Customer Reviews

The Impractical Cabinetmaker: Krenov on Composing, Making, and Detailing

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First let me say that "The Impractical Cabinetmaker" is a fantastic book. Now let me say that this new one is a ripoff by the publisher. Let me explain. This "new" book is just a reprint of the orginal published in 1979 with a little more added to the title to make you think it's a new book. Nowhere does it say in the advertising for this book that it is a reprint of the orginal. If you don't have the orginal this is a must buy for any James Krenov fan.

I did not know what to expect when I ordered this book I was kind of hopeing for a technical how-to guide on building cabinets.Since I was building kitchen cabinets at the time I wanted some top quality ideas and guides to build them. This book is not a step by step guide. But let me say this... this book has inspired me. Dare I say it is a spiritual guide to working with wood coupled with some solid planning and designing words of wisdom. For me it inspired me to move away from the standard straight designs and work toward more artistic and flowing furniture. Just don't buy this book thinking it is a technical how-to book on building you standard square boxes; but buy this book if you desire to build heirlooms .

Full of anecdotes and philosophy readable by anyone who considers quality in their work, regardless of their endeavor. Besides, the pictures of his work are great- a nice "period piece" for contemporary furnitue. If you fail to follow directions from magazine articles in your shop, but complete something more than what you'd originally planned, than see how a "master" can that way.

I uncarefully bought this book thinking I would enjoy it (I'm a beginner in cabinet making).

Actually, I felt almost discouraged. I felt so far away from what Krenov describes... What I mostly thought was:

1. I'll have to read this book when I know more about cabinet making, and I can probably read it a few more times...

2. I'll offer it to an Aikido friend of mine who will doubtlessly enjoy the philosophy that is behind Krenov's words.