How to Make a Simple Jig for Offset Knife Hinges
Router Jig for Perfectly Aligned Dadoes
Buying and Using Trim Routers
Five Minute Guide: Glue-Ups
Fixing Woodworking Mistakes
Five Minute Guide: How to Use a Tablesaw
How to Cut Sliding Dovetail Joints
How to Sharpen a Card Scraper
3 Steps to Great Glue-Ups: Sliding Dovetail Joints
Best Tabletop Finish
T-Track is a Smart Workbench Accessory
Tablesaw Tapering Jig is Safer and Faster
How to Apply an Aerosol Finish
How to Drill Windsor Chair Mortises
Dedicated Sled Delivers Perfect Finger Joints
Box Making Tips and Tricks
Upgrade Your Jointer with a Segmented Cutterhead

The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Made By Hand by Tom Fidgen

comments (131) January 31st, 2010 in blogs

Betsy Engel, contributor

12 users recommend

Photo: Courtesy of Popular Woodworking Books

Add Comment
Print

Made by Hand: Furniture Projects from the Unplugged Woodshop by Tom Fidgen.
Popular Woodworking Books, 2009.
$29.99; 192 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.

Made by Hand: Furniture Projects from the Unplugged Woodshop by Tom Fidgen is a book about building furniture with hand tools. Fidgen begins the book with information about the different tools found in a hand tool shop and spends some time talking about how to sharpen them. He moves on to discuss the importance of bench hooks, miter hooks and shooting boards as well as winding sticks and saw horses. Finally he covers techniques for such things as preparing lumber, sawing by hand, and cutting dovetails and mortise and tenons. The book also includes 6 furniture projects which help you learn the basics of hand tool woodworking and the accompanying DVD helps hone these skills even further.

Lucky jsilver is the winner. His comment was chosen at random. After he's had a chance to read the book, let's hope he posts another comment here with his review.

And check out the current giveaway, Windsor Chairmaking.

posted in: blogs, giveaway, book review, Books

Add Comment Print

The Right Tool for the Job

Back to List

The Kids Have Spoken: I Have a Cool Job

Comments (131)

fidgen writes: Congratulations to the winner-
I hope you enjoy the book !

cheers-
Posted: 6:21 am on February 11th

tlpmap writes: Awesome book to own.
Posted: 9:51 am on February 10th

Jiminykriket writes: Just what all beginner hand tool users need... Direction on howto sharpen and use their hand tools properly.
Posted: 6:01 am on February 10th

ocean8535 writes: working with the hands is the best.
Posted: 6:27 pm on February 9th

TheLeftHand writes: Count me in!
Posted: 12:34 pm on February 9th

yadote writes: I would love to win this@! Thx.
Posted: 12:30 am on February 9th

mfate writes: I always thought that having a shop full of expensive power tools was what I needed to make expertly crafted furniture. I've recently come to the conclusion that I'm missing the real joy of woodworking by not using my hand tools more. I've started using my hand planes and chisels more often and leaving the noisy power tools to the rough dimensioning of lumber. The woosh of a finely tuned hand plane is music to my ears.
Posted: 11:13 pm on February 8th

likwan writes: Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
Posted: 11:10 pm on February 8th

awball writes: Hand work would be a great option for me during the hours that everyone else is asleep. Please enter me in the drawing.
Posted: 6:00 pm on February 8th

daltxguy writes: Always keen to learn more about hand tool work. When the last coal fired generating plant is shut down, we'll all wish we had too!
Posted: 5:44 pm on February 8th

Hotsnotty2 writes: What a wonderful book, I would love to win this, thanks for the chance!
Posted: 3:45 pm on February 8th

robbo41 writes: Very cool topic for a book. Is the book also made by hand?
Posted: 2:30 pm on February 8th

ragot writes: Hi,

Looks to be a very good book that will help me developp my Hand Tools
Skills!

Wish I could be a winner

Thanks

JC Ragot
Posted: 5:17 am on February 8th

azappa writes: I love the information towards the bottom about the guy that recreated the french king's tables (perfect set) marquetry and all. I'm bookmarking your site and hope to win this contest.
Posted: 4:40 am on February 8th

azappa writes: My husband has created a small unit stabilizer for wood and while doing research for his system (for marketing and possible ad placements) I ran across this sweep and thought I'd enter. thanks for the sweep!
Posted: 4:24 am on February 8th

swenson writes: Anything published by Taunton has got to be OK. I turn to your books often, they are shelved right in my shop.
Posted: 12:39 am on February 8th

Misterpeet writes: I definitely need the direction!
Posted: 11:20 pm on February 7th

juau4 writes: This would be GREAT!
Posted: 7:25 pm on February 7th

slostrem writes: My husband likes to make things (most recently wooden pipes) so I know he'd love this book.
Posted: 7:16 pm on February 7th

tomandmollyk writes: I would love to win this for my father in law. He just retired and really wants to start some woodworking projects. This would be perfect.
Posted: 6:57 pm on February 7th

calouche writes: What a great book. If I don't win it, I'll probably buy it.
Posted: 9:31 am on February 7th

rodk1 writes: I'd love to have a chance at reading this book. I throughly
enjoyed the "Sharpening Station" articles.
Posted: 3:15 am on February 7th

mrr writes: This looks like an amazing opportunity to learn more about projects crafted by hand, a skill that really speaks to the reasons I first got into woodworking.
Posted: 12:16 am on February 7th

mb2 writes: Well, I'd like to get past poor lefty always being a chisel stop for righty's exuberance. Please, help save lefty! thanks
Posted: 7:16 am on February 6th

DaveinVicTx writes: 'Looks like a cool book - I'm about evenly divided between hand- and power-tools, and enjoy using old tools, so I expect I'd enjoy reading it.
Posted: 1:48 am on February 6th

webdog0 writes: Been using most power tools for my projects and I would like to take the next step into hand tools. This book should help.
Posted: 11:52 pm on February 5th

OsageAge writes:
Believe the info contained in the book would be most beneficial. Never too old to stop learning.
Posted: 11:32 am on February 5th

GraydogCantler writes:

HEY GUYS,
JUST A FEW WORDS ON HOW MUCH I ENJOY YOUR MAGAZINE AND WEBSITE. I HAVE DONE MINOR CARPENTRY WORK ALL MY LIFE, MOSTLY ON BOATS. AFTER 45 YEARS, I'M NOW RETIRED. I HAVE THE TIME TO TRY TO REACH A HIGHER LEVEL OF SKILL. I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOUR PUBLICATIONS, AND ONLINE VIDEOS. KEEP UP YOUR HIGH STANDARDS. WOULD LOVE TO WIN THE BOOK.

ROY ( GRAYDOG ) CANTLER
136 BAYSCAPE DR.
PERRYVILLE, MD. 21903
443-350-3410 CELL
410-642-6858 HOME
Posted: 12:49 am on February 5th

Ron_in_CA writes: I'm the son of a pattern maker and I started my professional career as a rough framing carpenter using a framing hammer, Skilsaw, and chainsaw. Now is the time for me to learn the tools and techniques of my father.
Posted: 11:47 pm on February 4th

tman814 writes: As are many woodworkers, I am interested in learning to use more hand tools, and this book sounds like one that would go a long way to helping that become a reality.
Posted: 7:22 pm on February 4th

planejoy writes: Sounds like it's a "Must Have" and destined to become quite worn in my hands!
Posted: 7:40 am on February 4th

theWoodWorm writes: I would enjoy a chance to learn more about using hand tools.

Posted: 3:55 am on February 4th

StuartE writes: Tom has the respect of the woodworking world, and it would be a privilege to win his book. I tend to struggle with the "quiet side" of woodworking, and I believe his book could help me get my skills to the level I believe I can achieve.
Posted: 2:36 am on February 4th

JNorman writes: I have heard good things about this book. Of course I'd like to win it, but if not I will probably buy it.
Posted: 2:05 am on February 4th

RodneyRPruden writes: I would enjoy a chance to learn more about using hand tools. Tom's book looks like it will be a good read.
Posted: 11:14 pm on February 3rd

Dean7 writes: When it comes to hand tool work, it doesn't get much better than Tom Fidgen. I would love to have his book.
Posted: 10:18 pm on February 3rd

GaryMGg writes: I'm looking forward to reading Tom's book.
Anyone who has seen his work and read his postings knows Tom has much skill and passion plus the heart of a teacher.
Posted: 9:54 pm on February 3rd

BilljustBill writes: Life has circled back three times, now. I have the hand tools and a hughe 30" diameter 4" wide hand cranked sharpening wheel in its standing wooden case of my mom's father. I have my some of my other grandfather's tool that I watched dad use.

Now, it's my turn to put them in my hands and let them teach me how hand tools enrich the term, "Hand Made".

Bill
Posted: 9:14 pm on February 3rd

yuut writes: Since my daddy kept me busy with his brace and bit.
Posted: 7:21 pm on February 3rd

wptaylor writes: Looks like a great book to learn the true art of wood working.
Posted: 6:46 pm on February 3rd

api writes: I have been using a combination of power and hand tools for all my projects. I am nearing retirement and am looking forward to learning how to work more with hand tools. This looks like a good book for some practical ideas.
Posted: 6:13 pm on February 3rd

Dan_Ceteral_NY writes: I am currently working on improving my hand tool skills and upgrading my sharpening tools. Part of my hand tool problems in the past have been dealing with tools that are not sharp or incorrectly tuned. I'm looking forward to reading Tom's book and putting to practice the techniques.

Thank you for the giveaway.
Posted: 6:08 pm on February 3rd

MrPhil writes: While I am normally a power tool kinda guy, every now and then I seem to channel James Krenov and will indulge myself in a 'smallish' project done by hand tools only. This is less an excersize in craftsmanship than a spiritual journey into the soul, where true quality resides. When this urge hits, I've gotta answer the call.
Posted: 5:47 pm on February 3rd

AsTheNight writes: I think it's important to become "unplugged" if you want to understand the real nature of wood. Thanks for the chance to win this one.
Posted: 5:31 pm on February 3rd

dglitter writes: My husband has a lot of hand tools inherited from his father-this would be a great addition to his shop. Thanks!
Posted: 5:10 pm on February 3rd

fangirl1 writes: Sometimes the old reliable tools are best.
Posted: 4:58 pm on February 3rd

Teakster writes: There are not enough of these books that teach the 'old' ways. My son will learn the 'old' ways first. This will be a fine teaching tool.
Thanks
Posted: 4:22 pm on February 3rd

Sunnyvale writes: My husband is the handy man, he would like this book.
Posted: 4:08 pm on February 3rd

markashworth writes: Nice to find a book that doesnt do everything with a powertool.Looking forward to reading it.
Posted: 1:16 pm on February 3rd

JohnRD writes: A great book, at an even greater price.
Posted: 1:06 pm on February 3rd

aledjiant writes: I have always wanted to build furniture the classic way.
Thanks for the resource that points the way.
Posted: 1:02 pm on February 3rd

Stephany writes: I work almost exclusively with hand tools, due to working on a deck with nearby neighbors or in my living room. I'd love to learn how to better translate power-tool plans to more hand-tool friendly ones. Thanks for doing these giveaways!
Posted: 12:40 pm on February 3rd

Stu in Tokyo writes: Greetings from Tomorrow!
Posted: 12:16 pm on February 3rd

George D. writes: Must be a great book. The art of hand making an item is about gone from this great nation. My grandfather made caskets by hand in his day. (early 1900's)
Posted: 12:15 pm on February 3rd

1Coffeebean writes: Have been a fan of Tom's work for quite some time already.
Thanks to him for his efforts.
g
Posted: 12:13 pm on February 3rd

6string writes: This guitar maker needs to learn how to build something else!!
Posted: 12:13 pm on February 3rd

jimmy11 writes: looks like a great book to make the backwards leap to hand tools
Posted: 12:12 pm on February 3rd

OregonSplinter writes: I need all the help I can get, and this book looks like the answer.
Posted: 11:40 am on February 3rd

jazzer writes: Would like very much to develop my hand tool skills and Tom's book could be a valuable aide to that end. The included projects with dvd is a definite bonus. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted: 11:34 am on February 3rd

D11RDozer writes: I've been following Tom's blog for quite a while and would really love to check out his book.
Posted: 11:31 am on February 3rd

Cleale writes: This has got to be a more satisfying way than Norm's.
Posted: 11:12 am on February 3rd

missoulamatt writes: I saw this book at a local bookstore and was impressed. Been making a move toward hand tool work and this would help.
Posted: 11:08 am on February 3rd

topsww writes: If I am able to build a piece of furniture like the piece show on the blog using the information in this book, then this is one book I would definetly like to have.
Posted: 10:06 am on February 3rd

almartin writes: Thanks for the giveaway. Looks like a great book.
Posted: 10:00 am on February 3rd

Jasper_50 writes: I am just beginning using hand tools and would welcome a copy from one of the masters. - Jasper
Posted: 9:50 am on February 3rd

3807 writes: I am 73 years old and still learning. I would love to have this book.
Thanks for the chance to win it.
Posted: 9:50 am on February 3rd

calouche writes: Hand skills is a major constituent of my joy of living. A book celebrating tools and skills would be a pleasure.
Posted: 9:34 am on February 3rd

Holry7778 writes: After years of power tooling my way around the shop, I'm finally learning to enjoy the quiet, relaxing nature of hand work.
Posted: 9:12 am on February 3rd

Houghton123 writes: From the reviews, it sounds like a book that includes design concepts, not just how to use the tools - that's great, because so many books leave out this most important skill.

Put me on the list to add this to my library.
Posted: 9:10 am on February 3rd

Arborlawn writes: Sounds like what I need. I am fairly good at machine woodworking, but sadly lacking at using and caring for hand tools.
Posted: 9:08 am on February 3rd

SSaul writes: Power tools are wonderful, but the quiet peace one experiences when working with hand tools, is truly welcomed in our rushed and loud society. Unplug. I look forward to reading this book and I hope to see more literature written about the old ways.
Posted: 8:22 am on February 3rd

mchench84 writes: I love any book on hand tools. It's always interesting to me how as technology progresses, obsessing over using our hands becomes stronger and stronger. I wonder how we will ever strike a balance again.
Posted: 8:19 am on February 3rd

padraig writes: I have been collecting -using and trading - hand tools for some years. I find them slower than power tools to use but for the most part more precise.
Tom's book sounds like it would give me more insight into this quiet relaxing way to make memories out of wood.
Posted: 8:18 am on February 3rd

kg4vqi writes: I have yet to see this book but a good book on woodworking by hand would be a valuble asset to me.
Posted: 8:14 am on February 3rd

konaman writes: This book looks very good and would be a welcome addition to anyone's library
Posted: 7:51 am on February 3rd

mainerustic writes: I've been a member of this website for a few years now and find it to be a very valuable woodworking tool. Like most woodworkers I own my share of power tools, but I love the peace and quiet that I get when I use hand tools. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this book giveaway.
Posted: 7:47 am on February 3rd

spvincent writes: Oh, wow. This book looks awesome! :-)
Posted: 7:41 am on February 3rd

Gkerns writes: I am new to the Fine Woodworking Blogs, I recently became a member and so far I am happy I did, I recommend this membership to all my woodworking friends. There are many online clubs to join, I found this one to be the best.
Posted: 6:56 am on February 3rd

rolybrown writes: My ma says- "you go get that darned book!" I always do as my ma says!
Posted: 5:57 am on February 3rd

jsilver writes: I enjoy his web site and I am sure I will enjoy his book, but how am I going to explain to the wife that this is not another woodworking purchase. I've told her to many times I have won something that I've really bought.
Posted: 5:13 am on February 3rd

GussGuss writes: Just the book I am after!
Posted: 5:08 am on February 3rd

Cov_rog writes: Rapidly approaching retirement. Got the hand tools,got the sharpening kit,got the lo.........ng list of projects. Need all the help I can get putting it all together.'Made by Hand' looks like a good read.
Posted: 4:57 am on February 3rd

BrianG writes: Just the book I need as I continue my journey further and further into hand tool woodworking.
Posted: 10:59 pm on February 2nd

randyb73 writes: I'm ready to step up to old technology!
Posted: 10:31 pm on February 2nd

jofranklin writes: Cannot wait to read it - using hand tools more and more every day.
Posted: 9:30 pm on February 2nd

mvflaim writes: Everybody, and I mean everbody... was Kung Fu Fightin!

Posted: 6:34 pm on February 2nd

benjay writes: I'm not giving up my power tools yet, but I do use hand tools a lot more as I'm teaching my grandkids. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted: 6:02 pm on February 2nd

mverno writes: i love to win this for my husband
mverno@roadrunner.com
Posted: 4:46 pm on February 2nd

hohmboy writes: ebay is a good place to buy had tools. the men who used them years ago were not fools
Posted: 3:24 pm on February 2nd

hotshoer writes: There's something great about a quiet Sunday, a cup of coffee, and a sharp chisel. Anything that would improve my skills with hand tools would be great. Sign me up!
Posted: 10:41 am on February 2nd

BedrockBob writes: I have been following Tom's blog for sometime now and his work is excellent. From the cover it looks like his book is top notch.
Posted: 10:21 am on February 2nd

Oldtyme writes: I like his work
Posted: 8:59 am on February 2nd

ocean8535 writes: hey, great looking book!
Posted: 2:50 am on February 2nd

picaraza writes: I've long admired his blog. Really good stuff.
Posted: 11:28 pm on February 1st

wolf23 writes: Good choice - I'd love a copy of this book.
Thanks for the chance to win!
-----wade
Posted: 4:09 pm on February 1st

jonand15 writes: I'm using more handtools these days and always excited to learn more.
Posted: 2:12 pm on February 1st

MarkusJ writes: Looks very interesting.
Posted: 2:07 pm on February 1st

mdcraver writes: Looks like a good read.
Posted: 1:24 pm on February 1st

Bevis writes: As a complete beginner, I'm always trying to read and learn more. I'd love to win the book.
Posted: 1:18 pm on February 1st

antknee869 writes: I saw this book in the store. It is absolutely beautiful! I would love to have this in my collection.
Thanks!
Posted: 12:40 pm on February 1st

telkwa writes: As a newby to furniture making this would be an amazing addition to my wood working library
Posted: 12:17 pm on February 1st

tlpmap writes: It would be great to win!!
Posted: 9:53 am on February 1st

the_wild_lucy writes: Looks like a nice book to take my woodworking to new heights!
Posted: 8:31 am on February 1st

JLYoung writes: I love the quality of the writing and photographs on Tom's blog. I'm sure his book is excellent. Please count me in.
Posted: 7:12 am on February 1st

TOOL101 writes: Glanced through this book at borders and was very impressed. Considering purchasing. nice read,,,,
Posted: 3:23 am on February 1st

rguthier writes: The idea of working wood with handtools was a sad thought to me. Thanks to authors like Tom Figden I know hand tools are career altering in such a surprising and enjoyable way. Rock on!
Posted: 1:53 am on February 1st

RayDrake writes: Thank you for the great website. And to answer ppleman's comment, The good news is you are eligible to become a Galoot. The bad news is so is anyone else with an interest in hand-tools, there usage and history.

Follow this link and sign on:
http://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html
Posted: 12:41 am on February 1st

LeeJor writes: Spent an hour or so looking it over in the bookstore and I'm 100% on the must get it list. Win it or buy it, one way or another.
Posted: 11:41 pm on January 31st

JadeEagle writes: I love working with hand tools. Any book that can assist me in improving that skill works for me.
Posted: 10:51 pm on January 31st

gusset writes:
Tom's book is, quite literally, a show of hands. Let the play begin.
Congratulations Tom!
Posted: 10:19 pm on January 31st

Jollyroger writes: Hey, count me in. Does it have pictures?
Posted: 10:06 pm on January 31st

captlen writes: Looks very good me.
Posted: 9:36 pm on January 31st

bruce277 writes: Just what I want for Valentine's Day. I've been lusting after this since I first saw it advertised. Hopefully you guys will pick me. And I can then spend the money on some of CD's you have on sale.

I was at the live tenon shoot out and even though it took 2x as long to cut them by hand, my wife and neighbors are really getting on my case about the table saw noise, considering I sometimes work at 11:00 pm

Bruce Cohen
Posted: 9:33 pm on January 31st

Woody1202 writes: Looks good!
Posted: 8:43 pm on January 31st

jpat writes: This could be a great addition to the wood working bookself !
Thank you
Posted: 8:29 pm on January 31st

Handi75 writes: Count me in on the chance to win. I don't have any woodworking books just yet. This will give me a chance to start a collection.
Posted: 6:45 pm on January 31st

ubiestmea writes: Consider my hat tossed in the ring.
Posted: 6:19 pm on January 31st

TheLeftHand writes: Looks like a good one--count me in!
Posted: 5:40 pm on January 31st

sk2tobin writes: sounds like a neat book. Count me in.
Posted: 5:18 pm on January 31st

Larrythewoodguy writes: Im using handtools more and power tools less often.
This just might be the book to convert me completely.
Posted: 4:56 pm on January 31st

pplemens writes: sold all the power tools...does that make me a galoot?
Posted: 4:42 pm on January 31st

hubiedoo517 writes: Cool, I was just in the book store and had this book in my hand when I realized that I didnt have enough money with me to purchase it. I enjoy his new website/blog also. Thanks for the chance to win it.

Hubert K.
Posted: 3:48 pm on January 31st

benito writes: I want this book really really badly, so you should probably just call this off and give it to me (sorry everyone, but I'm sure you understand...)
Posted: 3:43 pm on January 31st

Lori K writes: I have been reading more and more about working with hand tools. This book looks like it would be a good read for someone interested in going the unplugged route someday.
I have slowly been adding hand tools to my collection, most of my small collection came from my father-in-law (who was actually a tool and die maker, but he loved to work with his hands on any project).
Posted: 3:33 pm on January 31st

toolsRus writes: Just found your website as it was featured in the magazine, The Week, as a site for the aspiring handyman...
Posted: 3:04 pm on January 31st

MP72 writes: As I make my progression to using more and more hand tools I believe that after I read this book I might take the plunge and try an entire piece using nothing but hand tools. Thanks for the chance to win the book
Posted: 2:10 pm on January 31st

TedFurlong writes: Tom Fidgen's recent series on a sharpening bench has really whetted (pun absolutely intended) my appetite to take a crack at the projects in this book and improve my hand tool skills!

Ted Furlong
Posted: 1:43 pm on January 31st

BloomingtonMike writes: Looks like a great book for us tailed woodworkers. Thank you for the giveaway!
Posted: 1:25 pm on January 31st

baudi writes: Count me in!
Posted: 1:23 pm on January 31st

You must be logged in to post comments. Log in.

Advertise here for as little as $50. Learn how

Become a Better Woodworker

ABOUT THE EDITORS MAILBOX

FineWoodworking.com editors report from the woodworking front lines. Check in every weekday for news, information, projects, and answers to questions from Fine Woodworking readers everywhere.

Learn about our new format!

Archive: Temporarily unavailable. Stay tuned and sorry for the inconvenience.

The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Made By Hand by Tom Fidgen

Comments (131)

Become a Better Woodworker

ABOUT THE EDITORS MAILBOX

LINKS WE LIKE

LATEST ENTRIES

RECENT COMMENTS