100 Best Carpentry Books of All Time
We've researched and ranked the best carpentry books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more
Featuring recommendations from James Altucher, Charlamagne Tha God, Jack Dorsey, and 20 other experts. 1
In The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best. less
Jack DorseyQuestion: What are the books that had a major influence on you? Or simply the ones you like the most. : Tao te Ching, score takes care of itself, between the world and me, the four agreements, the old man and the sea...I love reading! (Source)
Charlamagne Tha GodThese are the books I recommend people to listen to on @applebooks. (Source)
Karlie KlossI just think it’s got a lot of great principles and ideas. (Source)
2
With abundant, full-color diagrams and an easy-to-understand writing style, the DEWALT CARPENTRY AND FRAMING COMPLETE HANDBOOK, Second Edition, is an ideal resource to help today�s students master the basics of carpentry and framing. The text is logically organized to provide a comprehensive, yet concise, introduction to the trade, from foundations and floors to walls, rafters, and roofs--as well as special topics such as stairs, railings, porches, and decks. In addition, students can take advantage of the free DEWALT Mobile Pro� app, a construction calculator with integrated reference... more
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A complete course in basic framing, including information on tools, plans, codes, permits, lumber and materials.
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Featuring each piece in highly-detailed, exploded drawings and applying time-honored dimension and ergonomic standards, this comprehensive visual sourcebook takes the guesswork out of furniture joinery, assembly, dimension, and style. Woodworkers of any skill level will benefit from more than 1,300 crisp and detailed drawings that explain classic solutions to age-old problems, such as hanging a drawer, attaching a tabletop, and pegging a mortise. Covering hundreds of pieces of furniture, including kitchen cabinets, dining tables, desks, bookcases, and chests, readers will unlock the mysteries... more
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After two New York Times bestsellers, Nick Offerman returns with the subject for which he's known best—his incredible real-life woodshop.
Nestled among the glitz and glitter of Tinseltown is a testament to American elbow grease and an honest-to-god hard day’s work: Offerman Woodshop. Captained by hirsute woodworker, actor, comedian, and writer Nick Offerman, the shop produces not only fine handcrafted furniture, but also fun stuff—kazoos, baseball bats, ukuleles, even mustache combs.
Now Nick and his ragtag crew of champions want to share their... more
Nestled among the glitz and glitter of Tinseltown is a testament to American elbow grease and an honest-to-god hard day’s work: Offerman Woodshop. Captained by hirsute woodworker, actor, comedian, and writer Nick Offerman, the shop produces not only fine handcrafted furniture, but also fun stuff—kazoos, baseball bats, ukuleles, even mustache combs.
Now Nick and his ragtag crew of champions want to share their... more
7
The latest Scandinavian publishing phenomenon is not a Stieg Larsson–like thriller; it’s a book about chopping, stacking, and burning wood that has sold more than 200,000 copies in Norway and Sweden and has been a fixture on the bestseller lists there for more than a year. Norwegian Wood provides useful advice on the rustic hows and whys of taking care of your heating needs, but it’s also a thoughtful attempt to understand man’s age-old predilection for stacking wood and passion for open fires. An intriguing window into the exoticism of Scandinavian culture, the book also features... more
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With more than 1,800 drawings, diagrams and photos, this authoritative guide encompasses the whole art and craft of woodworking. Designed to instruct and inspire every woodworker from the beginner to the most exacting expert, it has become a classic. It includes a discussion of all the principal hardwoods and softwoods, how to choose and use hand tools, detailed information on every woodworking technique--jointing, bonding, fastening, laminating, and much more. less
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A complete guide to the tools used by a shokunin, or master Japanese craftsman, this book is ideal for both beginning and professional woodworkers. less
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I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.
Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.
Josh... more
Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.
Josh... more
Don't have time to read the top Carpentry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
11
Get the expert guidance you need to become a master woodworker! With 448 pages, more than 1,000 lavish full-color illustrations, easy-to-follow diagrams, and step-by-step instructions to walk you through each and every phase of the process, Woodworking outstrips all competitors in affordability, accessibility, and comprehensiveness. From setting up a workshop to the principles of good design, how to use tools and essential techniques, it's the only reference that aspiring craftsmen need to start creating fantastic woodworking projects right away. This big book covers choosing wood,... more
12
This comprehensive and practical book demystifies the all-important subject of choosing, designing, and cutting woodworking joints. Strong, appropriate, and well-fitting joints are one of the hallmarks of the skilled woodworker. Making them properly requires intelligent planning, accurate marking out, and a sufficient degree of care in the cutting, fitting, and final assembly. A methodical approach is essential, and that is what this book provides. Professional woodworker John Bullar takes us through choosing the appropriate joint for the purpose to assembling finished pieces. We learn about... more
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On a farmlike compound near New Hope, Pennsylvania, George Nakashima, his family, and fellow wood-workers create exquisite furniture from richly grained, rare timber. Tables, desks, chairs, and cabinets from this simple workshop grace the homes and mansions and executive boardrooms of people who prize such excellence. In this lavishly illustrated volume, George Nakashima allows us in intimate look at his artistry, his philosophy, his life. It is the portrait of an artisan who strives to find the ideal use for each plank in order to "create an object of utility to man and, if nature smiles, an... more
14
If you're in need of info on framing construction, look no further. This newly revised and updated edition of our classic visual handbook is loaded with up-to-date code information, the latest material advice, and detailed construction methods. Building on the success of earlier editions--which have sold hundreds of thousands of copies--accomplished architect and teacher Rob Thallon delivers on the details you need to get the job done right.
Covers a broad range of projects. Whether you're setting a foundation,... more
Covers a broad range of projects. Whether you're setting a foundation,... more
Recommended by Alan Pierce, and 1 others. Alan PierceThis book has it all when it comes to modern era wood framing and is a fantastic guide for anyone who wants to get into construction or engineering. (Source)
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"Everyone who designs a house should have to memorize the rules in this book . before being allowed to purchase a drafting pencil. Mac and Charles have managed to consolidate most everything they know about residential design with wit, Clarity, and excellent sketches" -- David Wright, Noted Solar Designer and Environmental Architect * Designing Your Natural House Charles G. Woods and Malcolm Wells As concerns about our mistreatment of the environment keep growing, the trend toward housing that blends with rather than works against natural surroundings continues to accelerate. This important... more
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A faster route to handcrafted results!
In the last few years, there's been a push to return to the roots of woodworking when every step was done with hand tools--from resawing lumber and planing it flat, to cutting joins and creating profiles. Working this way can produce beautiful results, but is it the best method for woodworking in the 21st century?
In Hybrid Woodworking, author and Internet woodworking star Marc Spagnuolo offers a more efficient approach that combines the strength of power-tool and hand-tool techniques. The end result: You save... more
In the last few years, there's been a push to return to the roots of woodworking when every step was done with hand tools--from resawing lumber and planing it flat, to cutting joins and creating profiles. Working this way can produce beautiful results, but is it the best method for woodworking in the 21st century?
In Hybrid Woodworking, author and Internet woodworking star Marc Spagnuolo offers a more efficient approach that combines the strength of power-tool and hand-tool techniques. The end result: You save... more
17
Gardeners, small farmers, and outdoor living enthusiasts will love this compilation of 76 rustic DIY projects. From plant supports and clotheslines to a chicken coop, a greenhouse, and a root cellar with storage bins, most of the projects are suitable for complete novices, and all use just basic tools and easy-to-find materials. You’ll find techniques to build whatever your outdoor world is missing, with additional tips to live sustainably, happily, and independently.
Also available in this series: The Backyard Homestead, The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner, The Backyard... more
Also available in this series: The Backyard Homestead, The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner, The Backyard... more
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Featuring 23 complete home furnishing plans presented with simple, graphic photos and illustrations, BLACK+DECKER Carpentry Made Simple is an interactive introduction to home carpentry: with great designs.
Each carefully selected project contains lessons and valuable tips on skill building and design to help you improve as a DIYer, as you simultaneously create lovely, modern, and even elegant chairs, benches, shelves, cabinets and lots more just pennies on the dollar versus shopping in trendy boutiques.
Carpentry Made Simple is a nonstop carpentry... more
Each carefully selected project contains lessons and valuable tips on skill building and design to help you improve as a DIYer, as you simultaneously create lovely, modern, and even elegant chairs, benches, shelves, cabinets and lots more just pennies on the dollar versus shopping in trendy boutiques.
Carpentry Made Simple is a nonstop carpentry... more
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The Complete Book of Woodworking is a comprehensive guide to help you become a master woodworker and have a house full of hand-made furnishings to show for the effort! Set up shop, understand the tools, learn the principles of basic design, and practice essential woodworking techniques as you complete 40 detailed plans for home accessories, furnishings, outdoor projects, workshop projects, and more! With over 1,200 full-color photographs, step-by-step instructions and illustrations, and helpful diagrams, woodworkers of all levels will enjoy enhancing their skills and learning something... more
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Nina MacLaughlin spent her twenties working at a Boston newspaper, sitting behind a desk and staring at a screen. Yearning for more tangible work, she applied for a job she saw on Craigslist—Carpenter’s Assistant: Women strongly encouraged to apply—despite being a Classics major who couldn't tell a Phillips from a flathead screwdriver. She got the job, and in Hammer Head she tells the rich and entertaining story of becoming a carpenter.
Writing with infectious curiosity, MacLaughlin describes the joys and frustrations of making things by hand, reveals the challenges of... more
Writing with infectious curiosity, MacLaughlin describes the joys and frustrations of making things by hand, reveals the challenges of... more
Don't have time to read the top Carpentry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
23
For more than 18 years, Bob Flexner has been inspiring woodworkers with his writings and teachings on wood finishing. Now, from this best-selling author comes the long-awaited and completely updated second edition of UNDERSTANDING WOOD FINISHING the most practical, comprehensive book on finishing ever published.
The first edition of UNDERSTANDING WOOD FINISHING has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and is widely regarded as the bible of wood finishing. We use UNDERSTANDING WOOD FINISHING as the textbook for our students training to go into the furniture industry,... more
The first edition of UNDERSTANDING WOOD FINISHING has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and is widely regarded as the bible of wood finishing. We use UNDERSTANDING WOOD FINISHING as the textbook for our students training to go into the furniture industry,... more
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Demonstrating how woodworkers can approach the complex job of designing and making built-in cabinets for kitchens, family rooms, and home offices, this how-to handbook provides meticulously detailed shop drawings, instructions, and hundreds of professional tips for saving time, materials, unnecessary aggravation, and money. Bob Lang offers practical, hands-on guidance for building traditional face-frame cabinets as well as constructing contemporary frameless Euro-style cabinets.
“ The author knows his subject…”
—Fine Woodworking Magazine
“You won't find a... more
“ The author knows his subject…”
—Fine Woodworking Magazine
“You won't find a... more
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What if Picasso had been a chair maker and Stravinsky a designer of tables? What would have been the impact of such intense creative talent on twentieth-century furniture? Today there is a man with this quality of profound artistic vision and talent who has devoted his life to making furniture. His name is Sam Maloof, and this book is his life and work told in his own words.
Sam Maloof started making furniture immediately after World War II, when there was very little demand for hand-made objects. His perseverance through 'years of difficulty is a testament to the depth of his love... more
Sam Maloof started making furniture immediately after World War II, when there was very little demand for hand-made objects. His perseverance through 'years of difficulty is a testament to the depth of his love... more
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Create a Beautiful, Modern Home with One-of-a-Kind DIY Furniture
Beds, organizers, Adirondack chairs, a play table, and more! It's easy to build inexpensive, quality furnishings with this indispensible collection of woodworking projects from Ana White, the popular blogger who has inspired millions of homemakers with her stylish furniture plans and DIY spirit. As a young mom on a tight budget, Ana learned to make her own well-designed pieces inspired by the styles in her favorite stores—saving thousands of dollars in the process.
Now, in this reference for woodworkers of all skill... more
Beds, organizers, Adirondack chairs, a play table, and more! It's easy to build inexpensive, quality furnishings with this indispensible collection of woodworking projects from Ana White, the popular blogger who has inspired millions of homemakers with her stylish furniture plans and DIY spirit. As a young mom on a tight budget, Ana learned to make her own well-designed pieces inspired by the styles in her favorite stores—saving thousands of dollars in the process.
Now, in this reference for woodworkers of all skill... more
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This lively introduction to Japanese joinery not only delves lovingly into the unique history and development of Japanese carpentry, but also reveals many secrets of Japanese joinery. Presenting 48 joints, selected from among the several hundred known and used today, this visually exciting book will please anyone who has ever been moved by the sheer beauty of wood.
With the clear isometric projections complementing the 64 pages of stunning photographs, even the weekend carpenter can duplicate these bequests from the traditional Japanese carpenter, which can be applied to projects... more
With the clear isometric projections complementing the 64 pages of stunning photographs, even the weekend carpenter can duplicate these bequests from the traditional Japanese carpenter, which can be applied to projects... more
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For his fifteenth birthday in 1805, young Noah Blake's parents gave him a little leatherbound diary in which he recorded the various activities on his father's farm. This reprint of an actual early nineteenth-century book provides today's readers with a delightful rarity — a view of bygone days through the eyes of a young boy. Eric Sloane has taken the notebook with its brief comments and expanded the daily entries with explanatory narrative and 72 of his own remarkable drawings.
Verbal and graphic sketches detail the construction of an entire backwoods farm as well as such common tasks... more
Verbal and graphic sketches detail the construction of an entire backwoods farm as well as such common tasks... more
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For more than a quarter century, and at more than 350,000 copies sold, this has been the classic book on housebuilding. Now, for the first time since its publication, R.J. DeCristoforo's indispensable guide to home construction has had its own sparkling renovation, with many newly revised drawings, additional photos, and a thoroughly updated text. First-timers tackling the ambitious project of building a house will find the most comprehensive, helpful how-to available: everything is here, from permits to framing to installing trim. Procedures such as positioning doors & windows, laying a... more
Don't have time to read the top Carpentry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
31
Acclaimed designer George Nakashima (1905-1990) is best known for his furniture, which is prized for its superb craftsmanship and its organic use of the natural lines and grain of the wood. Nakashima was also an architect who designed a number of distinguished buildings during his career. Most importantly, he was a man committed to the integration of his work, his daily life and the natural world. the artist, exploring the philosophical ideas that lie beneath his work. Told by his daughter, colleague and successor, designer Mira Nakashima, this book presents the development of an artist and... more
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Master builder Louie Frazier's Japanese-style pole house in Northern California, reachable on a 500" cable across a river / Ian MacLeod's handbuilt stone house in South Africa, where baboons jump on the roof at night / Ma Page's bottle house in the Nevada desert / artist Michael Kahn's semi-subterranean sculptural ivillage in Arizona / Bill and Athena Steen's strawbale houses / Ianto Evans' cob houses in Oregon / the Archlibre group of countercultural builders in the French Pyrenees / Bill Coperthwaite's spectacular 3-story yurt in the Maine woods / Bill Castle's finely-crafted log home and... more
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Log buildings are embedded deeply into North American history and culture. For more than one thousand years, builders have been weaving logs into homes, shelters, barns, and churches. Today, however, the buildings where we live and work are rarely handmade from natural materials. In this context, handcrafted, scribe-fitted natural log buildings are an attractive and uplifting alternative to conventional buildings and building materials.This book tells you what you need to know to build your own log home and also reveals the deep rhythms and patterns of log construction. Author Robert Chambers... more
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The bestselling step-by-step framing guide--updated and expanded to meet 2018 codes and standards
Complete Book of Framing, Second Edition--Updated and Expanded is a comprehensive guide to rough carpentry and framing, written by an expert with over forty years of framing experience. This book guides the reader through step-by-step framing instructions for floors, walls, roofs, door and window openings, and stairs. Hundreds of full-color illustrations and photos enable novice and professional framers to understand and master framing techniques.
This... more
Complete Book of Framing, Second Edition--Updated and Expanded is a comprehensive guide to rough carpentry and framing, written by an expert with over forty years of framing experience. This book guides the reader through step-by-step framing instructions for floors, walls, roofs, door and window openings, and stairs. Hundreds of full-color illustrations and photos enable novice and professional framers to understand and master framing techniques.
This... more
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The Joint Book features illustrated instructions for over 70 joints—providing easy-to-follow step-by-step directions for creating edge and scarf joints, lapped and housed joints, mortise and tenon joints, miters and bevels, dovetails, dowels and biscuits, and detailed descriptions of fasteners, hardware, and knockdown joints. This book is the perfect companion for any woodworker interested in improving their joint-making skills.
This hardcover book with internal spiral binding is 6.5" × 8", the perfect size for carpenters and woodworkers to keep near their workbench... more
This hardcover book with internal spiral binding is 6.5" × 8", the perfect size for carpenters and woodworkers to keep near their workbench... more
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Rocking horses conjure up a world of fields and dreams, and have enchanted children for generations. Now in paperback, this guide introduces the reader to the fascinating tradition of crafting these beautiful toys. Anyone with woodworking skills can follow the step-by-step instructions and clear plans, diagrams, and patterns to make a wonderful children's gift that is sure to become a family heirloom. Topics include instructions for eight horses ranging from traditional medium standard to the push-me, pull-me rocking horse; carving and design—making plinths and unicorns; wood and tools... more
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A room of one's own: is there anybody who hasn't at one time or another wished for such a place, hasn't turned those soft words over until they'd assumed a habitable shape?
When writer Michael Pollan decided to plant a garden, the result was an award-winning treatise on the borders between nature and contemporary life, the acclaimed bestseller Second Nature. Now Pollan turns his sharp insight to the craft of building, as he recounts the process of designing and constructing a small one-room structure on his rural Connecticut property--a place in which he hoped to... more
When writer Michael Pollan decided to plant a garden, the result was an award-winning treatise on the borders between nature and contemporary life, the acclaimed bestseller Second Nature. Now Pollan turns his sharp insight to the craft of building, as he recounts the process of designing and constructing a small one-room structure on his rural Connecticut property--a place in which he hoped to... more
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This excellent hands-on guide by one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America contains a wealth of practical instruction and advice on how to build everything from a bark teepee and a tree-top house to a log cabin and a sod house. No professional architects are needed here; and knowing how to use an axe is more important than possessing carpentry skills.
More than 300 of the author's own illustrations and a clear, easy-to-follow text enable campers to create such lodgings as half-cave shelters, beaver mat huts, birch bark shacks, over-water camps, a Navajo hogan, and a pole house.... more
More than 300 of the author's own illustrations and a clear, easy-to-follow text enable campers to create such lodgings as half-cave shelters, beaver mat huts, birch bark shacks, over-water camps, a Navajo hogan, and a pole house.... more
Don't have time to read the top Carpentry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
41
Two centuries of workbench wisdom in one book!
With this book, your very first workbench will do everything you need it to do--possibly for the rest of your woodworking career!
Encompassing years of historical research and real-world trials, Christopher Schwarz boils down centuries of the history and engineering of workbenches into basic ideas that all woodworkers can use.
- Learn how to design your own world-class workbench
- Learn the fundamental rules of good workbench design that have been largely forgotten
- Learn how to build an... more
With this book, your very first workbench will do everything you need it to do--possibly for the rest of your woodworking career!
Encompassing years of historical research and real-world trials, Christopher Schwarz boils down centuries of the history and engineering of workbenches into basic ideas that all woodworkers can use.
- Learn how to design your own world-class workbench
- Learn the fundamental rules of good workbench design that have been largely forgotten
- Learn how to build an... more
42
A young New Yorker grieving his mother's death is pulled into a gritty underworld of art and wealth in this "extraordinary" and beloved Pulitzer Prize winner that "connects with the heart as well as the mind" (Stephen King, New York Times Book Review).
Theo Decker, a 13-year-old New Yorker, miraculously survives an accident that kills his mother. Abandoned by his father, Theo is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. Bewildered by his strange new home on Park Avenue, disturbed by schoolmates who don't know how to talk to him, and tormented above all by a longing... more
Theo Decker, a 13-year-old New Yorker, miraculously survives an accident that kills his mother. Abandoned by his father, Theo is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. Bewildered by his strange new home on Park Avenue, disturbed by schoolmates who don't know how to talk to him, and tormented above all by a longing... more
Recommended by Kaci Lambe Kai, and 1 others. Kaci Lambe KaiMore modern, I recently read The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and I love the way it was written. A great story brought to life with long, descriptive, sometimes frenetic sentences. She paints some scenes and some ideas that are unlike anything I've ever read. It's like watching magic on the page. (Source)
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In honor of the 75th Anniversary of one of the most critical battles of World War II, the popular primetime Fox News anchor of The Story with Martha MacCallum pays tribute to the heroic men who sacrificed everything at Iwo Jima to defeat the Armed Forces of Emperor Hirohito—among them, a member of her own family, Harry Gray.
When news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor came over the radio in a New York diner on Sunday, December 7, 1941, patrons grabbed their coats and their children by the hand, left a few dollars on the table and briskly headed home.... more
When news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor came over the radio in a New York diner on Sunday, December 7, 1941, patrons grabbed their coats and their children by the hand, left a few dollars on the table and briskly headed home.... more
Recommended by Mark R. Levin, and 1 others. Mark R. LevinMartha MacCallum’s great new book is out now - Unknown Valor: A Story of Family, Courage, and Sacrifice from Pearl Harbor to Iwo Jima https://t.co/vcSSaFI29i (Source)
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A completely revised, redesigned and updated edition of the definitive and bestselling woodworker's bible. Authoritative, superbly crafted and easy to use, Collins Complete Woodworker's Manual is the UK bestseller and the one book every woodworker needs. This revised edition has been extensively rewritten and contains new photographs and illustrations. It includes new products and techniques developed since the last edition. Every stage in crafting furniture and other decorative pieces are fully explained starting with the basics; the nature of wood, the tools required and setting...
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"Ultimate Guide: Wiring, 8th Edition"demystifies residential electrical systems with easy-to-understand language, step-by-step photography, and detailed illustrations. Homeowners will learn how their home's electrical system works and how to complete installations and repairs. This project-based book shows how to select the right cable, wires, and other equipment, and how to run wiring through walls and between floors. Projects guide the reader through installing switches, outlet receptacles, electrical appliances, and lighting systems. The book also shows how outdoor lighting, including... more
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World’s biggest collection of reader-written, shop-tested, photo-illustrated woodworking tips and techniques. One, two or three to a page. 730 total, more available in recent issues.
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Still the Undisputed Champion of Router How-to Books
More than 10 years after its original publication, WOODWORKING WITH THE ROUTER remains the most highly regarded--and best-selling--router manual available. Clear, comprehensive, and readable, it's packed with the techniques and tricks you'll need to unleash your router's incredible potential.
All that and more is covered in this expanded, thoroughly revised and updated edition. Hundreds of large, clear photos and drawings--now in full color--show you everything you need to know about using a router productively and... more
More than 10 years after its original publication, WOODWORKING WITH THE ROUTER remains the most highly regarded--and best-selling--router manual available. Clear, comprehensive, and readable, it's packed with the techniques and tricks you'll need to unleash your router's incredible potential.
All that and more is covered in this expanded, thoroughly revised and updated edition. Hundreds of large, clear photos and drawings--now in full color--show you everything you need to know about using a router productively and... more
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Create beautiful wooden animal portraits on the scroll saw with Woodworker's Pattern Book. Realistic ready-to-use patterns are provided for 78 fascinating creatures, from exotic predators to familiar backyard friends. Father and son scroll sawing team Wayne and Jacob Fowler have based every design on their own extensive photographic studies of live animals, taken on location in the wild, in zoos, and in nature preserves. Each animal can be cut as a single, freestanding piece of wood. The authors include advice for beginners on getting started, with expert scrolling tips and... more
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Don't have time to read the top Carpentry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
51
This book collects the best articles from recent issues of "Fine Woodworking" on the subject of finding and working with wood. Wood is the one thing that woodworkers have in common and there is endless fascination with the working properties of various species, how to select and season wood and how to store it. Wood has a way of behaving as if it's still alive, moving with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. Learning to work with it rather than against wood movement is critical to successful woodworking.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Buying and Harvesting
Section 2:... more
Table of Contents
Section 1: Buying and Harvesting
Section 2:... more
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Treehouses are more popular today than ever before. Our original treehouse book, The Complete Guide: Build Your Kids a Treehouse, was published in 2007. It exceeded all sales projections right out of the gate and continues to be a leading title in the treehouse category. Now, we've made it even better. The expanded edition features three all-new treehouses shown in complete step by step detail, along with full plans. Also includes an expanded inspiration section, offering a wider variety of unique and interesting treehouses that generate ideas and excitement. Exciting book for parents or... more
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Roy Underhill brings to woodworking the intimate relationship with wood that craftsmen enjoyed in the days before power tools. Combining historical background, folklore, alternative technololgy, and humor, he provides both a source of general information and a detailed introduction to traditional woodworking. Beginning with a guide to trees and tools, The Woodwright's Shop includes chapters on gluts and mauls, shaving horses, rakes, chairs, weaving wood, hay forks, dough bowls, lathes, blacksmithing, dovetails, panel-frame construction, log houses, and timber-frame construction. More... more
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With complete plans that include drawings, step-by-step photos, and clear how-to directions, this gigantic book has something for everyone.
Build some awesome stuff and become a confident carpenter with Easy Home Furniture Projects. With the one hundred projects included in this massive book, you'll have days of building and making ahead of you. Best of all, each project is guaranteed to add a unique, meaningful accent to your home or yard.
Complete projects include easy-to-follow plans, instructions, tools and materials, and cutting lists. The... more
Build some awesome stuff and become a confident carpenter with Easy Home Furniture Projects. With the one hundred projects included in this massive book, you'll have days of building and making ahead of you. Best of all, each project is guaranteed to add a unique, meaningful accent to your home or yard.
Complete projects include easy-to-follow plans, instructions, tools and materials, and cutting lists. The... more
55
Marvels of craftsmanship, beauty, and function, Joshua Vogel's hand-carved kitchenware is coveted far and wide. In The Artful Wooden Spoon, Vogel shares more than 100 gorgeous pieces from his workshop gallery, providing rich visual inspiration along with explaining the principles behind handcrafting spoons and sharing simple instructions and step-by-step photographs—no expertise and very few tools required. With more than 225 photographs of Vogel's stunning specimens, this visual introduction to the craft is an invitation to explore an age-old art and to create a timeless gift. less
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The first guide to timber framing written specifically for beginners! Expert Will Beemer takes you through the entire process from start to finish, beginning with timber sourcing and ending with a finished building. Using full-color photos, detailed drawings, and clear step-by-step instructions, Beemer shows you exactly how to build one small (12ʹ x 16ʹ) timber-frame structure — suitable for use as a cabin, workshop, or studio. He also explains how to modify the structure to suit your needs and location by adding a loft, moving doors or windows, changing the roof pitch, or making the frame... more
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For all those looking for this much sought-after handbook, the wait is over. Originally published in 1990 and out of print for almost 10 years,
Swedish Carving Techniques
by Wille Sundqvist has enjoyed cult status among carvers and craftsmen and is widely considered the bible of spoon carvers. Now a brand-new issue - just like the 1990 version - can be yours directly from The Taunton Press, the original publisher.
Sharpened axes and knives are the oldest hand tools known to man. As the author says, "I have come to... more
Sharpened axes and knives are the oldest hand tools known to man. As the author says, "I have come to... more
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The nuts and bolts of carpentry, all in one handy volume. Carpenter and author Andy Engel provides homeowners with a comprehensive and easy-to-use reference for covering all home carpentry projects from the most basic to the most advanced. Full of authoritative and reliable information, Carpentry Complete is designed to help any homeowner or DIYer tackle projects with confidence. Well organized so that information can be found quickly (including advice on how to deal with the inevitable things that can go wrong), this highly visual book makes it easy for readers to find the... more
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With continual themes of perfection of technique and building to the limits of one’s skill, this authoritative resource provides in-depth instruction for mastering the craft of cabinetmaking. A bevy of topics, including the proper way to sharpen and hone tools, hollow grinding methodology, and obtaining proper grinding angles, are detailed in this comprehensive cabinet-making sourcebook. Lessons devoted to using and understanding various woods, including common or exotic pieces, learning how to read grain, and the pros and cons in working with air-dried wood versus kiln-dried wood, will... more
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Now bigger and better than ever, The Carpenter's Manifesto shows not only how things are put together but why they are put together the way they are. Line drawings. less
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Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
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It seems that almost everyone likes treehouses. Smiles of recognition turn into grins of enthusiasm as more people discover them and dream about making their own private retreats or family play spaces. And it's nice to remind ourselves that treehouses are built into the oldest and most forgiving, living things on earth. Also, history records treehouses as being built as deliberate follies, as challenges for arboreal designers, for merrymaking, and for keeping the spirit of fairy tales alive. But treehouses can also be social places. We will visit many that were built to entertain, to hang out... more
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"When a branch from her beloved tree snaps off in an icy storm, a plucky girl refuses to let it be hauled away. Her neighbor, Mr. Frank, says it's full of potential. So with imagination and spirit (and Mr. Frank's help), the girl creates something whole and new out of the broken branch, to be enjoyed again and again!"--Jacket. less
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House Framing: Plan, Design, Build leads homeowners through the steps of building a structure by means of platform framing, the most popular style of framing in use today. Beginning with background information, the book provides the reader with everything they need to know about building, including structural loads and how they interact, sizing lumber, working with tools, and reading blueprints. The book then takes the reader through the framing process - from foundations to floor framing, wall framing, roof framing, sheathing, and more. This expanded and revised edition ends with three... more
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This manual includes framing square terminology, brace layout, and complete procedures for common rafter (with and without a tail), hip and valley rafter, and jack rafter layout. Roof types, board foot measure, stair layout, and other framing square applications are presented. Exercises are provided throughout the manual plus an appendix containing popular rafter tables. less
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For centuries, the steel square has been a mainstay in the toolbox of skilled craftsmen. In the hands of someone who knows how to use it, this simple tool can quickly solve many common construction problems involving angles, arcs, circles, and squares. With the help of the Essential Guide to the Steel Square, anyone can unlock the helpful secrets of this valuable, time-honored tool. Packed with hundreds of clear illustrations and diagrams, skill-building exercises, and simple rules of thumb, this handy reference will show any curious carpenter, woodworker, or serious do-it-yourselfer... more
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Learn from Tage Frid, the dean of American woodworking teachers. Make and use joints from the basic tongue and groove to multiple-spline miters and dovetails. less
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The construction of shoji—Japanese sliding doors—requires intricate skills and attention to detail. This guide to creating shoji brings together both traditional insight and technical mastery of the craft from the perspective of an apprenticed sliding-door maker. Step-by-step instructions, illustrated with photos of each work in progress, give detailed information on how to construct both common shoji and Japanese transom (a piece found between rooms and above sliding doors). The correct use of Japanese tools is discussed, as are techniques for marking lines, making specific joints and... more
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Explores the tools and technology that the American colonists use to build homes that could stand the test of time.
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Don't have time to read the top Carpentry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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In the 1920s, an upstart West Coast college began to challenge the Eastern universities in the ancient sport of crew racing. Sportswriters scoffed at the "crude western boats" and their crews. But for the next forty years, the University of Washington dominated rowing around the world.
The secret of the Huskies' success was George Pocock, a soft-spoken English immigrant raised on the banks of the Thames. Pocock combined perfectionism with innovation to make the lightest, best-balanced, fastest shells the world had ever seen. After studying the magnificent canoes built by Northwest... more
The secret of the Huskies' success was George Pocock, a soft-spoken English immigrant raised on the banks of the Thames. Pocock combined perfectionism with innovation to make the lightest, best-balanced, fastest shells the world had ever seen. After studying the magnificent canoes built by Northwest... more
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If you want to give your house a one-of-a-kind personality, all the finishing touches have to be just right. Of course, that includes the interior trim and molding that's so crucial to the inner beauty of your home.
Trim Complete delivers all the information you'll need to handle these important projects like a pro.
With detailed instructions and over 800 step-by-step photos, expert carpenter Greg Kossow shows you how to complete every possible trim project, from simple baseboards to complicated casings. He even includes hard-to-find advice about complex crown... more
Trim Complete delivers all the information you'll need to handle these important projects like a pro.
With detailed instructions and over 800 step-by-step photos, expert carpenter Greg Kossow shows you how to complete every possible trim project, from simple baseboards to complicated casings. He even includes hard-to-find advice about complex crown... more
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The leading manual for home improvements is getting an update to address current codes, latest materials, tools and technology.
The bestselling, most comprehensive guide to home improvements has been revised and updated once again since it's revision in 2005. Over 10 million copies of READER’S DIGEST COMPLETE DO-IT-YOURSELF MANUAL have been sold since it's original publication in 1973. In 2005, the manual got bigger and better than ever, when The Family Handyman and Reader’s Digest joined forces and completely revised, updated, rewrote, and redesigned this home improvement classic.... more
The bestselling, most comprehensive guide to home improvements has been revised and updated once again since it's revision in 2005. Over 10 million copies of READER’S DIGEST COMPLETE DO-IT-YOURSELF MANUAL have been sold since it's original publication in 1973. In 2005, the manual got bigger and better than ever, when The Family Handyman and Reader’s Digest joined forces and completely revised, updated, rewrote, and redesigned this home improvement classic.... more
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Carpentry, 3 E continues to provide readers with all of the information needed to construct a light-frame building, from start to finish including concise explanations and detailed diagrams. Whether they are looking for insight into how best to locate a structure on a site, or methods for installing the foundation, framing the structure, finishing interior and exterior surfaces, or finishing floors or installing cabinetry, readers will find the answers they seek in this all-new edition of our best-selling carpentry book. less
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A survey of circular work of both single and double curvature.
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Adding a backyard storage shed, a new detached garage, an attractive playhouse, or any other type of utility building not only improves the functionality of your home but also adds value to your property. Written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind, Ultimate Guide: Barns, Sheds, and Outbuildings gives you the information you need to enhance your property by constructing one of these buildings. Whether you plan to do the work yourself, or you just want to know the basics before you hire the work out to someone else, this new updated edition provides information on planning, building,... more
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The Genius of Japanese Carpentry tells the story of the 1200-year-old Yakushiji monastery in Nara and the dedicated modern-day craftsmen who are working to restore what has been lost to the depredations of time, fire and warfare. Although the full monastery reconstruction will not be completed until 2030, one of the primary temples, the Picture Hall, has been wholly restored employing the same woodworking technology used to create the original building.
This new edition of an architectural classic is by Azby Brown—one of the world's leading experts on Japanese architecture.... more
This new edition of an architectural classic is by Azby Brown—one of the world's leading experts on Japanese architecture.... more
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Rejecting the "badly constructed, over-ornate, meaningless" furniture of the late Victorian period, architect, furniture designer and manufacturer Gustav Stickley developed a radical new design concept that stressed careful workmanship, simplicity, and utility. His important monthly magazine The Craftsman (1901–16) published construction plans for his distinctly American furniture.
The 62 simple, straightforward projects reprinted here — exquisite examples of Stickley's classic designs — first appeared in The Craftsman between 1903 and 1907. Included are projects large and... more
The 62 simple, straightforward projects reprinted here — exquisite examples of Stickley's classic designs — first appeared in The Craftsman between 1903 and 1907. Included are projects large and... more
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Use this ultimate beginner's scroll saw guide to hone your scrolling skills to perfection. You'll find everything you need to know here, boiled down to the best and simplest methods. Practice a specific technique in each of 25 skill-building chapters, and then use that skill to make an attractive project. As you progress, each chapter builds upon the previous skills you've already learned. By the time you've completed the book, you'll be ready to tackle any scroll saw project with experience and confidence. This new third edition provides an objective guide to all of the scroll saw models... more
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William Coperthwaite is a teacher, builder, designer, and writer who for many years hasexplored the possibilities of true simplicity on a homestead on the north coast of Maine. In the spirit of Henry David Thoreau, Emily Dickinson, and Helen and Scott Nearing, Coperthwaite has fashioned a livelihood of integrity and completeness-buying almost nothing, providing for his own needs, and serving as a guide and companion to hundreds of apprentices drawn to his unique way of being.
A Handmade Life carries Coperthwaite's ongoing experiments with hand tools, hand-grown and... more
A Handmade Life carries Coperthwaite's ongoing experiments with hand tools, hand-grown and... more
Don't have time to read the top Carpentry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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First published in 1970 this is highly regarded by woodworkers and is suited to the amateur and professional alike. It has been revised to take account of changes in practice including the use of power tools, adhesives and computer-controlled machinery. The three sections deal with materials, tools and techniques; advanced construction techniques and metal fittings; running a workshop, draughtsmanship, furniture designs and restoration. less
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This is the essential book for anyone who is considering building or buying a new house or remodeling an old one--an insider's guide to construction, written by a professional contractor. Many readers will remember Jim Locke as the contractor in Tracy Kidder's bestselling book HOUSE, in which he epitomized the values of the true craftsman. less
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Building instead of buying cabinets means not only cost savings but also better materials and a truly custom kitchen. This book shows anyone how to build a complete set of kitchen cabinets. Professional cabinetmaker Udo Schmidt covers the entire process, from preparing materials and selecting the right tools to finishing and installing hardware. less
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Ultimate Guide: Trimwork shows how easy it is to enhance any home by adding decorative trimwork or molding�the right way. This book takes a practical, no-nonsense approach to trimwork design and construction. Sections on specific styles help readers choose the type of molding that best suits the design and character of their homes. The beautiful, eye-catching photographs of real rooms provide inspiration for dressing up any space that lacks texture or ornament. The books details the techniques that ensure a professional-looking job every time. Even novices will be able to install door... more
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California now has more trees than at any time since the late Pleistocene. This green landscape, however, is not the work of nature. It s the work of history. In the years after the Gold Rush, American settlers remade the California landscape, harnessing nature to their vision of the good life. Horticulturists, boosters, and civic reformers began to "improve" the bare, brown countryside, planting millions of trees to create groves, wooded suburbs, and landscaped cities. They imported the blue-green eucalypts whose tangy fragrance was thought to cure malaria. They built the lucrative "Orange... more
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As part of our comprehensive HomeSkills DIY series, HomeSkills: Carpentry teaches you the essential skill of woodworking.
At the core of every true handyperson is the ability to work with wood. In the home, the garage, or the backyard, the skill of carpentry will prove useful time and time again—it is the ultimate foundational craft of the do-it-yourselfer. With HomeSkills: Carpentry, we invite you to embark on building your DIY skillset by teaching you the basics of woodworking. You’ll learn how to assemble your starter toolbox and small workshop, and... more
At the core of every true handyperson is the ability to work with wood. In the home, the garage, or the backyard, the skill of carpentry will prove useful time and time again—it is the ultimate foundational craft of the do-it-yourselfer. With HomeSkills: Carpentry, we invite you to embark on building your DIY skillset by teaching you the basics of woodworking. You’ll learn how to assemble your starter toolbox and small workshop, and... more
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"... Larry Haun is as much a historian and philosopher as he is a 60-year veteran carpenter. Larry's memoir would be equally at home on the bookshelves of home building and architecture enthusiasts as anyone on a spiritual journey."
- Brian Pontolilo, Editor, Fine Homebuilding Magazine
The unforgettable memoir of a legendary builder. You don't have to be a carpenter to appreciate this fascinating book that Publishers Weekly calls, "a first person timeline of 20th century American residential architecture... combining ...two literary... more
- Brian Pontolilo, Editor, Fine Homebuilding Magazine
The unforgettable memoir of a legendary builder. You don't have to be a carpenter to appreciate this fascinating book that Publishers Weekly calls, "a first person timeline of 20th century American residential architecture... combining ...two literary... more
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This book presents an authoritative and detailed survey of the art of woodworking in the ancient Roman world. Illustrated with over 200 line drawings and photographs, Roman Woodworking covers topics such as the training and guild memberships of Roman carpenters, woodworking tools and techniques, the role of timber in construction and the availability of trees, and interior woodwork and furniture making. It also includes an extensive glossary of fully defined terms.
This comprehensive book displays the accomplishment of the Roman woodworkers and their high skill and knowledge of... more
This comprehensive book displays the accomplishment of the Roman woodworkers and their high skill and knowledge of... more
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Based on a two-week course in woodworking fundamentals offered at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Camden, Maine, this book takes a traditional approach to teaching, with the idea that learning basic skills is essential to craftsmanship. In the process, the book covers all the bases--from working with hand tools to cutting dovetails. Includes two complete projects: a bench and a small cabinet. less
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Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
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Build Stuff with Wood
is a true beginner's guide to woodworking, aimed at anyone who is interested in the craft but has only a few tools and no real idea where to start. The idea behind the book is to begin with a basic toolset (a circular saw, chopsaw, cordless drill, jigsaw, and a few hand tools) and then add tools as you go. Step-by-step projects are presented showing what you can build with that tool (plus the basic toolset). For example, adding a router to your tool arsenal allows you to gracefully round edges on tables and shelves; buying a simple doweling... more
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Woodworking Wisdom gives you 392 pages of hard information on woodworking tools, techniques, design, and materials, illustrated with over 2,300 drawings and photos and extensively cross-referenced to find what you need fast. Plus 60 examples of world class craftsmanship, many in full color; complete plans for over 50 timesaving jigs and fixtures; a full-color display of 55 fine furniture woods, finished and unfinished; over 40 must-have reference charts, tables, and troubleshooting guides; topic-by-topic guides to books, plans, and videos for further advice; and essential woodworking... more
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Westerners have long admired Chinese furniture for its durability, inner strength, quiet restraint, and simple dignity. Especially attractive to the educated eye are its purity of line, devotion to detail, and flawless construction. This unabridged reprint of a rare classic provides lovers of Chinese furniture with an enlightened discussion of the accomplishments achieved by fine craftsmen over the centuries, including the aesthetic levels attained during the early Shang period (1766–1123 B. C.), the transitional phase of cabinetmaking during the Yuan Dynasty (1280–1368 A.D.), and the... more
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"Clear, practical book ... full-color photos help do-it-yourselfers realize their dreams." -- Log Homes Illustrated
The best-selling Cabins is back in print, at the same great value of its original price. This authoritative how-to title gives readers all the information they need to build their own cabin, including:
A useful list of essential questions to consider during the planning process
Types of cabin construction, such as pole built, stick built, post and beam, stone, cordwood, wood siding, and the advantages of each more
The best-selling Cabins is back in print, at the same great value of its original price. This authoritative how-to title gives readers all the information they need to build their own cabin, including:
A useful list of essential questions to consider during the planning process
Types of cabin construction, such as pole built, stick built, post and beam, stone, cordwood, wood siding, and the advantages of each more
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Tracy Kidder takes readers to the heart of the American Dream: the building of a family's first house with all its day-to-day frustrations, crises, tensions, challenges, and triumphs. less
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Bamboo’s amazing versatility, strength, and beauty have given it a larger role in human culture than any other plant. Both sustainable and plentiful, it has been used for millennia to make objects ranging from clothing and housing to more exotic luxuries like phonograph needles and children’s toys, to name but a few.
This acclaimed sourcebook—part history, part illustrated catalog, part cultivation guide—details the myriad uses of bamboo, along with an immense bounty of information and lore on how to grow, maintain, and harvest this extraordinary plant; how to use it in craft and... more
This acclaimed sourcebook—part history, part illustrated catalog, part cultivation guide—details the myriad uses of bamboo, along with an immense bounty of information and lore on how to grow, maintain, and harvest this extraordinary plant; how to use it in craft and... more
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Benjamin’s famous 'Work of Art' essay sets out his boldest thoughts--on media and on culture in general--in their most realized form, while retaining an edge that gets under the skin of everyone who reads it. In this essay the visual arts of the machine age morph into literature and theory and then back again to images, gestures, and thought.
This essay, however, is only the beginning of a vast collection of writings that the editors have assembled to demonstrate what was revolutionary about Benjamin's explorations on media. Long before Marshall McLuhan, Benjamin saw that the way a...
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For everyone who’s ever dreamed of simplifying their life and downsizing their home, Micro Living offers an insider’s look at what tiny house living is really like.
Best-selling author and tiny house enthusiast Derek “Deek” Diedricksen profiles 40 tiny — but practical — houses that are equipped for full-time living, all in 400 square feet or less. Detailed photography and a floor plan for each structure highlight inventive space-saving design features along with the nuts-and-bolts details of heating, cooling, electric, and plumbing systems. The real-life stories of... more
Best-selling author and tiny house enthusiast Derek “Deek” Diedricksen profiles 40 tiny — but practical — houses that are equipped for full-time living, all in 400 square feet or less. Detailed photography and a floor plan for each structure highlight inventive space-saving design features along with the nuts-and-bolts details of heating, cooling, electric, and plumbing systems. The real-life stories of... more
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This workbook has been prepared for use with the textbook, Modern Carpentry. The workbook is designed to help you in your study of carpentry. It will reinforce your understanding of the correct procedures and the vast amount of technical information connected with the trade. less
Don't have time to read the top Carpentry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.