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The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Book Giveaway: The Wood Finisher's Handbook by Sam Allen

Betsy Engel, contributor

3 users recommend

Photo: Courtesy of Sterling Publishers

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Print

The Wood Finisher's Handbook
Sterling Publishing Co. 2006.
$17.95; 224 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.

Originally published in 1984, The Wood Finisher's Handbook, has been updated and revised and covers the bases with lots of info for beginners. The second part of the book covers more advanced techniques which might help more experienced woodworkers. Some of the topics covered include wood prep, tools, and staining wood and moves on to include hand rubbed finishes, gilding and stenciling, and antique finishes.

Lucky TonyParisi is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.

After Tony has read the book, let's hope he comes back and posts another comment here to tell us what he thinks of it.

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2009 Holiday Wish List: Winners Announced

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Mock up leads to a happy ending

Comments (79)

Tarponjpm writes: You can be the best hand cut dovetailer, fit the tightest tennons, have perfectly fitted joints and have the squarest corners of all. The last operation is the finishing. (correctly named) This is a great book and I still use it on every refinishing project for re-asurement which leads to my high expectations of how someone critiques my work.

John M.

Posted: 8:48 am on January 27th

joetatoo writes: If we spent as much times reading as we do on our woodworking we would have so much more projects to to with more perfection.
Posted: 1:45 am on January 21st

oscarfrontosa writes: we can never read to much... the more info the better... p.s. love youre site.... way to go.....
Posted: 10:28 am on January 16th

rtaraby writes: I have just started using hard wood. My experience was with pine and finishing was simple

Hard wood is the complete opposite. I was proud of my first hard wood project, until I started to stain it

I need help and have searched the Internet for a good book

Rick
Posted: 10:37 am on January 15th

Emmrys writes: I have several books but not one on finishing. I always get nervous when it comes time to put on the finish. It is so easy to really mess it up.
Posted: 9:05 pm on January 14th

JB357 writes: I can build it but I can't finish it worth a darn. This book would be a big help.
Posted: 11:25 pm on January 13th

Dustydon writes: The leaders at our wood Guild in Soreento B.C. Canada have been looking to bring some one in to train us on wood finishing techniques but have found it very difficult to find qualified instructors. This book should fill the gap and make finishing a bit less complicated.
Posted: 7:23 pm on January 13th

KellyAnderson writes: I can always use a good book on finishing.
Posted: 7:10 pm on January 13th

withaz8 writes: finishing is my weakest area,2009 was a bad year financially, i need to win it because i cant buy it
Posted: 6:09 pm on January 13th

ann82 writes: I am working on my cabinetmakers apprenticeship and I am always looking for books to help me along, this one would be great!
Posted: 5:24 pm on January 13th

root writes: Finishing books are always educational. Sign me up!
Posted: 4:53 pm on January 13th

jdorris writes: Now that's a book a could put to good use.
Posted: 4:19 pm on January 13th

Dean7 writes: I have this book entered in a list of woodworking related books I'm hoping to purchase one day.
Posted: 2:54 pm on January 13th

OsageAge writes: Any additional finish info would be useful.
Thanks.
Posted: 1:57 pm on January 13th

MrDG writes: You ever watch Curb Your Enthusiasm?
Posted: 12:28 pm on January 13th

ahorowitz writes: The original book is a real good one, and if this revision is an improvement I want, no, I need, it.
Posted: 12:19 pm on January 13th

MarkusJ writes: I'd love to get this.
Posted: 11:36 am on January 13th

brandonicus writes: Hit me...
Posted: 11:08 am on January 13th

brownwood1536 writes: Finishing - the final touch. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.
Posted: 10:57 am on January 13th

oldwoodturner writes: In this letter you promote the tenon shoot out and invite us to view it. That's nice. My point is where and how do we view it??? You offer no clue.
Dan Johnson
Posted: 10:49 am on January 13th

ronerie writes: Finishing is my favorite part of my projects. Finalizing it.
This book would surely be a fine addition to my library on finishing, and am going to take a closer look at it now.
Posted: 10:27 am on January 13th

tmkaylor writes: This looks sweet and I could certainly use some tips.
Posted: 9:52 am on January 13th

twobykmyk writes: Just getting started in woodworking, I have only built two projects, and went with a Danish Oil Finish on both because I have been told that stain enhances any errors you make while building the project such as gaps and glue marks that were not adequately cleaned. I would love to get to the point that I am not afraid to use a finish besides oil (although I love the way it brings the natural beauty of the wood out). I believe this book may help.
Posted: 9:41 am on January 13th

elementPib writes: Hi,
It is great to see the work of all those woodworkers that sign up in your contests.
They are a source of inspiration as much as the editors and contributors of the FW magazine and Web site.
The only thing is that Quebec woodworkers do send there work only to show what they can do.
We, because of the Quebec laws, cannot participate in the contets.
It would be much appreciated if the Editors of Fine Woodworking could organasize at leat one contest for the Quebec participants.
We do follow very closely the develpments in the magazine and on the Web site.
I think that we deserve the effort.
Pierre Baril
www.pierrebaril.ca

Posted: 9:21 am on January 13th

JoyofWW writes: When it comes to finishing, I could use all the help I can get
Posted: 9:18 am on January 13th

cguajardo writes: new to hobby. this would be a great help.
Posted: 9:14 am on January 13th

rfd55923 writes: we all can use more info
Posted: 8:33 am on January 13th

BUILDERS695 writes: A welcome addition to the library
Posted: 7:53 am on January 13th

butchf18a writes: a well planned project is a good start, but still need a good finish....add me to the list please
Posted: 3:01 am on January 13th

patharris writes: To do all the planning, milling, cutting,joinery, assembly work and then. . . produce a lousy finish job on your project is devastating!

Posted: 9:09 pm on January 12th

DaveHarrison writes: Anything on this much-neglected aspect of woodworking would be useful
Posted: 5:54 pm on January 12th

Oldtyme writes: Never hurts to get some new ideas


Posted: 5:22 pm on January 12th

MPQ writes: It cant hurt to read another book, especially on finishing.
Posted: 9:07 pm on January 11th

Oldtyme writes: I enjoy learning. Sounds like a good chance
Posted: 6:57 pm on January 11th

jbschutz writes: A bad finish on a good piece can ruin the result, but a good finish can enhance good woodworking. I want to be able to enhance my work.
Posted: 5:03 pm on January 11th

jbschutz writes: A bad finish on a good piece can ruin the result, but a good finish can enhance good woodworking. I want to be able to enhance my work.
Posted: 5:03 pm on January 11th

jdavidA writes: the only appropriate comment is "I'd like to win it"
Posted: 4:42 pm on January 11th

drllucas writes: Would be glad to give this book a read.
Posted: 3:56 pm on January 11th

Circuit Rider writes: I'm working with conservation and restoration. I would like to read this. Thanks
Posted: 3:05 pm on January 11th

BrianG writes: I'd love to give it a read.
Posted: 2:13 pm on January 11th

JLYoung writes: I want in too please
Posted: 1:34 pm on January 11th

patrickdemers writes: I need it!
Posted: 12:56 pm on January 11th

just wanted to know writes: I need this book!
Posted: 11:36 am on January 11th

yohann writes: that would be a great book to own
Posted: 10:51 am on January 11th

pbibbo writes: I would love to get this book.

Paul
Posted: 10:13 am on January 11th

josleroux writes: I want it!
Posted: 9:39 am on January 11th

penorris writes: I just started woodworking and I can use all the help I can get.
Posted: 6:16 am on January 11th

TNakr writes: I would love to have this for my bookshelf. Oh. Wait. I have to build the shelf, first. I'd still like the book, though. Thanks!
Posted: 12:39 am on January 11th

matthewdad writes: I would really like to win a wood finisher. but i will settle for the handbook!
Posted: 11:24 pm on January 10th

Handi75 writes: I would like to get into some of the action here. Learning the woodworking ropes. I would like to learn more about the finishes and all. This would be a great addition and first addition to my woodworking bookcase arsonal.
Posted: 11:09 pm on January 10th

Larrythewoodguy writes: A finishing book would be a good addition to my woodworking books.

Posted: 10:38 pm on January 10th

bdora writes: Never stop making sawdust, never stop learning.
Posted: 10:22 pm on January 10th

toobguy writes: I could use a little help in this area! Besides, it is always interesting to see what others have to say about anything working wood.
Posted: 10:18 pm on January 10th

jhonbaker writes: is the secret in here?
Posted: 10:14 pm on January 10th

Red_F writes: Design: check
Joinery: check
Finishing: uh, not so hot.
Posted: 9:41 pm on January 10th

TonyParisi writes: I spend a lot of time on planning and joinery, then tend to blitz thru finishing, more often than not just spraying poly to be done. Sure would like to learn some realistic fail-safe techniques...
Posted: 8:56 pm on January 10th

hypnos writes: Me please:)
Posted: 8:14 pm on January 10th

casaheil writes: I'd love to win this book. I could use some pointers from someone experienced in doing nice finishes as I am getting ready to refinish a guitar.
=== Steve
Posted: 8:05 pm on January 10th

nznix writes: yes please
Posted: 7:49 pm on January 10th

woodzealot writes: I could so use a book on finishing. I tend to not finish anything I start... for example, I
Posted: 7:03 pm on January 10th

Jphwiebe writes: Show me the book!
Posted: 6:44 pm on January 10th

JRFriesen writes: Looks like a good book to read and learn from. Thanks.
Posted: 5:57 pm on January 10th

Acer_sp writes: Any book that could help me and the family out would be great. I can see the pages getting dog eared.

Thanks

Craig
Posted: 5:16 pm on January 10th

gbeard writes: I need finishing help, and a new book.

Posted: 5:11 pm on January 10th

gmlhl4 writes: I spend whatever time it takes to decide on and build my woodworking project, but I never spend enough time on the finish I'll use.
Posted: 3:31 pm on January 10th

Dale_F writes: What a great way to start my new online relationship with Fine Woodworking
Posted: 2:18 pm on January 10th

harpuahoch writes: Bring it on!
Posted: 1:51 pm on January 10th

dmont34189 writes: Since taking up woodworking about 2 years ago I have built a few really nice peices, but have not really finished any of them because the ones I have tried have been a disaster, this book should greatly help.
Posted: 1:49 pm on January 10th

dmont34189 writes: Since taking up woodworking about 2 years ago I have built a few really nice peices, but have not really finished any of them because the ones I have tried have been a disaster, this book should greatly help.
Posted: 1:49 pm on January 10th

MrHudon writes: Great Book!!
Posted: 1:46 pm on January 10th

benito writes: I'll take it.
Posted: 1:09 pm on January 10th

oops47 writes: Anything to add to my woodworking arsenal.Thanks.
Posted: 1:05 pm on January 10th

Mizz_Rene writes: As a woman who started teaching myself to build furniture two years ago, I rely heavily on "how to" books. Until recently, most of my work was done outside in my driveway. Thus to finish my pieces, I simply used the same exterior latex paint that remained after painting my house, so that every rain drop falling while I worked wouldn't send me scurrying to throw tarps over everything. Now that I have created an indoor work space inside my shed, I can utilize more appropriate techniques for finishing my furniture pieces. This book looks like it will be of great use to me.
Posted: 12:48 pm on January 10th

spvincent writes: I would love this book! Thank you for the opportunity!
Posted: 12:43 pm on January 10th

NateC writes: This would be a very welcome addition to my library.
Posted: 12:41 pm on January 10th

ecocandle writes: It looks like a good book to me. Of course, I am so new that any book will help me improve my woodworking.
Posted: 12:09 pm on January 10th

jestgr writes: I love experimenting with different types of finish as I learn new techniques. Sign me up!
Posted: 11:54 am on January 10th

LarryMarshall writes: I'm of the opinion that you can never learn enough about finishing so I'd love a copy of this book.

Cheers --- Larry
Posted: 11:49 am on January 10th

chetkloss writes: Anything that can make "finishing" less dramatic an painful would be a very welcome addition to my shop.

,,,,,,,,,,,,Chet
Posted: 11:36 am on January 10th

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