If anyone is interested I just found a site with the most amazing collection of tool,hardware,machine, and woodworking books and catalogs that I’ve ever seen.
I only managed to get a mere fraction of the way through one page before I had to just say NO!
They are mostly reprints and some originals of very old catalogs and even books chock-full of detailed shop plans for work tables,benches and so forth. Lots of books with old tools and inventions that are long since obselete or never quite made it in the first place.
If you love old school tools and machines as I do I thin you might like it.
http://www.mjdtools.com/books/catalog.htm
I hope it’s Alright to post this here. I’m not trying to advertise or anything……just excited that’s all.
Also anyone who could share some info on decent books or articles with me that are fairly simple (as I am a complete novice) mostly about beginners type stuff ie….fundamentals of woodworking or related material specifically dealing with the construction of decorative boxes….I’d love to hear about it.
Replies
Zen,
Attached is a list of books I grabbed off here about a year ago. I'm not sure who posted it orginally...many of these are at the library.
BG,
One extraordinary woodworing book that I didn't see on your otherwise excellent list is "American Furniture of the 18th Century" by Jeffrey Greene (pub. Taunton).
This book should be a staple in every woodworker's library - even if not interested in 18th c. American furniture - because it contains lots of useful information from which all woodworkers will benefit; e.g., there's a terrific section that tells you exactly how to determine the dimensions of a project from nothing more than a photograph. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
Right on folks!
Thanks for the info.
I'm really trying to only make purchases these days that I know I'll utilize for years to come......for the simple fact that my house is full of useless crap that I can't get rid of because of one obscure sentimental reason or another.
So now I know what to look for, minus the endless gobs of mediocre material out there.
Thanks for the list BG- being that it is Sunday I reckon I'll walk down to the library and see what I can find......I've got a new bandsaw that I don't know much about so ther'es at least a couple of books on your list that I'll search for. Actually they all look pretty good.
And Mr Jazzdog Sir- always commin' through with helpful info...thanks! That technique you mentioned is something I was taught a few years back by the man who taught me about signmaking back when I was a wee little signmakers apprentice. It is truly a usefull skill, assuming we are talking about the same technique. A matter of being able to scale things a certain way is what I was taught...to put it simply.
keep 'em commin'
Zen,
My wife is the purchaser and hoarder of all kinds of printed matter. I can't say anything cause I'm the same way with wood. But I printed off the list and made sure SWMBO was aware of its existence...hopefully, no more "Black & Deckers Ten Projects to Beautify the Home"...gees!
Ha! SWMBO......lmao!
'yer mighty welcome my friend.
I myself just received in the mail today my first ever set of LeeValley/Veritas Tools Catalog.
My lord!! Talk about great porn! There's stuff in there that I have no idea what purpose it serves that I want to buy just because it looks so damn cool!
But more relevantly there are of course several items that an aspiring young (<----using the term loosely) woodcrafter such as myself really ought to have.
It's funny, I moved out here (Maryland) from California to build my dream art studio, and it is rapidly becoming at least in part a wood shop as well. The studio aspect will never go and I am always expanding and updating in order to further my livelihood as an artist (Graphics/Signage/Illustration,etc.) But this woodworking thing has really gotten a hold of my heart I must say.
And in all honesty guys......I have yet to even start my "first" project. All I've done around here involving wood is a few repairs and built a couple of storage bins outta' 2X's and made a tiled table top. But in the process I've been researching many aspects of woodworking, including chatting it up with all of you and by golly....I can't stop sketching out designs and thinking up all kinds of projects that have got me really excited. So basically I've just been stocking up on tools and various essentials....often based on suggestions I receive in here and soon I'll be ready to rip! (pun intended)
Thanks to all of you for your help and encouragement, now, and in the future
P.S. I somewhat relate to your wife as when I was running printing presses I used constantly "accidently" run off a few too many copies of anything I found interesting. The result of which is a shameful collection of full filing cabinets. Origami anyone?
Thank you for the link.. It will keep me busy for awhile....
Found a newer edition of your book on Bookfinder.com- Has over 6500 items, sposed to be fully illustrated- About another $10, I think it said- I wonder is there an end to it?
Slow down guys! Martin Donnelly has been travelling the world accumulating the cream of the crop of old tools, and publishing these tool catalogs for years. He has buyers stationed all over the world, and if you have ever been seriously outbid on a desireable old tool at a local auction .... keep your eyes on his catalog or the twice weekly illustrated internet tool list, for you might soon see that very item posted there! He's not alone, but he now dominates the business, and has bought out the competitive auction companies, which he continues to operate ..... quite efficiently, I might add. I have purchased items from him that otherwise would be unobtainable..... his specialty. He has an auction in New Hampshire July 8,9.
Enjoy his material, but I suggest you visit the Mid-West Tool collectors website http://www.mwtca.org/, connect from there to an association near you, and slip in on the ground floor to learn the ropes. There are local meetings year-round that can provide you quality user tools .... and better .... for a fraction of the cost. In fact, the dealers and outdoor tailgate sessions that accompany Donnelly's auctions and local meetings are worth the trip!
Enjoy the eye-candy, but take it slow.
John in Texas
I saw a book on something like '400 little boxes' or something like that..
No instructions.. BUT PLENTY of ideas!
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