Hand Tool Book Review: Recent Episodes
Hand Tool Book Review
A cabinetmaker's notebook by James Krenov is a relatively famous book that I've been avoiding reviewing for a while now, join me on today's podcast as a I tell you why.
Chinese classical furniture in the Ming style demonstrates some very interesting solutions to typical problems, some fascinating joinery and some timeless elegance in design. I found this book to be a great "read" - its got very little text but lots of inspiration. Upon reading it's easy to see why this is considered one of the seminal works in this style of furniture.
A fun book that I enjoy is this book on kinetic toys by Bob Gilsdorf. It's one that I return to every so often to look for inspiration for a project with my boys. I hope that one day visitors to our house will be encouraged to join in and make a toy (rather than the current propensity for small scale weapons manufacture - that seems to be my son's primary rationale for visiting the woodworking room).
A great book if you want a really in depth look at the core tools in your workshop. I enjoyed this book and could heartily recommend it to anyone who is interested in the distilled wisdom of a master craftsman.
Another Work is Possible is a very different take on how the task of building a structure can be completed. With the help of Charpentiers Sans Frontieres (CSF) - the folk at Mortise and Tenon set about constructing a new Blacksmith shop. Part philosophy, part construction log, part beautiful coffee table book - this book documents both the steps and ethos behind this project.
The Craftsman is a thoughtful and thought-provoking look at mankind's conflicted relationship with technology and craftsmanship. I learnt a lot from this book, but it is a bit of a tough read. You have to be paying attention. A book that I would suggest breaking up over a number of sessions. It's taken me a few months to re-read it, but I am glad I did!
The Art of Saw-Filing by HW Holly is a fun little book that takes a quite complicated topic and breaks it down into a very easy to understand process - in a book which covers everything from the finest saw to a monster two-man saw to a circular saw and everything in between.
A book made of solid gold? Certainly feels that way if you try and buy a copy these days. The companion to Handplane Essentials is one of the hardest books to come by at a reasonable price. Join me on today's show as I discuss whether you should seriously consider paying this price for it!
PSA: Don't buy this book. Join me on the show to find out why, and to hear about my recent experience with hide glue.
Peter Korn has written an excellent Philosophy-Autobiography. After all who doesn't like a book that tells a great woodworker's story and gives some deep insights into why this story matters!
A Rural Carpenter's World is an important book, and one I think that future researchers and historians will reference. Unfortunately, unlike Robert Tarule's evocative descriptions in An Artisan of Ipswich, this book is dryer and less accessible.
History meets trees, what more is there to say about this book. A great read with a sweeping scope.
If I was to take one book to a remote island to learn the craft of woodworking - well the basics at least, Robert Wearing's book is a likely candidate. This is one of the great books for people starting to get going with hand tools (and for many intermediate skilled woodworkers as well).
A question recently posed on a forum - "Where have all the planes gone?" was important enough to me that I thought I would reach out to Thomas Lie-Nielsen and see if he could shed some light on the challenges that they are facing as a result of Coivd-19.
If you want to take a few notes about how to build an authentic Arts and Crafts Furniture piece, Nancy Hiller's book is a great resource. Join me on the show as we dive into an interesting book on an interesting topic from a different perspective.
I had a wonderful interview and discussion with Nancy Hiller about her book Making Things Work, her other projects, a book recommendation etc. And I asked her all the questions I could about her work and life. It was a great conversation and could have gone on for hours. She was really wonderful to talk too.
Nancy Hiller's book, Making things work is a poignant and funny account of what life is really like as a cabinet maker. It's a book that I enjoyed, and if you've ever considered turning your side hussle into a day job, perhaps reading this first is a good idea.
John Ruskin's series of essays collected into Unto this Last, is in my opinion one of the most influential writings ever. Fortunately Tolstoy, Proust and Gandhi, amongst others agree, so you don't have to trust my judgement on this one. I'm doing a narration of the work, and this is the introduction and rationale, as well as some notes. It will also let you know where to find the first chapter. (Clue you can go to the Cut The Craft Podcast - https://www.cutthecraftpodcast.com/episodes/coffeeandruskins ).
Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Tim Ewald, the keynote speaker whose presentation - Programming with Hand Tools opened my eyes to a world that I did not know even existed. The presentation is suitable for all hand tool enthusiasts - IT and non-IT in that very little of the presentation actually covers IT in any way. I think you'll really enjoy watching it. I believe it is one of the stand out influential discussion on hand tools of our time.
https://youtu.be/ShEez0JkOFw
Thought I'd do a show before Black Friday, with what's on my Christmas shopping list, I hope this provides some inspiration for all of you.
Shannon Rogers mentioned at the end of the interview that he had also done a podcast on Jeffrey Greene's American Furniture of the 18th Century. I've remastered the original, which can be found here:
https://www.renaissancewoodworker.com/rww-62-wia-jeffrey-greene-anatomy-of-a-masterpiece/
If you enjoy it, go take a look at some of his other articles there is some really interesting stuff there.
A wonderful interview with Shannon Rogers about the classic book American Furniture of the 18th Century by Jeffrey Greene. As discussed in the show here the next episode is Shannon's Renaissance Woodworker podcast from Woodworking in America.
American Furniture of the 18th Century is in my opinion one of the best period furniture books that is available. It's an affordable buy in most cases on the second hand market, and I believe it's the kind of book that will stand you in good stead for years to come. Join me on the show as I review it, and then listen to a great interview with Shannon Rogers as we discuss it further.
Craeft by Alexander Langlands is an interesting book. I'm going to take a possibly controversial stance here and say that while it is a book with an important idea, it is possibly not a book for every woodworking library. Join me on the show as I explore why I came to this conclusion.
Join me as I interview Matt Bickford about his book Mouldings in Practise. I had a great time talking to him about the book and if you're considering hollows and rounds this is a great place to start.
Mouldings in Practice by Matt Bickford is my go to book for everything related to hollow and rounds. Before you rush out and buy a set of hollow and rounds I'd suggest you seriously consider this book as it will save you not only money but frustration.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Appendix D
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Appendix C
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Appendix B
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Appendix A
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 16
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 15
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 14
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 13
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 12
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 10
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 11
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
Issue 6 of Mortise and Tenon Magazine has one of my favorite articles of all time - Mike Updegraff's excellent piece on the radical efficiency of green woodworking.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 9
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 8
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 7
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Lost Carving by David Esterly is a really interesting view into the head and working life of a master woodcarver. I think this is a book worth reading slowly and pondering, as it has a lot of deep thoughts about what the pursuit of excellence really entails.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 6
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
In today's episode, I am joined by Shannon Rogers and we discuss one of the great historical books - The Artisan of Ipswich by Robert Tarule.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 5
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
A great book to have on your bookshelf if you're looking for inspiration for your next project is Wood! Identifying and using hundreds of woods worldwide by Eric Meier.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 4
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
The Anarchist's Workbench by Christopher Schwarz - Chapter 3
Published by Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos, this narration is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lost Art Press in any manner.
I love Eric Sloane's books, this one, a reverence for wood is the first book the author wanted to write and I believe it's a classic.
The Anarchist Workbench by Christopher Schwarz, Chapter 2. Published by Lost Art Press
This narration is not endorsed or affiliated with Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos
The Anarchist Workbench by Christopher Schwarz, Chapter 1. Published by Lost Art Press
This narration is not endorsed or affiliated with Lost Art Press.
Narrated by Ray Deftereos
The Anarchist's Workbench is, in my opinion, the definitive workbench book. If you were not aware, this is a book that is completely free in electronic format, and is written by Christopher Schwarz. Join me in today's episode as I take you through what makes it truly exceptional.
In this episode I review Becksvoort's book on wood as it relates to woodworking. One of the best books about the subject that takes a wide range of topics and presents them in a format accessible to woodworkers of all levels
Brad and I work through 3 tool lists discussing some of the advice and tools we wish we had heard when we were starting out in hand tools. I've also put together a list with approximate costs - you can view it here:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LS8QRl9ltqcfWcQ7cuicpRmO6qhZqB_X3OoVo2N_mrA/edit?usp=sharing
In this episode Brad, an experienced woodworker and friend of mine, discusses some of his thoughts on common hand tool topics related to building your tool collection.
The second of Graham's books is one I can heartily recommend to all readers interested in an overview of traditional tools. This is one of the best books I've read in terms of both covering a wide selection of tools, and being thorough enough that you come away with a new found understanding.
As mentioned in the show, I've recently uploaded a video tour of my workshop, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/eSicq8DC6Os
The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Woodworking Handtools Instruments and Devices by Graham Blackburn is an interesting attempt at a complete visual and text encyclopaedia of handtools. Join me in today's episode as I explore why you might want to add this to your bookshelf.
Chris's excellent companion book to Workbenches: From Design and Theory to Construction and use is the Workbench Design Book. I think its a valuable addition to your library if you want to deep dive into a number of workbench designs and learn how to critique and improve upon them.
If you have ever wanted to build a low workbench, or are curious about the origins of the workbench - I have just the book for you today on the podcast. Chris Schwarz's excellent production Ingenious Mechanicks showcases 3 low workbenches and takes you through the history construction and use of them.
Christopher Schwarz's book on workbenches is in my opinion the best book a new hand tool woodworker can buy as they embark on the somewhat daunting process of designing and building their first (or second, or third ...) workbench.
Join me on the podcast as I review this book and take you through all the reasons why you should add this to your library.
This is an incredible work about an incredible character. I wish there was some way to share the tactile beauty of this book. It's a sublime production that I think belongs in any woodworking library.
The second part of a really fun interview I had with Gary Rogowski. As mentioned, this is one of my favorite woodworking philosophy books.
I'm joined on the show by Gary Rogowski of the North West Woodworking Studio as we discuss woodworking philosophy, in the context of his book Handmade: Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction.
Like some previous interviews, the interview lead to all kinds of interesting tangents and as a result I've split it into two episodes.
I wrap up the review of the Joiner and Cabine-Maker. Thanks to the fantastic folk at lost art press for making a chapter/project available to listeners.
Download the Packing box chapter here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IW73zO8bBkVT4YLNxDX1Qvada_SRakDe
Download the Sketchup File here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ckpQ54klUgCKOOq79TxrAIBencwI8HZO
There are many people who are reaching out in their own way during this current crisis caused by the spread of covid-19.
Lee Valley has made project resources available to keep your kids (and your spouse sane), while Bad-Axe Toolworks is another example of a great woodworking company that is reaching out with a very special covid-19 special and resources to download.
However, one of the big hearted gestures I wanted to highlight is Vic Tesolin's offer to make a chapter of his book available to anyone who wanted to stay at home and beat the boredom. Join me as we talk a bit about his book, and what he's up too.
The earliest known account of what it was like to be an apprentice joiner in the early 1800's. This is a great book that takes you back to a distant time where the unpowered shop ruled supreme. The team at Lost Art press have put together a fantastic book here with the original text and tutorials, historical context and so much more!
If you're interested in modern day apprentices, also take a look at what happens in Europe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journeyman_years
The second and final part of my interview with Rex Krueger where we discuss Aldren Watson's classic book, Country Furniture.
This episode I'm joined by Youtube woodworking rockstar Rex Krueger as we discuss one of our favorite books - Country Furniture by Aldren Watson ... and pretty much everything else woodworking related.
Here is the link to Rex's video that inspired the show: https://youtu.be/1WPq2qKEk5U
The classic memoirs by Walter Rose this book is a poignant look at the life of a village carpenter.
if you're wondering whether you should buy this book - listen to my podcast, available on iTunes, Soundcloud, Google Podcasts, or wherever good podcasts are found.
This is the final podcast covering the three best books on handplanes I know. There is comparative scoring and a final assessment of which is the best handplane book for the hand tool woodworker
In the final review of my three plane books, we cover off Christopher Schwarz's classic - Handplane Essentials. Its an eclectic mix of history, techniques and philosophy delivered in the author's great style!
A great starter book for anyone interested in handplanes, Scott Wynn's book is the second in three books I'm reviewing on the subject
In the first of three episodes of books about handplanes, I start by reviewing one of the books that I found most interesting from a historical and trivia perspective.
Garett Hack's love of the topic shines through in a really comprehensive book.
If you're intimidated by the price of new tools and are looking for a more frugal way to acquire tools, or if you just want to try your hand at making your own tools - this is a wonderful way to start.
Link to Uri Tuchman video that I mention in the show is here: https://youtu.be/ExuXMjCsE-w
You can support the author by buying it here: http://www.shakerovalbox.com/online-store-1/Making-Wood-Tools-with-John-Wilson-p49526353
Probably one of the most practical books you'll ever acquire for your workshop. This simple, no-nonsense guide to appliances and shop fixtures is a fantastic asset for new and experienced hand tool woodworkers.
The first episode gives an introduction to the podcast and describes my reasons for reviewing the books, a brief biography and rating criteria.
The sharpening bible, if there is only one book you buy about sharpening, this is my recommendation. Listen to the podcast to discover all the techniques, theory and recommendations from the author - one of the premium blade makers in the world.
You can support the author by buying it here: http://www.hocktools.com/books/the-perfect-edge.html
In this episode I go through what I consider to be one of the best hand tool overall books - The Anarchist's Tool Chest by Christopher Schwarz. If you're into hand tool woodwork and you haven't bought a copy yet, I'd suggest you listen to the podcast and find out why this is an essential addition to your library.
You can buy the book from Lost Art Press here: https://lostartpress.com/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest