, a handsome stool and a side table.
The sections are a bit terse (particularly sharpening), but the simpler introductions are appropriate to the scope of the book. Korn takes us step-by-step through the process with plenty of clear photographs showing the technique. Korn does a superb job of providing step-by-step instruction using hand tools or power tools. First, the basic mortise and tenon and then the through-dovetail joint. Many books these days wax the "poetic" of woodworking with seductive images and effusive text, being little more than a showcase of very expensive premium hand tools. I took a beginning woodworking course a long time ago, but have decided to refresh my interest.
Although much of the machinery shown in the book may be beyond a beginner's pocket book, the alternative hand tool approach is well within reach and will drive home the fundamentals of woodworking more than machine milling will.The first 70 pages introduce the reader to wood, joinery and (power and hand) tools. There are other books that specialize in the topics of advanced machine use, hand planes and sharpening. These projects are big enough to introduce several more fundamentals without being too complex that the reader will never finish. Joinery is also a fundamental, and these particular joints are the most widely used. I also like Korn's lack of pretense when presenting tools or techniques. Korn's book has just enough to get you going without making you feel it is too complicated to proceed.The first project, milling a board four square, is a fundamental task of woodworking that deserves the attention it gets in this book.
Again, all steps are well documented with plenty of photographs. For me, Sharpening was the first "project" in the WW class I took since it is also a fundamental.The second and third project is to take the boards you dimensioned and do some basic joinery (before working on any furniture).
I bought this book as a supplement when I enrolled in an introductory woodworking course (at the recommendation of the tutor), I have since completed an intermediate woodworking course and this book has been an invaluable reference. If you only buy one woodworking book- this should be it. Sure I knew in principle how to make a tenon and mortise joint- but this book give lots of helpful hints and practical guides/examples. It is very clearly written and easy to follow, with wonderful pictorial guides.
Recently got back into woodworking after almost 25 years away from it and this was a good book to review the basics.
There are lots of pictures. Turned out great.This book is a must have for any novice or even experienced woodworker. It even has a small bench project to complete. Gives you information on different types of wood and their qualities, gives good information on tools, how to use them, which ones to buy, etc. I have done small woodworking projects such as shelves but wanted to learn more so I could possibly complete larger projects.
I made the bench using the book. This book has been an invaluable tool. I learn more visually than reading. I would highly recommend the book. This book has all the information you need to get started.
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