Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 12, 2009 06:17pm | #1

   There's bound to be a great amount of overlap between the books. The table of contents of "Great Wood Finishes" seems to be more complete than the "Complete Illustrated Guide", however.

   I have a similar problem or frustration with finishing. Perhaps that stems from my resistance to the idea that there is as much (or more) science and magic to finishing as there is to making the piece in the first place. I've been tempted at various times to solve the issue with spray cans of flat black paint. ;-)

1. 
   citrouille | Dec 12, 2009 06:24pm | #2

   I strongly recommend "Wood Finishing" by George Frank.C.

1. 
   miserybob | Dec 14, 2009 03:45pm | #9

   Citrouille - there appear to be about a half-dozen reprints/edits of that book...  do you recommend a particular printing? When was it initially published?

   Thanks!

1. 
   citrouille | Dec 14, 2009 08:47pm | #10

   I have the 1988 edition and I believe it's the first.
   This is a book on traditional finishes and French Polish is the main subject together with some very interesting chapters on the use of dies and stains, texturing etc.
   I think anybody interested in advanced finishing will treasure it as I do.
   My furniture is finished exclusively with FP, this is the only book that treats the subject thoroughly.C.

2. 
   jonnieboy | Dec 12, 2009 08:49pm | #4

   Ralph,

   I've personally heard more about Great Wood Finishes than the other. I'll probably go with that. I'll wait and see what others say.

   Hey... Idea! When I worked for the C&NW Railroad years ago, we rebuilt traction motors and dipped them in a huge tank of varnish. It was a little smaller than a dumpster. Press the hoist button, dunk. Press the button again, up she rises. Let it hang there dripping awhile, hop on the fork truck and take it over and pop it in the oven. 

   Hmm, where can I get a fork truck and dumpster?

   Talk to you soon, Ralph.

    

2. 
   Taigert | Dec 12, 2009 06:59pm | #3

   I don't think you could go wrong with both of those books, Jewit is great in the way he teaches. And I have never had any complaint with any of the books  have from Taunton.

   I would not recommend anyone buying any of the books written on finishing by Michael Dressnor. IMHO His books are as poorly written as his in person presentations. I looked forward to hear what he had to say about finishing, and it turned out to be a waste of time. Our school brought him in and all he really wanted to talk about was himself. Within the first 15 mins of his lecture 1/2 the students had decided to find some thing else to do. I didn't last much longer. It was a huge disappointment, the student council pays for the speakers to come to the school and it was unanimous to not ask him to return again.

   You will enjoy both the books your looking at getting. It's kind of hard to say which you will get more out of, not knowing what your looking for.

   Taigert 

3. 
   paulbny | Dec 12, 2009 11:23pm | #5

   Jonnie,

   Teri Masaschi came and spoke at our club last month.  It was very educational, I only wish I'd had the time to take her class.  Her book has been very educational for me.  I would recommend it.

   http://www.amazon.com/Foolproof-Wood-Finishing-Those-Finish/dp/1565233034/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260648945&sr=8-11#noop

    

    

   Often in error but NEVER in doubt! 

1. 
   jonnieboy | Dec 13, 2009 01:39am | #6

   Paul,

   I'll look into this book further.  I've never heard of it before, but "fool-proof" has a very seductive sound to it.

   --jonnieboy

4. 
   mlbfreestyle | Dec 13, 2009 10:46pm | #7

   I have both the Bob Flexner and Jeff Jewitt books. Flexner gives some great technical insight into finishes and how they work. I think Jeff's book is geared more toward providing some good recipes for specific finish types along with some of the science.

1. 
   jonnieboy | Dec 13, 2009 11:04pm | #8

   Thanks, MLB. I'll be getting a couple of the suggestions here.

   -jonnieboy