From Publishers Weekly
This collection of 31 woodworking projects , aimed at amateurs who own their own workshops , may well signal the reemergence of real interest in woodworking after a decade of watching it performed on television by virtuosos. Eighteen American woodworkers have designed, built and furnished careful instructions for a variety of objects and furniture to occupy every room in the house, from a modest "recipe box" to a more elaborate and challenging kneehole desk and cherrywood buffet. Compiler Yoder warns us that this is serious woodworking, adhering to traditional quality; use of fiberboard and plastic parts is deemed unacceptable. Well-put-together step-by-step instructions, amplified visually by excellent cutaway sketches and "exploded" views, provide a sequential work order that is most useful, stressing economy by avoiding mistakes. And tips are dispensed for woodworkers not altogether comfortable with advanced techniques (e.g., cutting half-blind dovetails; planing; chip carving). All told, a welcome, no-nonsense approach. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
This is a collection of 30 projects designed by professional woodworkers. Projects include closet organizers, desks, bookcases, and kitchen cabinets. The instructions are straightforward and the sample illustrations are clear and helpful. Interspersed with the text are helpful tips and short sections on subjects like handcutting dovetails and other types of joinery. While the introduction states that anyone with basic tools can make these projects, in actuality most will require a variety of tools and some experience (e.g., the materials alone for the beautiful "country computer desk" can run over $500). This is a worthwhile book for those with some know-how, however, and is recommended for public libraries with woodworking collections. (Index not seen).
- Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Ohio.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.