Hello.
While the turkey cooks, I thought I’d register and post an initial message with a request for basic info. I’m an older guy — former teacher — who’s been a homeowner and a do-it-yourselfer for years. I’ve done basic things like build shelves and make household repairs of different kinds. I’ve used table saws, portable circular saws, drill presses, hand drills, and a variety of hand tools. Nevertheless, I’m no skilled craftsman. (For years I had a small workshop in my garage, but no power tools other than a circular saw and hand drill.)
A few months ago my wife and I relocated to a “senior oriented” condo complex. I joined a woodworking group. We have a very well equipped shop, and I’ve been inspired to try my hand at a few projects. So far all has gone well — or at least as well as could be expected. The folks in the club are more than willing to answer questions, but I feel badly about interrupting their work, so I try not to be a pest.
I feel like I’m re-inventing the wheel, because I’m just discovering techniques long known to others. To make up the gap, I’ve gotten many books from the library. Most are not good because the authors’ instructions and guidelines fall victim to the COIK error: Clear Only If Known. Sometimes, by piecing together advice from several sources, I can get the answers I want, but it’s inefficient and painful. And sometimes the advice seems contradictory.
Hence my request. I’ve seen references to Tage Frid’s books on joinery and general woodworking. Are they geared to beginners? Are they good choices for someone like me? Can anyone recommend other books that are clear and explicit — presuming little without being insulting?
I’ve bought Guidice’s Seven Essentials of Woodworking, which is explicit enough but he is a hand-tools advocate, so his discussions, while useful, presume no or very few power tools. I’ve also bought Moser’s Making Shaker Furniture. I like his discussions of woods and their characteristics, as well as what he has to say about tools and techniques, but his measured drawings presume knowledge I lack.
I’d appreciate any suggestions on books or other sources of info that would fill in the gaps.
I also have a specific need that grows out of a current project: I’ve built a box for a small recessed medicine cabinet. That sits in the wall and is just fine. (It is not fixed in place, of course; I can remove it at will as I complete the project.)
I am now working out the plans for a raised panel door (roughly 17x 13). I’d like to match the doors that are on the vanity already in the bathroom. I’ve removed a door, studied it carefully, read a lot, done several drawings, and written instructions to myself that run a few pages. Still, the more I learn the more I discover sources of errors I hadn’t thought about.
Is there one decent and comprehensive source of info on constructing a raised panel door? My ideal book is one that is not LIMITED to raised panel doors, but that carries a beginner through several typical projects — introducing terminology, tools and techniques on an “as-needed” basis. Thanks!
Hope everyone’s holiday is pleasant.
Joe
Replies
Joe,
Tage's books are appropriate for anyone at any level of woodworking experience. He was a marvelous teacher and excellent writer.
Taunton has a great wealth of books, all of which you would find useful. I recommend 3 as absolute "Must Haves:"
1. Fine Woodworking on Boxes, Carcases and Drawers
2. Tables and Chairs, The Best of Fine Woodworking
3. Practical Design, Solutions and Strategies, Key advice for sound construction.
Also, Bruce Hoadley's, "Understanding Wood," is indispensible.
Each of these books has articles on specific projects and the skills and techniques needed to carry out those projects. But each article discusses many general issues. Spend time reading through these books and comparing advice from diferent points of view about the same or different tasks and you will have gained considerable understanding of the craft.
Of course, that's all just "book larnin," and it all doesn't mean a thing until you start making sawdust yourself.
I'm sure others will recommend their favorite resources.
Rich
Thanks, Rich. I'll check out these authors anf titles.
Joe
Joe
A search of these pages may also assist you as I remeber a discussion on raised panel door making about a year ago. Feel free to ask on this board if you strike a problem.
Gotta go it's time to work, all the best,
Don
Will do. Thanks!
Joe
Here is a book I think you will find most useful, also by Taunton Press:
http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070674.asp
Thanks for providing the link. The book looks like it's on the mark. Thanks for the suggestion.
Joe
I don't think there is any one book that will do the job you're asking. It is too subjective and there are too many variables.
Rather, I would urge you to spend an afternoon in your library or bookstore, and carefully peruse the offerings with all the analytical skills you learned as a teacher. First, you want to look through the table of contents to see if the author covers topics of interest to you at this stage of your woodworking. Second you want to read a section or two of the book;
as you know, some people are adept teachers, others are not. Pick the books that cover what you need and make sense to you.
Don't forget that woodworking is a discipline every bit as rigorous as any academic field. The more time and effort you invest, the more you will begin to grasp the complexities and intricacies of woodworking.
Also, I would urge you to check out the magazine, Woodsmith. Their projects are pitched toward the beginning/intermediate level, and I think they generally do an excellent job in teaching the skills/techniques required for a project -- like making a raised panel door. Both Woodcraft and Rockler usually stock back issues which you can page through -- or you can mail order directly from Woodsmith.
You might also consider taking a course or two; most communities offer a variety of woodworking courses, and some are quite inexpensive.
Good luck, and I hope you will come back here with questions as they arise for you.
Thanks. You sound like a teacher yourself! You're right about the rigor and discipline involved in woodworking. Unfortunately, academics have a habit of denigrating "the trades" until they try their hand at them! I'll check out the magazine Woodsmith; sounds ideal.
Joe
Books can be very helpful, but nothing beats a human explaining or demonstrating something, at least for me. I don't know how the others in your group would react, but if I were there, I'd spend as much time as you needed if you asked for help. Maybe you should just ask some of the guys if they would mind taking you under their wings.
Club members have been terrific, and I'm grateful for that. You're right about "hands on" learning. Reading helps, but it's not "doing"!
Joe
JI -
I have the three (I think that's all he wrote) books by Mr. Frid. I have them by my bedside along with other reading. Periodically I'll dig one out and re-read it. Over and over. As one person mentioned, he's not only a master craftsman but a highly entertaining writer. While I don't do as much hand work as he advocates, his books have encouraged and guided me to try more of it.
I wouldn't suggest that you'll get *all* the answers to *all* your questions just from what Mr. Frid has written. Read everything you can get your hands on. But I would definitely encourage you to add his books to your own personal permanent library.
From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.
Dennis
Frid's books are clearly "must reading". Thanks!
Joe
Hello there
I'd heartily recommend 'The technique of furniture making' by Ernest Joyce ISBN 0 7134 8814X. This book has and will continue to be a great reference that has helped me develop or test solutions to many of the woodworking challenges I have experienced.
Additionally, James Krenov' books are wonderful, advocating a spiritual approach to crafting furniture. More than most, Krenov promotes the core principal of seeing wood as an enduring piece of nature that must be worked with and direction taken from. This general approach whilst not always practical does seem to set ones mind at a different level and aid problem solving. If you were to buy just one of his books I'd go with 'The impractical cabinet maker' ISBN 0 9419 36511
kind regards Iain
Thanks for recomending Joyce's books and Krenov's Impractical Cabinet Maker; I'll take a look at ithem Krenov's approach as you describe it reminds me of Persig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. . . .
Joe
Edited 11/26/2004 9:02 am ET by jihhwood
Joe you're welcome...Krenov to my mind is stunningly inspirational. I'd love to have time in his company...if only to better understand his approach. That said I guess you'll already be experiencing the value of this site based upon the level and quality of response. This whole site will prove an invaluable resource, guys at our level though to renowned professionals and academics spend time here and are most helpful....have fun Iain
Peter Korn's Basic Woodworking is terrific. While the project undertaken in the book is a simple Shaker step-stool, Korn takes you through all of the necessary steps for any project beginning with how to make the wood flat, straight and square, then on to edge-joining wood, dovetails and mortise and tenon.
Also look in the classified ads in Fine Woodworking and take one of the basic courses offered by a number of woodworking schools.
Or design you own apprenticeship. Start by preparing stock flat, straight and square using rough lumber to start. The get two boards, cut dovetails in one and pins in the other, get them to fit. Cut them off and do it all over again. After a few dozen you should be really good. Same for mortise and tenon. Get two boards, mortise one, tenon the other and adjust them to fit. The Korn book tells you how to mark out both dovetails and mortise/tenon as do many other books. Just do it over and over until you know how to do it.
Then pick a project and get to work! Good luck.
Your suggestions and Korn's project sound like they'll serve me well. Thank you for the suggestions.
Joe
Also, take a look at the thread New to Woodworking - Take a Course. Lots of good advice there.
I didn't know there was a "New to Woodworking" Thread. Thanks!
Joe
Maybe someone suggested it before me, but check out; Cabinetmaking and Millwork by John L Feirer(ISBN# 0-02-675950-0). It is a school(text)book.
Good luck with your new hobby, but remember to be patient, nothing really comes easily. I think you'll find that the other folks you work with will be happy to impart a bit of their wisdom on you, but like you say, careful not to be a pest. :^}
Edited 11/26/2004 4:59 pm ET by DAVE HEINLEIN
Welcome aboard Joe..
The others have already listed some fine books. Personally, back when I was in your position, I found that asking questions here helped a lot. I've often benefited from the wealth of experience, both here at Knots, and by browsing the FWW online pages; some of the video clips are worth their weight in gold.
As to reinventing the wheel, it might help to point out that each and every one of us here had to learn from scratch, all of us depending on the time, guidance and experience of others. It seems only fair to help pass that on to newcomers, irrespective of their age.
The only rule I know of here, is Don't be afraid to ask. You'll find that you'll get a range of answers, each offering a solution based on personal perspective; the key is to filter the solutions you feel will work best for you. If they don't work first time, maybe we can offer some guidance as to what went wrong, help you understand the prob and how to avoid it next time.
Hope to hear from you again soon....
Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
I'll go with Mike on this one. Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't be surprised when you hear (read?) several ways to do something. As I'm sure you've heard (and probably said a few times)........ "There are no stupid questions"
Reading books and magazine articles can be very useful and I've picked up a lot by watching Norm on New Yankee Workshop. Those guys in your co-op probably don't mind the interuptions as much as you think and you can always tell them it's ok to shoo you away if they're really busy at the moment.
The real key (I think) is to practice, practice, practice. Don't try to build a fancy entertainment center as your first project - stick to something simple like a jewelry box or some shelves. (Of course, you'll soon find that making a perfectly square box ain't really all that simple - lol)
I don't think my wife has ever figured out how much pine I've used up over the years just practicing.
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