Customer Reviews

Hand Tools

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

wow. this book is simply gorgeous. for a beginner like me it is a very informative coverage on the art of woodworking. beautifully and clearly illustrated on every page it teaches.

not only does it explain the hows and whys of hand tools' functions/application but also give plenty of tips and advice on how to avoid (costly) mistakes.

I have recently taken an interest in woodworking. Being someone who like to learn about the theories before actually doing anything, I started buying and reading a number of woodworking books, and doing some experimenting and practicing with the information I learned.

This book is the most useful one that I have read yet. It is extrememly easy to read, and captures the basic techniques for using a number of common hand tools. The chapter on chisels is one of my favorites, and the chapter on planes has clearer instruction on how to use different type of planes than another book of mine that talks only about planes.

Reading this book after reading other "how to" books about joinery, furniture, etc. clarifys a lot of things, making the picture complete so to speak.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone

This book is an excellent primer for anyone interested in woodworking with handtools. Clear illustrations identify tool particulars and correct usage and maintenance of each. All woodworking handtools from handplanes to screwdrivers are included. Also included is an appendix listing essential handtools for any woodshop. I have found this appendix, and the book itself, indispensable.

Highly recommended. Studying and working from this book is the next best thing to taking lessons from a master craftsman in his shop. Clearly-presented instructions and handsome illustrations in pencil explain both the elementary use of hand tools and the techniques to obtain smooth, professional results. The author's style is clean and polished, like the operation of an efficient, well-tuned plane. After mastering the contents of this book, you'll be equipped to perform a wide range of woodworking tasks, and, even more, have the knowledge to find solutions to any greater technical challenges that come your way.

The author has a gift for explaining some complex techniques in simple English.
The drawings add immeasurably to the effort. I borrowed this book from the library, and now will order my own copy.
If you want to be a traditional woodworker, you will be thrilled how the author goes tool by tool through those things that you need to have in your shop and illustrates what they are for and how to make them do what they are supposed to do

In this book you will learn the tricks that a master
woodworker teaches his apprentice. It is the best book
on using and caring for traditional woodworking hand tools
I have found. It covers everything from hand planes to the
lowly nail set using excellently clear illistrations. In
the back of the book is an appendix with plans for a no-
nonsense workbench and other handy shop items you can make
yourself.
It has the best advice on sharpening hand saws and other
tools I have ever read. The author uses clear, concise
language that even a hairy-knuckled woodworker can undersand.

Ordered this book for my son who appreciates information on tools, mechanical things, and how anything works. This is a keeper. The illustrations are fantastic. This book makes a wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates craftmanship and a good read.

This book provides practical know-how and excellent illustrations in using western-style hand tools. There is no coverage of Japanese-style tools (which I find somewhat disappointing considering I like Japanese saws more than their western equivalents).