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Woodworking Basics: Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship
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  Author: Peter Korn
By Taunton Press
Average Customer Rating: Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5

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Product Details
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 684.08
EAN: 9781561586202
ISBN: 156158620X
Label: Taunton Press
Manufacturer: Taunton Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 208
Publication Date: 2003-08
Publisher: Taunton Press
Release Date: 2003-10-01
Studio: Taunton Press

Product Features
  • ISBN13: 9781561586202
  • Condition: NEW
  • Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

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Editorial Review
Product Description
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. Over 250 color photos and drawings and two complete projects — a bench and a small cabinet — are included.

Customer Reviews

Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 Basics for the woodworker reentering the avocation, 2010-03-09
In the world of a power tool for everything under the sun and instant "craftsmanship," Peter Korn's book does a masterful job of explaining when and how to use the proper tool for the correct job. As a mid-level hobbyist, this book was perfect for my need, explaining how to use both power and hand tools, when to use them and why. The safety tips were excellent as well. I especially like the project progression as a method to teach and learn the basic techniques of working with wood. The book reignited a desire for high quality work with a personal touch.

The book would be a good choice for those who have never done woodworking but would like to get started, as well as for those of us who have been away from it for many years.

Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 fantastic intro to woodworking, 2009-11-07
I bought this book as a supplement when I enrolled in an introductory woodworking course (at the recommendation of the tutor), I have since completed an intermediate woodworking course and this book has been an invaluable reference. Sure I knew in principle how to make a tenon and mortise joint- but this book give lots of helpful hints and practical guides/examples. It is very clearly written and easy to follow, with wonderful pictorial guides. If you only buy one woodworking book- this should be it!

Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 Perfect 101 book for Beginners, 2010-01-30
I took a beginning woodworking course a long time ago, but have decided to refresh my interest. Korn's book is almost identical to the structure and pacing of instruction from my course. His project based instruction and step by step approach is exactly what newcomer's need. I also like Korn's lack of pretense when presenting tools or techniques. Many books these days wax the "poetic" of woodworking with seductive images and effusive text, being little more than a showcase of very expensive premium hand tools. Korn appears to take a more modest (and affordable) approach with essential hand tools. Although much of the machinery shown in the book may be beyond a beginner's pocket book, the alternative hand tool approach is well within reach and will drive home the fundamentals of woodworking more than machine milling will.

The first 70 pages introduce the reader to wood, joinery and (power and hand) tools. The reader learns a great deal without being intimidated by too much detail. The sections are a bit terse (particularly sharpening), but the simpler introductions are appropriate to the scope of the book. There are other books that specialize in the topics of advanced machine use, hand planes and sharpening. Korn's book has just enough to get you going without making you feel it is too complicated to proceed.

The first project, milling a board four square, is a fundamental task of woodworking that deserves the attention it gets in this book. Korn does a superb job of providing step-by-step instruction using hand tools or power tools. For me, Sharpening was the first "project" in the WW class I took since it is also a fundamental.

The second and third project is to take the boards you dimensioned and do some basic joinery (before working on any furniture). First, the basic mortise and tenon and then the through-dovetail joint. Joinery is also a fundamental, and these particular joints are the most widely used. Korn takes us step-by-step through the process with plenty of clear photographs showing the technique. The milled boards are long enough that the reader can practice the joints several times. Each time your joints will get better, and you will gain valuable experience and confidence.

The last 80 pages include two small projects, a handsome stool and a side table. These projects are big enough to introduce several more fundamentals without being too complex that the reader will never finish. The stool introduces half-blind dovetails, pinned tenons, glue-up procedure, and basic finishing. The side table introduces basic carcase and drawer/panel door construction. Again, all steps are well documented with plenty of photographs.

Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5 Very good book, 2009-01-07
Recently got back into woodworking after almost 25 years away from it and this was a good book to review the basics.

Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5 A Must Have for Beginning Woodworkers, 2008-12-28
I have done small woodworking projects such as shelves but wanted to learn more so I could possibly complete larger projects. This book has been an invaluable tool. Gives you information on different types of wood and their qualities, gives good information on tools, how to use them, which ones to buy, etc. There are lots of pictures. I learn more visually than reading. This book has all the information you need to get started. It even has a small bench project to complete. I made the bench using the book. Turned out great.

This book is a must have for any novice or even experienced woodworker. I would highly recommend the book.

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