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The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Modern Cabinet Work by Percy A. Wells and John Hooper

comments (93) October 25th, 2009 in blogs

BetsyE Betsy Engel, contributor
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Modern Cabinet Work: Reprint of a Rare 1922 Classic: A Comprehensive Treatise on Making Fine Furniture from the Golden Age of Craftsmanship by Percy A. Wells and John Hooper.
Fox Chapel Publishing, 2006.
$26.95; 464 pp.

Here’s another book we received from the publisher and we're giving you an opportunity to win a copy. Leave a comment here for your chance to win.

Known as the “cabinet maker’s bible”, Modern Cabinet Work: Reprint of a Rare 1922 Classic: A Comprehensive Treatise on Making Fine Furniture from the Golden Age of Craftsmanship was first published in 1908. This reprint of the Third Edition includes hand and machine techniques for building furniture and built-ins. The book is full of drawings and photos and covers such topics as veneering, chair making, carcase work, and a whole lot more.
 
Lucky butchf18a is this week's winner. His comment was chosen at random.

Stay tuned for more giveaways.


add to cart
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture & Cabinet Construction
by Andy Rae A Graphic, Step-By-Step Presentation of Basic Furniture Construction Techniques $39.95 more info...

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Comments (93)

Circuit Rider Circuit Rider writes: I think this book would help someone like me that is just considering woodworking in a business sense.
Posted: 7:51 pm on November 5th

mkarafa mkarafa writes: If I don't win,I'll probably buy it!
Posted: 9:35 pm on November 3rd

jestgr jestgr writes: Don't know if the book has been given away yet or not, but I would love a copy!

Posted: 2:39 pm on November 3rd

jmahurin40 jmahurin40 writes: My son tore out his kitchen cabinets and I hope I can win this for him so he can get some good ideas:)
Posted: 8:29 pm on November 2nd

bkwrms78 bkwrms78 writes: We just moved into a new house and this would be a great project.
Posted: 2:50 am on November 2nd

butchf18a butchf18a writes: Hello editors, are you only counting entries made according to Eastern Standard Time? Out here on the west coast I posted at 11:05pm yet it shows as 2:05am, your entry instructions don't specify.
Posted: 2:19 am on November 2nd

butchf18a butchf18a writes: whoa, close to the deadline. There is always something to learn, often the best methods are those tried and true ones that have stood the test of time, as I'm sure this book illustrates. Would love to add this to my library.
Posted: 2:05 am on November 2nd

Taminar Taminar writes: My husband would really enjoy this. He likes to make furniture and he prides himself on solid craftsmanship.
Posted: 11:25 pm on November 1st

JMSidhu JMSidhu writes: Looking forward to a chance to read it....
Posted: 9:12 pm on November 1st

TechOtter TechOtter writes: Considering where my skill level is supposed to be going next..., I'd love to have this book as a head start.

Posted: 8:12 pm on October 30th

Alexandra Alexandra writes: We've been stalling on the kitchen reno because of the cabinetry execution. this would be a good book to kick start us.
Alexandra
Posted: 1:28 pm on October 30th

JBourgeois JBourgeois writes: The idea of asking people to write a comment to win something is bad. It dilutes the real interesting comments into a list of useless mumbles.
Posted: 12:23 pm on October 30th

DanGrise DanGrise writes: It is a good privilege to be able to return to the studies and works of those who really lived the work of the cabinetmaker; the craft will never have the gravity on man's direction as it once did. We can learn dear lessons born from a generation which had to make it work, and work right. It was the best they had to offer and the sustenance for life. In a couple words, devotion and integrity in their effort given each and every working day.
There is a freshness I find when visiting the thoughts of an early generation, especially in America, but also found elsewhere. I find a core which seeks fairness through integrity and principled learning/training. A rationale for action, not just money, either. Moreso, I find a strong belief in striving to find a better world for each and every man via good work. Cabinetry is a wonderful place to pursue great social changes. Let us never fear to return to our roots, and help us learn significance from those who have gone before us.
Posted: 2:18 am on October 30th

mdaigle mdaigle writes: Love woodworking, would really like to win a copy of the book.
Posted: 10:03 pm on October 29th

Du77y Du77y writes: I would love to win this book. If this doesn't happen I will buy a copy. FWW has the best articles of any of the publications that I subscribe to. I have to thank Norm for re-kindling a love in me for fine wood working like the fondness my father has and his father had.

Thanks To Norm. I will still watch all his repeats over and over.


Posted: 7:30 pm on October 29th

perpetualNewbie perpetualNewbie writes: I think I saw this in the stores the very first time around, but I was in knickers then. I'm ready to give it another try and would appreciate if all the other entrants would withdraw -)
Posted: 4:21 pm on October 29th

mrr mrr writes: The insights this book could offer into the techniques and designs of furniture making from the beginning of the 20th century would be fantastic. It sounds like an amazing book.

Matt
Posted: 2:53 pm on October 29th

jhonbaker jhonbaker writes: I would like to read a "comprehensive treatise" on cabinet making - When I don't win it, I think I'll buy a copy. Besides, I'll need to make a new cabinet to house my ever growing collection of Taunton books!
Posted: 1:42 pm on October 29th

thesmith thesmith writes: Some things just never go out of style.
Posted: 12:20 pm on October 29th

mcfofky mcfofky writes: I have been studying and building furniture and cabinets for over 35 years. I am continuously adding to my library of woodworking information all this time. Now I am passing on some of my learning to my daughter, from hand tools to power tools. This book would be a great addition for both us.
Posted: 9:23 am on October 29th

20thCenturyDrifter 20thCenturyDrifter writes: I remember my Grandfather talking about building furniture. He said they did it without a tablesaw, or power mortising tool, or a router or anything with a power cord. Do you believe that? I would love to have this book, just to show how my Grandpa really did it. Sounds like those folks had some skills that are lost today.
Posted: 3:08 am on October 29th

howard11 howard11 writes: Since the art of woodworking has been handed down for centuries, a book on furniture making from 1908 is just part of the natural evolution of the art.
Posted: 1:06 am on October 29th

howard11 howard11 writes: Since the art of woodworking has been handed down for centuries, a book on furniture making from 1908 is just part of the natural evolution of the art.
Posted: 1:04 am on October 29th

gerardsamuel gerardsamuel writes: That was a great time when this book was written. The material knowledge would be an encyclopedic treasure trove.
Posted: 1:03 am on October 29th

pizza pizza writes: There is/was nothing like relaxing on a fall Saturday morning
in front of the TV watching Norm Abram in his workshop. What a true inspiration!
Posted: 8:41 pm on October 28th

cadiss cadiss writes: love to win a copy. Sounds like a great Book.
Posted: 7:47 pm on October 28th

Hoppy Hoppy writes: I've read some really good books about the craft and a few real stinkers. Actually I quit somewhere in the middle of the stinkers. One thing I like about the "heritage books" is the sense of the age in which they were written. 1908 or even 1922 is a long time in terms of the changes in the tools we use, the products we have to help us and unfortunately, the wood we have to work with. With the history lesson comes some appreciation.
Posted: 6:26 pm on October 28th

Javis_Daddy Javis_Daddy writes: I am relatively new to woodworking and am always looking for a good book to build my knowledge.
Posted: 5:31 pm on October 28th

gcarot gcarot writes: I learned a lot from old woodworking books, a lot of that old information is priceless,it shouldbe a good if i don't win it i will probable buy it
Posted: 4:45 pm on October 28th

RalphMacaw RalphMacaw writes: As a new woodworker, I have been buying equipment and learning new techniques, starting with pen turning, and then via Woodcraft classes, making a plane, a bow saw, a band saw box, and the like. I'm working on a new piece for my granddaughter. The Taunton books and Fine Woodworking videos and how-to books have been enormously useful. Hope I win another good book!
Posted: 4:16 pm on October 28th

tallpaul tallpaul writes: A book of this quality whould be a fine addition to someone's wookworking bookshelf.
Posted: 4:10 pm on October 28th

Tooldad1 Tooldad1 writes: A book on craftsmanship from the era of great craftsmanship would be a great addition to the woodworking library.
Posted: 4:01 pm on October 28th

Cbraunheim Cbraunheim writes: Perspective is an important element of any woodworking project. Often, it suits me to gain perspective on a new project (or an unforseen challenge of an on-going project), by exploring multiple views and techniques of other woodworkers and problem-solvers. From this information, I usually morph two or three ideas into the best solution for my project, my knowledge and the tools at my disposal. The end result is pleasing and inspires me to continue to learn. My library is yearning for this book!

An inspirational saying: You might have to learn by doing in order to maximize the talents you have. Solutions come during the process, not the plan.

Safe & happy woodworking!
Cindy
Posted: 3:44 pm on October 28th

timcalderwood timcalderwood writes: Like clamps, you cannot have too many woodworking books!
Posted: 3:18 pm on October 28th

banjo2008 banjo2008 writes: I love woodworking and like to study and try the old techniques I usually find in books of this type. Eventhough woodworking today is done much faster, I get a good sense of accomplishment by doing things the way it use to be done.
Posted: 3:09 pm on October 28th

jwschwarziv jwschwarziv writes: Sound good to me!
Posted: 2:55 pm on October 28th

It_is_I It_is_I writes: I could use a book to elevate my abilities.
Posted: 2:30 pm on October 28th

tpobrien tpobrien writes: I have a couple of other comprehensive books on cabinetmaking. It would be interesting to compare this one with those books.
Posted: 2:22 pm on October 28th

jpeterson jpeterson writes: If I had this book maybe it wouldn't have taken me 2 years to finish the cabinets in my kitchen. I still have the table and chairs to make, so this book would be great to have and maybe it won't take me another 2 years to complete this project.
Posted: 1:55 pm on October 28th

Jerbo Jerbo writes: Looks like a great book to own.

Posted: 1:51 pm on October 28th

brian s brian s writes: I'd really love to win this - I can always learn something useful from an old woodworking book.
Posted: 1:12 pm on October 28th

CocoonerGin CocoonerGin writes: This lovely book would take away all my excuses for procrastinating on my open corner cabinet, my new entryway closet&bootrack, my 30'-long over-the-windows bookshelf. I'd devour it the first weekend!
Posted: 1:09 pm on October 28th

LivingWater LivingWater writes: Looks like a neat book. Pick me :)
Posted: 9:48 pm on October 27th

Sunnyvale Sunnyvale writes: My husband is a retired contractor, woodworker, but loves to build, he would enjoy this.
Posted: 8:35 pm on October 27th

dglitter dglitter writes: My husband will love this-thanks!
Posted: 10:16 am on October 27th

Mcferret Mcferret writes: This would be a perfect addition to our woodworking library!
Posted: 6:43 am on October 27th

eoinsgaff eoinsgaff writes: hey there,

it would be great to win a copy of this book,

Eoin
Posted: 5:17 am on October 27th

rsreyes rsreyes writes: Book Me Danno
Posted: 2:35 am on October 27th

chromiumman chromiumman writes: so love to win this
Posted: 1:33 am on October 27th

jonnieboy jonnieboy writes: FWW,

I'd love to have a chance to broaden my fledgling knowledge of cabinetmaking. I think this book would go along way toward that.

As far as reviews of this book are concerned, I think it would be very helpful to read a review from an expert, but also from someone like me who is still sorting it all out, making mistakes a-plenty, but learning a great deal in the process (and having a great time).

FWW and Knots forum have been excellent to me as someone new to woodworking. Keep up the great work.

jonnieboy
Posted: 12:29 am on October 27th

WoodyII WoodyII writes: I think it would be very interesting to compare the techniques in this 1908 book to all the modern publications in the market place today.
Posted: 8:24 pm on October 26th

nznix nznix writes: This would be a great addition to my library here in New Zealand
Posted: 7:37 pm on October 26th

nznix nznix writes: This would be a great addition to my library here in New Zealand
Posted: 7:36 pm on October 26th

nznix nznix writes: This would be a great addition to my library here in New Zealand
Posted: 7:36 pm on October 26th

woodie49 woodie49 writes: I would love to add this book to my Library!
Larry
Posted: 4:40 pm on October 26th

RalphBarker RalphBarker writes: I could definitely use this book. The furniture I carved from the sandstone in my cave is starting to wear. Plus, the "sofa" is really cold in the winter. ;-)

Posted: 1:17 pm on October 26th

pcoleman pcoleman writes: Sounds very interesting.
Posted: 1:16 pm on October 26th

JSNewbie JSNewbie writes: I would like to have a copy of this book.
Posted: 1:03 pm on October 26th

Blackwill Blackwill writes: Etching my name in the cabinet door, as well....
Posted: 12:49 pm on October 26th

mjonkman mjonkman writes: I'd like a copy.
Posted: 12:45 pm on October 26th

davidraynalds davidraynalds writes: This sounds like a book I could really use as I don't have a lot of power tools and need some help on a bookcase I am building


Posted: 12:32 pm on October 26th

Tyblack Tyblack writes: sounds like a great book
Posted: 11:01 am on October 26th

Tyblack Tyblack writes: sounds like a great book
Posted: 11:00 am on October 26th

Aggie83 Aggie83 writes: I thik the secret that 18th and 19th century woodworkers had was no intarweb to consume their time. :)

Posted: 10:57 am on October 26th

wmalcolmg wmalcolmg writes: I am convinced that the 18th and 19th craftsmen had methods, secret techniques, and ways of producing furniture better and quicker than the present craftsman using only hand tools available to the original craftsmen, Maybe I can gleen some of these form this book. Wish me luck. wmalcolmg
Posted: 9:51 am on October 26th

frank T frank T writes: Looks like just the book I need!
Posted: 9:39 am on October 26th

Eagle_Eye Eagle_Eye writes: I just found your web site. Thought I would let you that I enjoy what I've seen so far. Look forward to returning here often. I'm always looking for info to add to my library. Would love to add this one!
Posted: 8:32 am on October 26th

GT64 GT64 writes: I would really appreciate a copy of this book for my library. It can join Ernest Joyce's book which I refer to often.

Gary
Posted: 8:24 am on October 26th

DaveHarrison DaveHarrison writes: Looks good! I'd love to have a copy.
Posted: 7:25 am on October 26th

CWS1 CWS1 writes: Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.

Francis Bacon from "Of Studies".

Posted: 12:28 am on October 26th

sk2tobin sk2tobin writes: What a book! Would love to get a copy.
Posted: 12:14 am on October 26th

Smith5963 Smith5963 writes: yup
Posted: 12:09 am on October 26th

teachersteve teachersteve writes: This would be great to have. I really want to learn more about this.
Posted: 11:35 pm on October 25th

harrisjw harrisjw writes: This would be a sweet book to start this aspiring cabinet maker's library off with....
Posted: 11:19 pm on October 25th

shavemaker shavemaker writes: As much as I love innovation, it's important to remember the foundational things - I'd love this book in my library!
Posted: 11:13 pm on October 25th

patwreck patwreck writes: I'm learning and I'll takes all the tips, and books I can.


Posted: 9:32 pm on October 25th

ubiestmea ubiestmea writes: This sounds like a good read and reference.
Posted: 9:03 pm on October 25th

slydogx slydogx writes: Could use this one
Posted: 8:53 pm on October 25th

Fishbuster Fishbuster writes: Got to be a good book if a Hooper was involved in it's content. Maybe we are related in some way.
R.R. Hooper
Posted: 8:25 pm on October 25th

Woody1202 Woody1202 writes: I dont think I have ever won anything. Theres always a first time!
Posted: 7:55 pm on October 25th

Nunzino Nunzino writes: Books are good for the learning.
Posted: 6:45 pm on October 25th

krbsr13 krbsr13 writes: I Don't win ever. Mabe this will will work for me. I would like to have the book.
Posted: 6:25 pm on October 25th

Larrythewoodguy Larrythewoodguy writes: sounds interesting 1908 .I'D LIKE ONE
Posted: 6:04 pm on October 25th

jestgr jestgr writes: Would love a cabinet making book!
Posted: 5:55 pm on October 25th

baudi baudi writes: Yes, please.
Posted: 5:18 pm on October 25th

steveswhite steveswhite writes: Just so happens I have a kitchen to gut and re-do. Timely.
Posted: 4:45 pm on October 25th

APO APO writes: Count me in,,,
Posted: 4:18 pm on October 25th

JLYoung JLYoung writes: I'd love a copy of this book
Posted: 4:08 pm on October 25th

Circuit Rider Circuit Rider writes: Sounds good, count me in.
Posted: 3:13 pm on October 25th

benito benito writes: I'm in
Posted: 2:39 pm on October 25th

chetkloss chetkloss writes: the sub-title says it all - A Comprehensive Treatise on Making Fine Furniture from the Golden Age of Craftsmanship

Yes, I'd like to have it.

,,,,,,,,,,,Chet
Posted: 2:35 pm on October 25th

LarryMarshall LarryMarshall writes: I just love reprints of older woodworking texts. I guess it dates me but they always present methods close to my way of working (grin). Would love to have a copy.

Cheers --- Larry
Posted: 2:32 pm on October 25th

highpro highpro writes: Sounds like a great book to have!
Posted: 2:09 pm on October 25th

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