– I am enlarging my library a bit and was wondering about Krenov’s books –
there seem to be three main books – ‘The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking’, ‘A Cabinetmaker’s Notebook’, and ‘The Impractical Cabinetmaker’ –
I was wondering about how they stand in relation to each other – from the reviews of ‘Impractical’ at Amazon one reviewer writes; “This “new” book is just a reprint of the orginal published in 1979 with a little more added to the title to make you think it’s a new book…” –
Am I to understand that this book is basically the same as ‘Fine Art’? –
I’d be happy to entertain any reviews and recommendations –
thanks –
D
“there’s enough for everyone”
Replies
David,
Can't comment on Krenov's books, but I'll be monitoring this thread to see what others say. Have you got Tage Frid's set of three?
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
I have not - tho the library has one authored by him - been a while since I checked it out - his style never did much for me, and I have to admit that neither does Krenov's - - I'm sure that's why I don't have their books - but now I'm looking for some inspiration to refine what I do a bit, and I'm sure that I can learn technique and perhaps figure out a 'hook' for this winter's shop work - thanks for the bump -
D"there's enough for everyone"
I would start with "The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking" it has the most info on tool usage and making planes. With that said if you can make a plane from the book you've done real well. Krenov's books are much more about why then how so if your looking for step by step directions you'll be disappointed. Fww has had some good articles on plane making and David Fincks(sp) book are real useful if you want to make a plane.
Tage Frid's books are good a little out dated but a very solid foundation, I think buying the 3 volume set is cheapest but in my opinion the third one is not as good as the first two.
Thomas S Stockton
thanks, Thomas - I have limited interest in making planes - techniques and details of cabinetry interest me - both these authors are ones I've given cursory attention to in the past - might be time to give them their due - there has to be something there to pick up - "there's enough for everyone"
I don't have a certain interest in making planes, or even in making a krenovian style cabinet, I just wanted to get to know the guy and his philosophy. I definately think I got that from, "The Impractical Cabinetmaker". There was quite a bit on construction details of particular cabinets, also.Brian
All of Krenov’s and Frids books should be the foundation of any woodworker’s library. Krenov will tell you why and Frid will show you how.
"All of Krenov’s and Frids books should be the foundation of any woodworker’s library. Krenov will tell you why and Frid will show you how."respectfully disagree - if you're going to have a hierarchy, Underhill and/or Sloane would be the foundation - where it came from - and Stickley, Krenov, Frid, and Nakashima (and many others) would be where it's been taken - your post did send me to FWW back issues to make sure I was spelling 'Nakashima' correctly, and has caused me to realize that I have hundreds of pages fine woodworking that I haven't reviewed in years - the need for new books is temporarily eliminated - I am still interested in how the Krenov books relate to each other - "there's enough for everyone"
There are five books by Krenov, each is a different book though there is some confusion with naming as there has been some mixing with the titles for reprints. Go to his website to get the correct list. http://www.jameskrenov.com I think is it. They are all worth reading although 'Worker In Wood' leaves a bit to be desired. Personally I don't put Frids books in my list of gotta have books, they leave a bit to much out on the details of how things are done for me and really bad photography. Seems like they should have been twice or three times as big. Bob
Oh dear Napie. I am in trouble. I don't have any woodworking books by either author on my bookshelves. I just can't seem to read Krenov's prose; I've tried a few times, even a couple of pages once or twice, but it does nothing for me. This seems a bit of a shame because I know other woodworkers find him inspirational, but I can't puzzle out why from his writings. I've never read a book by Frid so I can't comment.
I guess I have somehow become a furniture designer and maker through other means, ha, ha. Slainte.Richard Jones Furniture
Richard! - - long time, no see - I guess I ought sneak over here and drink a bit more tea - could y'all put a jigger of Bourbon in mine?missed you when visiting my son during his matriculation at Strathclyde last year- I know it's a bit far from you - those surly scots with their expensive liquor and straight back MacIntosh furniture that just doesn't allow me to slouch as is my wont... but don't worry - there's a fair chance he'll be at Cambridge next year and me and the relatives will be in touch - you don't mind if we crash at your place for a couple of weeks, do ya?seems like your website link off your signature isn't current - hope all is well with you - here, we're stocking up on liquor and ammunition in preparation for the apocalypse - here's the skinny - http://www.236.com/video/2008/get_your_war_on_new_world_orde_10121.php"there's enough for everyone"
Cambridge is a long way for you crash at our place on a nightly basis for a couple of weeks David. Will whisky do in the tea? Bit short of bourbon in these parts. Slainte.Richard Jones Furniture
indeed, even cheap whiskey would be appreciated - are you teaching? (just tell me to mind my own business if you want) - I've kinda lost track of this side of the forums (fora?) - seems like with the children out of the house there should be more time, but it turned out to be just the opposite - also seems to be nigh impossible to get to the shop after supper anymore - I don't think this computer thing is increasing my productivity a bit - but I am ever better educated about the proper way to do what I don't get done- and this book thing is problematic - a good fellow nuckledragger next door insisted that I needed the 'Missing Manual' for this Mac computer, so I got it - it's 850 pages of small print - I think I may insist he read it to me - I need pictures - anyway, I've enjoyed browsing thru knots - I've got a commission I have to deal with soon - gotta get fired up - but maybe just another drop of whiskey tonight - "there's enough for everyone"
Nice....
By the way, you should pay for your domain registration so it doesn't get high jacked. <!----><!----><!---->
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-------(*)/ (*) http://www.EarthArtLandscape.com
My domain name is in the process of being moved from one register to another which is why my website has gone offline-- it was not my choice to move the domain name registration, but the registrar of note has gone out of that business meaning I have to find another.
It is taking longer to move than I'd like as it is a long winded process requiring all sorts of authorisations and approvals, but I'm hoping that very soon my website will be viewable again. Slainte.
Richard Jones Furniture
Edited 11/24/2008 4:04 pm by SgianDubh
Richard, I'm with you on Krenov. I find him very difficult to read, although I do plan to give him another try. I have three of his books. I love Frid's work (and have all three of his books and many articles), and consider him to the be the ultimate craftsman and teacher, although I suppose he was not the dreamer/designer that Krenov is. Each has his place, and each of us has our differing taste. Thank goodness for that!Woody
I use Krenov's books primarily for inspiration. I read and subconsciously sit there nodding with agreement in what he is saying. Very easy reads in my opinion, especially if you're in agreement with what he is saying :)
True, he has eschewed mainstream woodworking for a small niche of creating very detailed creations, but he sticks to his philosophy throughout his life. The main premise of his philosophy is to appreciate all types of wood, secondarily to build furniture with it. Not the other way around, to use wood simply as a maleable material used in furniture making.
Whenever I lack inspiration, don't feel like going into the shop, can't think of what to make next, I pick up one of his books and read parts of it. I have the full series and my favorites are Cabinetmaker's Notebook and Fine Art Of Cabinetmaking.. The Impractical Cabinetmaker is another of my favorites with more emphasis on techniques, less on philosophy.
Thee is a subtelty in his writing, and I find as I read paragraphs a few times, I pick up something else he is saying.
All good!
Norman
David,
If you're looking for more of the "how to", Fine Art is the one you want. He has some details on a few of his construction techniques; coopering, frame and panel work, dowelling and sawn veneer, some dovetailing and loose tenon Also a lot about his shop, work flow, etc.
I ended up studying with Jim a few years after first discovering his books and a latent interest in fine woodworking. Notebook is inspirational and Fine Art gives you some technical details.
- Kit
I'd suggest that you get "Notebook" and read it first. If you find yourself really "in tune" with his message and want more details, then get the others. I'd say that "Notebook" has an inspirational value for just about every craftsman who reads it, myself included. But if you're not on the same "wavelength" with Krenov you'll probably find the others superfluous.
David Ring
http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e
I use Frids books all the time. I apprieciate his no frills work, solid tools, no fancy $2000 planes. He often times illustrates several methods of work for the same purpose which is great as well. Yeah the pictures are horrible, the writing is not up to todays standards, but they are 30 years old! You should be able to find them in some used book stores, my favorite place to shop. I only own one Krenov book, (have not found the others yet) and have enjoyed reading it. Master of the Metaphor, but his thoughts on wood, selection, shape and form is a good read. I am just finishing a box, modeled after one of his.
AZMO
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I must tell you that I tried to read one of Krenov's books. I believe it was the "Impractical Woodworker", but I'm not positive. I couldn't make it very far through the book. I was uninspired, and I've never been able to figure out what all the fuss was about. All his furniture looks the same to me.
Just my opinion.
I can't comment on Frid, as I've read nothing from him.
What I'd suggest is that if you wish to expand your woodworking library, then fill it with books that are of interest to you. This forum is certainly filled with different opinions on what books would be good to read. I'd suggest you take a peak at them yourself, and decide what you think might inspire you. Many booksites here online offer a glimpse into any book you might be interested in. I've found that a glimpse usually gives me enough information to make a purchasing decision.
Have a great holiday, and happy reading.
Jeff
"Am I to understand that this book is basically the same as 'Fine Art'? - "
Regarding your original question, I have and have read all three; they have different content from one another. All are worthwhile reads, if for no other reason than marveling at a person that completely eschewed capitalism for the art, and impoverished himself in so doing. I suspect he corrected that somewhat in his later life as a teacher (as many others have done - one-off custom furnituremaking seems to be a lower-paid profession than garbage collector or grocery store clerk).
David,
As several have noted, Krenov's books are little about how and much about why. I have all of his books and enjoy them all.
His books had a profound effect on my woodworking. I studied and built his little hand cranked tool grinder. That in itself changed the way I was approaching wood work.
His books have an almost "religious" quality to them that many don't care for. They definitely underscore the attitude with which he works. I find them entertaining, passionate and very inspirational.
I'm glad I read his work when I did or I might never have bothered to get to the "how". "Why", for me was pretty important.
Regards,
Mack
"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"
Mack, and all,
The books that I read early on that provided inspiration were Eric Sloane's Reverence for Wood, and his Museum of Early American Tools. Just as much romance, and much less self- important puffery.
Ray
There's really only one book: Cabinetmaker's Notebook. The others are more like a collection of blog entries on various subjects, with some having more pictures than others.
That one book, the one he wrote first and the one I'd recommend for you to begin with, is absolutely wonderful. Changed the way I view woodworking, and crafts in general. It's very beautiful stuff. Philosophical and moving.
Anyhow, have a read at your local public library, and see what you think. I'm jealous! I wish I could read it for the first time again.
Best regards,
---Pedro
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