Woodworking The complete step-by-step guide to skills, techniques, and projects

Fourteen years after the first edition of Carpenter's how-to-woodwork book, it's difficult to tell what the additions and deletions might be. Nonetheless, for those with enough rudimentary skills to, say, pinpoint bandsaws from handsaws and lap versus finger joints, this is a resource to depend on. Of most use are the front sections and the frequent sidebars where readers can find information on setting up shop, necessary tools and skills, and charts and tips galore, from first-aid tips to a guide to common drill bits. Separated into furniture and accessories for outdoors, indoors, and kids, the 41 projects are laid out in exquisite detail with color photographs. Plans feature vital statistics: type, overall size, materials, joinery, construction details, cutting list, and finishing options (if appropriate), building time, tools, shopping list, step-by-step instructions, and cutaways with all dimensions. Level of difficulty/skill isn't indicated and short- and longer-term projects seem to be intermingled. Patterns trend toward the traditionally styled, like a butcher-block wine bar and a Shaker-like keepsake box.--Barbara Jacobs Copyright 2019 Booklist