Customer Reviews (1)

small book, but filled with interesting ideas
I am planing to build up a shop from scrath. This book was a nice acquisition in order to give ideas for what to build.
The book has nice pictures it is filled with several different well explained furniture plans (with all steps to build them and also several view points fro those who have hard time figuring what to do with a plan). Some are really interesting to have specially if you don't have a big shop. Some nice ideas are given in order to make your shop furniture movable, including (as the picture in the cover) heavy machinery like planers and circular saws.
However, be aware that this is a how-to book and it does not discuss shop plans or other stuff like this... it is focused in building things.
One of the top instructions was how to make the workbench top from hardwood strips... very useful.
Overall: a very nice book. It is well worth the money I spent on it. ... Read more

Book Description
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned woodworker, this straightforward, no-nonsense, fully illustrated guidebook will show you how to make detailed heirloom-quality furniture like corner cabinets and highboys. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Many Mistakes
I bought this book specifically for Lonnie Bird's two articles:The Eastern Shore of Virginia Corner Cabinet and The Philadelphia Highboy. I'm halfway done with the corner cupboard. I like to be challenged when I am woodworking. I do not mind doing my own layout based on measured drawings of the original piece but, when all the measurements are given to me I expect them to be correct. It seems to me that the editors had no one check out this article before it was printed. There are incorrect measurements in the materials list, and on several drawings. The most egregious
mistake was in the tombstone door layout. In fact, I not only lost quite a bit time but also a substantial amount of costly material due to this error. When I followed the somewhat vague instructions and measurements of the author I ended up with a horribly proportioned door that looked nothing like the piece represented in the photographs. It makes me feel that not only were the editors sloppy but also that Lonnie Bird was vague about this article. He has since released a Book with Taunton Press called Shaping Wood. Much of what should have been included in this book, Handcrafted Cabinetry, can be found in Shaping Wood. Also in the past, Mr. Bird, has run classes, very costly classes, at his school building this piece. I would like to beleive that Lonnie did not mislead woodworkers in order to sell his upcoming book nor to capture students for his woodworking school. I do not begrudge Lonnie making a living but, surely not at the cost of frustrating new woodworkers with incorrect and misleading articles.
I'll review Lonnie's Philadelphia Highboy article from this book when I get to it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good and Basic
I wanted to convert my garage into a small workshop and thought that this would be a good time to learn to make cabinets. Having never made cabinets before I thought a 'Basics' book would be a good introduction. I could have bought a much more expensive book that gave me an A to Z detailed analysis of cabinet making over the last 400 years but, all I needed was a start. This book shows you one joint; the dowel joint. This book shows you one style of cabinetry; the frameless cabinet. Although this seems limited, this book did a very good job of describing how to make a freestanding cabinet, bookshelf, hanging cabinet, and builtins using these techniques. If you are looking for a large, inclusive book on every style of cabinetry this is not the book for you. However, if you are like me and just need to know how to get started this is perfect.

Great Basic Book
I thought that this book gave a great view of the basics.Although I makemy living selling lumber, I knew nothing about making cabinets.I was verypleased with the book and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn todowel, cut a straight line with a power saw, etc..

This is a great book for aspiring cabinet builders
This is a great book. I received the book from my brother, who also had a good experience with it. I have never built a cabinet before and my carpentry experience was nill. By following this book, I was able to built a great nightstand and am already looking forward to my next project. The book contains concise step by step examples accompanied by illustrations and photos that guide you through the process. The author also clearly details the supplies that are necessary which was a big help. I highly recommend this book.

Chris Geen San Francisco, CA ... Read more

Book Description
Designing and Building Cabinets contains articles that present the basics of design and construction in easy-to-understand, accessible terms. From the editors of Fine Woodworking-the dream team of woodworking professionals-this is a fully indexed, ultimate visual reference for woodworkers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great help for budding cabinetmakers
I have read this book nearly cover to cover and have found it easy reading as well as most informative for a beginning/intermediate woodworker.The photos are very clear and the articles are easy to understand.I can't wait to put some new methods to the test.

I wish I could rate it zero stars
Not worth the money buy a different book if you are interesting in learning how to build kitchen cabinets.This book is random and appears to be chapters of previously published material.

NOT WHAT I EXSPECTED
This book was not at all what I was looking for. There were too many opions on cabinet building in one book none of which were in any detail. Too general and the various contributors at times condemed the styles of one another. Seemed as though they put together monthly issues of various woodworking magazines.Not what I exspected

Good reference book for woodworkers
I liked this book.It challenges you to move past basic cabinet making to furniture quality construction.It includes good detail and suggestions that improve your skills. This book has the quality of it's namesake magazine. ... Read more

Book Description
Woodworkers will add charm to their homes with these classic pieces in the traditional American Country style. Each of the twenty-three projects will be attractive to beginners and experts due to their easy-to-read plans and the popularity of Country-style furniture. These are proven projects compiled from classic issues of Popular Woodworking magazine--the #1 woodworking project magazine today!

This book simplifies the building process and makes every project more accessible by first showing how to build three amazing jigs woodworkers can use to make every piece in the book. They'll learn to build everything from a pipe to a step-back cupboard, plus a Shaker blanket chest, a farmer's flip-top desk, Queen Anne side tables, a country spice cabinet, a Shaker tailor's table and a tiger maple medicine cabinet.

* Country style is a very popular furniture style, ranking #1 on the Popular Woodworking woodworker survey
* Contains a wide range of 23 projects in all! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Building Traditional Country Furniture
This book is not for the novice wookworker. Details of design are skipped with the assumption you either know the cut or the implementation of the step. i.e. the traditional secretary furniture- the builder wait almost 10 years to develop the skills to build this piece of furniture. ... Read more

Book Description
Nothing conveys the comfort and warmth of hearth and homequite like handmade, solid wood furniture. We've assembled a collection of"comfort" furniture for your home in Building Furniture for Country Living.By following the detailed step-by-step instructions and photos, you too canbring the comfort of country living into your home, no matter what yourskill level.

• Eleven projects offer options for every room in your house.
• Each project includes fully illustrated, step-by-stepinstructions.
• Learn from expert woodworkers how to build andfinish heirloom projects.

Book Description
&8 pages of 12 color photos & 118 drawings & 8 x 11.Furniture and accessories designed by an expert.Detailed, step-by-step plans The Projects: & Desk Box & Room Divider & CD Holder & Revolving Bookrack & Coatrack & Coffee Table & Valet Stand & Sofa Table & Cheval Mirror & Bunk Bed & Morris Chair and Footstool There is a current renewal of interest in Arts and Crafts furniture, particularly the Mission Oak style of Gustav Stickley. The eleven projects in this book are not replicas, but new pieces designed in the manner of Stickley and his Arts and Crafts contemporaries. Step-by-step plans and instructions, as well as sections on techniques and finishing, make construction easy. Robert E. Belke is a furniture maker and author. He lives in Liverpool, New York. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Dont be too critical!
For all you critics out there who have not written books but have instead just commented on them without really thinking about why they were written the way they are here is a second thought. Books are all different and some are good and bad, this book does not show to be any less quality and actually has some really nice drawings which are very helpful compared to those who have none at all. These peices of furnature range from a cd rack which is very useful around our house to a near-by coffee table that lies in our living room now.This book instructs those who want to learn some fairly easy projects that progress in difficulty even if you have the right tools. Why not have the something decorative and useful such as the cd-rack in this book?

Arts & Crafts Woodworking Projects
I do not recommend this book for the advanced woodworker.The projects are not refined and of little interest to the serious woodworker.

Very Weak Book
This is a weak Arts & Crafts furniture book.Many of the plans aresimple and pseudo "Arts & Crafts" pieces (a CD holder?). There are a couple of nice plans, but that's it.

The drawings look likethey are from a budget CAD program, but that aside are quite detailed andinformative.

I would recommend looking at another book, such as"Classic Arts & Crafts Furniture You Can Build" by AndySchultz or "The Furniture of Gustav Stickley : History, Techniques,Projects".Those are two really nice books, with excellent plans.

Weak plans
I have three Stickley furniture plans books and this is the weakest of them.Several of the plans are not truely "Stickley" furniture, but more "sort of like arts & crafts style".

I'd recommendlooking at another book."The Furniture of Gustav Stickley", is_much_ better.

Good, but not for the beginner
The furniture in here is absolutely beautiful, butdon't bother unless you have some serious equipment like a table saw w/dado set, and a drill press.(Or a lot of patience and accuracy with hand tools.) ... Read more

Book Description
Contemporary furniture's great appeal comes from its simple, understated elegance and subtle details--from sleek black drawer pulls to gracefully beveled shelf edges. It's no secret that woodworkers love building these pieces! They're suited to just about any room, no matter what the decorating style.

This book presents 20 original contemporary furniture projects, hand-picked from the pages of Popular Woodworking--America's #1 wood project magazine. Each one comes with step-by-step instructions, high-quality diagrams, cutting lists, color photos and detailed, easy-to-follow assembly techniques. ... Read more

Book Description
Stock preparation and joinery are the most fundamental processes necessary to build furniture, while shaping operations give furniture its varied forms. This volume covers both basic and advanced techniques from milling lumber straight, flat, and square to creating curved shapes and complex components. Similarly the joinery chapters cover basic joints - dovetails and mortise-and-tenon joints as well as modern joinery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Simply Outstanding
I fully concur in the comments of the previous evaluator. As I near retirement, I am looking forward to using the great collection of woodworking tools I have amassed.This book has better explanations on the use of a jointer than the material that came with my recently purchased 6" Jet.The pictures, virtually all in color,are very illustrative and the text was just right - not too technical or boring but well written and to the point.The books treatment of straightening less-than-perfect material is outstanding.

A Must for Every Woodworker's Library
A must for every wookworker's library, this book is a well ordered collection of articles written by master craftsmen.Packed with pictures, it begins with how to straighten warped woods then details how to curve straight woods.Full of information on every type of wood joint and jigs to make them work right the first time using one's hand or power tools.I have found the secrets revealed in this book to be most helpful in my understanding how to get the most out of my nice tools.I particularly like the section on how to choose router bits and detect whether or not they are defective.I had an expensive one shatter on first use; no more.I'll use this as a reference many times.It is well worth the buck. ... Read more

Book Description
22 original woodworking projects informed by new England country furniture from the 18th and 19th century. Project plans include: Two Salt Boxes, Seaman's Chest, Hanging Cupboard, Chest of Drawers, Two Corner Cupboards, and more!

Each project is photographed in period homes, accompanied by historical notes and by fully illustrated step-by-step construction instructions. the book also includes articles on period hardware and finishes, on wood selection, and many other related topics. Full-color throughout: 300 color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book belongs in every craftsman's collection!
This book reflects the best qualities of the furniture it beautifully documents. It is elegant in its simplicity and thoroughly meets the needs of functionality. The photography is well done and shows clearly the nuances of the various pieces in authentic environments. The accompanying descriptions are brief and to the point. These points alone would make this a valuable book to own but the best part comes with the detailing of the components that make up this furniture. This covers everything from metal hardware and how it is made and used, through tools, paints and finishes, wood types and components and more.
The part of this book that most impresses me is the illustrative method for the various projects. Speaking as a retired technical illustrator I can only say "Well done!". The projects are clear and show the proper sequencing of steps without restraining the design. This means that a project can be fitted to the materials available and the needs of the user, much as the original furniture was made. Along with this are well executed illustrations for jigs and setups for modern power tools. The details for mortise, tenons, and traditional effects using modern tools are outstanding. I would treasure this book for this aspect alone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Shaker Furniture
As an amature woodworker interested in plans and methods for building Shaker style furniture, I found this book very informative.It includes precise instructions for building two Shaker style chairs, a bench, threetables, a pie safe, a clock, a step stool,oval boxes and a pegboard.Italso includes directions for making jigs to simplify the the constructionof several of the projects.The jig for routing dovetails for acandlestand collumn while it is still on the lathe was shown in greaterdetail than I have seen before. The diagrams and illustrated step-by-stepinstrctions are easy to understand and show construction details that meremeasured drawings do not.For instance, the methods for hanging a drawerand attaching a table top were especially interesting to me since they werea little different than what I commonly see.This is a book written foramature woodworks like myself who appreciate well documented plans forinteresting and usefull pieces of furniture. ... Read more

Book Description
The more we accumulate, the more our homes cry out for shelves, storage units, cabinets and bookcases. This new Woodsmith title answers those needs with 12 updated and elegant projects that will test the skill and display the craft of the home woodworker. From a simple shelf for a kitchen to a cherry armoire, this book promises and delivers accomplishment in the shop and pleasure in the home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wow
I am a beginning cabinetmaking student at a local community college and technical institute here in Minneapolis.After taking a year of classes, I decided to work on reinforcing my newly acquired skills over the summer hiatus by making some built in closets for our bedroom.

Using what I'd learned in my drafting for cabinetmakers class and after considering what my husband and I really needed by way of a built-in, I designed a nice modular unit.Woodsmith's Bookcases, Shelves and Cabinets helped me keep on course with the project, acting like an instructor.A number of projects illustrated in the book helped me design some of the parts that I wanted to include in my own design.I wanted simple finger hole drawers (p. 16-19) for the inside of the upper part of the closet which would be hidden behind doors, and larger more finished looking drawers for the lower closet.For the latter I redesigned some of the modular cabinets (pp. 94-105), using the case work the authors show and putting in drawers instead of shelves.The doors illustrated for these cabinets also provided me with a template with which to design the doors for the upper cabinets in my own design.

The book includes a number of truly lovely projects, some for bookshelves, an armoire, and a corner cabinet that I'd like to try, but I think those will have to wait awhile.While some of the plans for jigs for making repeated parts easier to process were very interesting, I think I'll wait to consult with my instructor in the fall before trying them.The explodedviews of all the patterns and the suggestions for alterations to the designs make the book fully understandable even to a novice like myself.I look forward to using some of the ideas and techniques in future designs for my classes next year.Really a terrific book. ... Read more