I have quite a woodworking library. I have approximately 35 or more books on woodworking and carpentry. I’ve pretty well read every one of them from cover to cover. In fact, I have quite a library, period as I’m a voracious reader and book collector. Magazines piled everywhere as well, I cannot bring myself to toss a woodworking magazine.
I’m curious about the woodworking community. What in your opinion, is the best woodworking book you’ve ever read? I expect this may be a difficult question to answer (or not), so if you want to list maybe…the best three, whatever, that would be great. I’m sure I’ve missed a few ‘classics’ out there that I should have in my library!
EDIT: I wish I could change the thread title, I realize ‘best’ is an arbitrary term. Which WW book have you enjoyed or benefited the most from, is probably a better question.
Thanks.
Jeff
Edited 1/19/2008 5:48 pm by jeff100
Replies
Asking for the best woodworking book is like asking for the strongest joint....
For me, James Krenov's first three books, taken together, had the most effect.
-Steve
In terms of interesting books, I'd have to go with One Good Turn: The Natural History of the Screwdriver and Screw.
For ispiration, I really enjoy books which show other's work such as 400 Wood Boxes and 500 Wood Bowls by Lark books. They are the ones I spend the most time looking through.
I also find books on wood useful for identifying and determining working properties of woods. I like the Wood Book and World Woods In Colour right now. Hoadley's books are also very good.
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- 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
Jeff,
The best book in woodworking would have to be
"Hewing Contemporary Bowls" by Rip and Tammi Mann.
While other questions in woodworking are open to personal opinion, the question of which woodworking book is the best, is NOT open to opinion or to question. You now have the answer. Now it is time to shut this thread down.
Mel
PS - on Knots, it is sometimes difficult to know whose words are wise.
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
The Soul of a Tree. George Nakashima.
Oooooooh man, that is some book!
I just got it at the local library and I must say it's a different take than I'm used to. A definite read!
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
I would break the responses into 2 categories: Reference and Inspirational.
The books I refer to most frequently are from a Taunton set. (who else?)t:
"Joinery", "Jigs and Fixtures", Furniture and Cabinet Construction" and "Shaping Wood".
My inspirations come from life rather than books. Hope this helps.
Frosty
"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
Sounds like you are no beginner but, having taught from many woodowrking texts in public schools, I like "Industrial Arts Woodworking" by John Feirer for beginners and "Technical Woodworking" by Groneman and Glazener for more advanced. Since my retirement, my daughter gave me a book that I find useful titled "Encyclopedia of Furniture Making" by Earnest Joyce from Barnes and Noble. I have an old reference from the government printing office titled "The Wood Handbook" that I would never be without. It is not about woodworking as such but all about statistics on wood itself. This is strictly a reference book.
ONLY 35 books.... There are HUNDREDS of woodworking books out there. Your question is too broad. You would probably get better answers if you asked 'what is the best book for Arts & Crafts furniture' or any narrower topic. It's like asking 'who is the best doctor?' without specifying an area of medicine. The best 'foot doctor' would be of little help if you needed a good (great) cardiologist. There was a thread about two or three years ago where 'Knotheads' were asked to submit the name of their favorite woodworking books. The originator of the thread then went through the responses and posted a list, broken down into many categories. If someone remembers, or can point us to that list, it may give Jeff100 a better answer than what has been posted here. SawdustSteve
Thanks everyone...so far...I have edited my OP with this: I wish I could change the thread title, I realize 'best' is an arbitrary term. Which WW book have you enjoyed or benefited the most from, is probably a better question...Only 35 books? Yes, my library is but a meager representation. There are hundreds of books, probably thousands written about woodworking and wood. It is not possible for me to own even a fraction of them all. Nor am I aware of most, which is the reason for this thread. I intentionally did not want to narrow the focus. That would exclude books that, while outside of my current interest, are very much worth reading, nonetheless, and especially to others as well.Personally I prefer recommendations over blindly searching a cross reference. I hold this community in high regard. As such, I was hoping these recommendations would become a valuable reference to myself and as importantly, others. Especially those relatively new to woodworking. Sort of a recommended readings about woodworking, recommended by woodworkers.Lastly I agree with the post about wisdom. I am a believer in the adage that one's first step in wisdom is to question everything.Thanks again to all for your time and recommendations...Jeff
Edited 1/19/2008 5:49 pm by jeff100
Now I have a hundred or so and enjoy all the various points of view. But my tag is authors, if it was written by Charles Hayward, Mr Becksvoort, Mr Tolpin, Mr Peters, Sam Allen, Alf Martenson and others too numerous to list, then I know I will continue to learn and very likely be entertained.
By my reckoning if anything I am reading is boring, then no matter that the content is worthy I find interest waning and a senior moment creeping up on me. This does not apply when I read my own posts of course.
How 'bout the Richard Jones bestseller, "100 Reasons Why American Beer Beats British Beer Handsdown..."
As for wwing...Jeffery Greene 's American Furniture of the 18th Century is a good one...As is the Colonial Williamsburg Collection...
Now thats an oxymoron if ever there was one, "American Beer".
Just kidding.
"Why American Beer Beats British Beer Handsdown"
A very thin and easy to write book I'd guess. Perhaps it would stretch to, oh, hmm, maybe a whole two pages of A4 using a large typeface, and three or four photographs, ha, ha. Slainte.
Richard Jones Furniture
Edited 1/23/2008 8:43 am by SgianDubh
You deserve to have your fingerprints planed off on a jointer, ha ha.
Ouch!
And why did this old thread deserve resurrection anyway, ha, ha? Slainte.richardjonesfurniture.com
Richard,
In my new disguise as a cat-ghost, I opine that there are spooks running about Knots doing naughty things. They spotted your lip-curl at American beer and reminded everyone of the terrible slander you have issued. Troublemakers! Cuh!!
In defence of the two good American beers I have found (it would be a wunnerful project to review them all) I found that the Goose Island stuff is top-notch with the San Francisco steam stuff a close second. Of course, I have not tested them all so any colonists who wish to offer up a few bottles of other amber nectars (or any coloured nectar) may send a crate of each nominated brew to:
Lataxe, of pussycat ghost-town, Angland
PS I will write a report about them all when I become able to hit the right keys again, in a year or so.
PPS I have no idea how I became Korky Kat, hence the cat-ghost theory. How did he get from Galgate into the Taunton server, eh, eh!?
It seemed to me that you were deriding Krenov because he got old and suffered the pangs of old age that, In one way or other we must all suffer. A rather low blow. But then again It might just be that Brit humor thing. Or perhaps a little enviousness ?
bcool, are you refering back to my post on the thin beer book to which you responded, and I subsequently responded to you with "ouch"? I have no idea how you construe a comment on beer to be a comment on Krenov.
If you are now responding on the different subject of Krenov I have no idea how you concluded that I derided him because he got old; was it perhaps my reference to the recent death of Alan Peters?
There was no strange Brit humour. I said that I don't understand why many people are inspired by him, and said why, ie, I find his prose too irritating to wade through for a selection of reasons, eg, I find it insipid and aimless. If I can't or won't voluntarily read his words how can I 'get' whatever it is that does inspire people? Slainte.
richardjonesfurniture.com
Edited 11/4/2009 7:22 pm by SgianDubh
Richard,
Never diss a WW saint or the faithful will have ye in their ducking stool or perhaps even tied to the stoning pillar! The faithful are not keen on examining the feet of them saints (even though they sit at them) in case some clay becomes evident.
Also, it is often worthwhile to view a public figure as a being of many parts. For example, I feel that Alan Peters the author fares poorly aside Alan Peters the craftsman, as in the first role he is merely competant whilst his work with wood (rather than words) is quite inspiring. (A personal jusgement, of course; made as I finish reading his "Cabinet Making - The Professional Approach").
Let us not forget either the influence of publishers and printers upon an author's original work. Like you, I have only ever attempted one Krenov book so can't really comment on that, although I concur with your general observations. However, Alan Peter's book is definitely degraded by poor publishing (and perhaps editing) standards - too much low-contrast B&W with a few blurry coloured prints; too many large blocks of sometimes rambling text.
*****
At bottom I find that books which celebrate or emphasise the personality of the author far too distracting and generally annoying. I couldn't give a toss about their personalities, which cannot be truely known via a book anyway.
It's their woodwork that matters - what can they teach me; what is inspiring; what of their modes is worth copying? These modes may involve certain attitudes of mind but it is often more about how those attitudes express as behaviour with design, tool-use and so forth. I find mere "adoption of an attitude" to be of little practical worth unless it's explained how that attitude manifests in WW techniques and practices.
Yes, this is why I read books - to fillter out and copy the good advice. What else are they for? I know, selling in large numbers, perhaps by making the personality of the author a facinating fashion fad. But this purpose is of no interest to me as a canny skeptical customer.
Lataxe (no longer possesed by the ghost of his cat Korky).
I guess an apology is due to you, Richard. I did A search on James Krenov when I heard of his passing. After a post that praised one of his books, the next post was yours about the beer book. Putting the fact of Jim krenov losing his sight near the end, and mistaking your comment on the beer book as a ridicule of Krenov's books, I sent you the offensive comment. The later post, that you didn't care for his writing, only fueled the fire. After your last post to me I went back and found my error. James Krenov was like a father figure to many and I was saddened, and anxious to find info on his demise, in the rush I failed to observe the obvious. Once again, please accept my apology .Buck D
bcool, no problem. I was puzzled more than anything. Time to move on I'd say. Slainte.richardjonesfurniture.com
Among the many ww books out there, I too find Krenov to be a little nauseating. He waxes far too poetically about how wood "speaks to him" and lets him know how to proceed with work. It's great for everyone to have reverence for wood, but his words are over the top, a bit much. And part of mastering this line of work is mastering the material, not vice-versa.
That said, his contribution is noteworthy, though due in part to the era of nascent interest in woodworking that he exploited in a timely fashion.Expert since 10 am.
Jeff
Good thread. Many can look at this and see a book that perhaps they've overlooked, or didn't even know about.
I have an extensive woodworking library, but one of my favorites is "The Handplane Book", by Garrett Hack.
For reference, I frequently check " The World's Woods in Color", as well as Hoadley's book "Understanding Wood".
Jeff Jewitt's book on "Finishing", (our friends and hosts at Taunton Books) is also an outstanding reference for me, and finds its way to my lap frequently.
Those who don't like the thread don't need to read it, or reply.
Jeff
First and foremost, Tage Frid’s trilogy with the first one on joinery being the most important. As to inspiration, “Sam Maloof, Woodworker”.
Jeff,
You might be interested as a book collector in a site I posted in the BX or Conduit thread.
Jim
WOODWORKING TECHNIQUES: Joints and their applications. R.J. DeCristoforo.
I built a small bookcase and found I have more books than bookcase. The "best" book is the one that answers you question clearly and concisely.
The Unknown Craftsman
by
Soetsu Yanagi
Well Jeff, when I started my journey to become a professional, I was inspired by Krenov's books. Then after studying with one of Tage Frid's original students for a year, I was intoduced to Tage Frid's trilogy. These are definately go to books when your stuck. I still refert to Krenov's books also, but almost five years after my studys I'm finding books all the time that inspire as well as advise or teach. I guess the answer is FOR NOW The Unknown Craftsman is one tht has inspired me the most, while Tage Frid's series still continues to inform and expand my creative problem solving. Great Disscussion!
Adam
Edited 1/21/2008 10:28 am ET by ak
1) Does the Rockler catalog count?
2) Inspiration - my granddaughter! Cradle, crib, highchair, toybox... to come - bed, rocker, toys, toys and more toys!
Hmmm...In no particular order-Just some favorites.
Nakashima...The soul of a tree
Sloan...A reverence for wood
400 Wood boxes...Lark publishing
Yeung Chan...Classic Joints with power tools
Doug Stowe...Box making (Taunton)
Yeah, all the Sloan books are full of interesting tidbits...
My favorite.."A Reverence for Wood" by Eric Sloane
I am going to have to say that A Cabinetmaker's Notebook by James Krenov is the best, and most life changing woodworking book I have ever read. So far i have read it three times and gain constant inspiration from both the work and words of the aged master of this craft James Krenov. I highly recomend it as, and im going for the cleche' here, as a book that tells you not how to build a piece, but why to make it.
View Image
For someone just starting out...and wanting to nail down all the basics, especially hand tool work...I think there is one best book...Peter Korn's Basic Woodworking. He even takes you through a series of projects...covers joinery, tools, etc...a real classic.
For inspiration and philosophy, I think we all agree on Krenov. There really isn't even much debate there.
How about worst ever? I bought some of those "build furniture with 2 x 4's" and while they had good intentions...they were truly awful.
"For inspiration and philosophy, I think we all agree on Krenov. There really isn't even much debate there."
I'm afraid not. I've always found his writing insipid, aimless and distinctly uninspiring. I've never been able to read more than two or three pages of his text before extreme irritation sets in and the urge to close the book (or worse) becomes irresistible, after which it's all too easy to leave the tome forever closed and gathering dust.
I suspect that may be something to do with my training as a furniture designer and maker back in the 1970s and before Krenov made a name for himself, coupled with the fact that I'm British and we already have our own furniture making icons that we look up to. I believe it is true to say that Krenov holds greater sway with British woodworkers that have come into woodworking, as either professionals or amateurs, since about the the mid 1980s-- but we still have our British icons such as the recently deceased Alan Peters. Slainte.
richardjonesfurniture.com
Edited 11/4/2009 5:08 pm by SgianDubh
note-I had to look up "insipid" so take my opinion for what is worth.
Certainly see some of what you are saying Richard.
However, for every negative comment about Krenov, I've seen 10 that claim his writing in 'Notebook inspired their entire approach to their craft.
Personally, I never cared for his cabinets and I laugh everytime I see someone who went to C. of Redwoods because his style shines through in their work. Predictable would be the word.
But his philosophy in 'Notebook was inspiring to me.
Many furniture designers and makers have been, and are, inspired by Krenov. I acknowledge his contribution to the furniture making community in that respect. I simply cannot fathom out what it is that so many woodworkers find so inspiring because I seem to be immune to whatever it is that charms them. Slainte.richardjonesfurniture.com
A checkbook!
Excellent. First book in the library :)As to the rest, I find that Alan Peters is way up there and a bulk of the rest that are non-reference, period/style collections or coffee table specials seem to be, for the most part, redundant. (and really poorly bound)
Even many of the reference ones are also just rehashes by ww publishers or au courant ww luminaries.
I find myself more attracted to books relating to style than to the mechanics. Also to historic viewpoints.I think there are a few stages woodworkers go through and most books are hallmarks along the way. You could almost arrange them on a shelf in that order.First, that of discovery and inquiry. A 30 minute first exposure to Norm or an HGTV program. A glance at "Wood" magazine at the Supermarket rack. The old guy next door. The Popular Mechanics "One plywood sheet boat".
It's a little like the "deer in the headlights" look at first exposure to the tool bin at a big diy store. The "Ginsu Chisel five pack and the DeRigid multi-tool Christmas Collection" or the "1000 yard Lie-Nielsen Stare" at Highland Hardware stage.
It also starts as "I need a job and there is an opening at The Guy Who Makes Things Antiques". Then onto acquisition of mechanical knowledge and practice with the production of more simple work in that journey. Utility work for the home such as beds and stands and bowls. Presents. 90 degree angle things.
This the age of "MiddleWood", the time of serious tool acquisition.
Sometime during that stage there is the "epiphany of wood" and the vision of harmony ( Naskahima, Krenov etc).
Om, Om.Now there comes the transition. Many now choose woodworking as hobby and also profession. Many also abandon it as other interests or family demands change goals.It is shortly after this point that we stop using purple heart and ebony in adjacent layers. The ebb and flow of the wood becomes increasing important as does the choice of finish for presentation. The senses of emotion gradually over ride the senses of completion. Perfection is not simply completion.The last step would be ignition of the appreciation of style and that of experimentation with personal vision of future work. That perfection is unattainable. At that point, all is in place.Then you buy a Euroslider.BB
A contact book with your contact info in it at an upscale gallery that has a high turn over of the furniture style that you make.
roc
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )
Bruce Hoadley's "Understanding Wood".
http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Woodworking-Tools-Tradition-Spirit/dp/0941936465/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257389660&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Nick-englers-woodworking-wisdom-Engler/dp/0762101792
The third one is really hard but looking back to my earliest adult interest in woodworking this is the "Book" that impressed upon me that there is amature messing around wood working and then there is FINE woodworking. The kind of furniture that makes you forget to breath while you look it over. So any of many volumes of this
http://www.amazon.com/Fine-Woodworking-Techniques-Book-Bk/dp/0918804027
Thank you FWW
roc
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )
My personal favorite: "A Reverence for Wood" by Eric Sloane. It's the history of woodworking in the New World as told in an interesting storytelling method.
The book with the most oily fingerprints and ragged edges is "The Furniture of Gustav Stickley" by Bavaro & Mossman.
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