Woodworker's library

**barbsiddiqui** · 05-09-2001, 07:37 AM

Okay, here's a new topic for discussion:
What do you consider your most valuable woodworking books?
What books do you most Wish you could own, regardless of price?
And where do you most often get books for your woodworking?

Any and all answers appreciated! -Barb S.

**leonard** · 05-09-2001, 08:01 AM

Well Barb the most valuable books in my library are the books that adress the individual pieces of machinery. the only piece I don't have a book for yet is my thickness planer. The books that cover more then one machine seem to leave out information I consider important. Most of my books I buy from Barnes & Noble. or the woodworker's book club.
leonard

**edfan** · 05-09-2001, 02:34 PM

>What do you consider your most
>valuable woodworking books?

One that had a big effect on me was "Good Wood Joints" by Jackson & Day.

One of the hardest problems I had was not liking the plans I saw in most magazines and books. I had no confidence to design my own projects or even make large changes to professional designs so it stalled things pretty badly if I didn't like every single part of a magazine project. G-J is a handbook that describes joints, where they're commonly used and explains enough about them to choose a joint and be confident it is reasonable for its intended purpose. Once the engineering is out of the way, you can go forward more easily with designing the appearance of the project.

**Weez** · 05-09-2001, 03:37 PM

I could really give a long list. I do not have that many books but the ones I do have get used quiet a bit. Funiture Making Encyclopedia, Understanding Wood Finishing (Micheal Dresdner), an old math book that my Dad got in high school shop class (this thing has everything), and Understanding Wood. I also have a stack of Fine Funurniture Mag's (I found them in the dump one day) with the internet and there web site I get alot of good info from them. The books I am looking at right now are wood joint books and design books. I really enjoy building and most are done with my own plans, but I do not know what grouping to put it in. Like Arts and Crafts, Mission, Shaker. I know what they are but getting more detailed.
This is a great topic thanks for bringing it up.
Weez

**"D" for Dusty (Guest)** · 05-09-2001, 03:42 PM

Hi Barb, I would say my best woodworking book would have to be, without a doubt, "Working Wood: A Complete Bench-Top Reference". The author is Jim Tolpin and it covers everything from wood to hand and power tools to shop setup (which was a big help) to applying finishes..which I hadnt read before staining my corner cabinet...dah!!! I was able to fix it though..The biggest help was definately the hand tools, which I wouldnt have had a clue.
Great topic Barb..
MarciaD(for dusty)

**woodworm** · 05-09-2001, 06:07 PM

Hi Barb,

I really enjoy the very comprehensive book titled" The Complete Manual of Woodworking" by Albert Jackson, David Day, and Simon Jennings.
published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
The illustrations and explanations are just great.
It features various woods, tools, dimensions, finishes, types of tools,joinery and a whole bunch of other very helpful information.
I have it in hard back. I've seen it in local bookstores in soft cover and the going price is about $25.00. Worth every penny.
Detail is real defined.
Hope this helps you.,
Ginny

**Raven Tekwe (Guest)** · 05-10-2001, 04:30 AM

I would have to put Krenov's books as my most valuable, I get something new each time I peruse them. I also love my design series books, and Maloof's book. If I really want a book, I usually figure out a way to get it. They are magazines, but Fine woodworking is invaluable to me. I get a lot of books as presents (I've specified which ones), and I try to support the independents like Cambium, instead of the giant corporations.

**Donnarondack (Guest)** · 05-10-2001, 12:10 PM

Since I am new to the woodworking arena, I am still looking for the best source. So far, I have found the woodworking magazines pretty good. Woodworkers Journalis one of my favorites, but I also have Fine Woodworking and Wood Magazine.

**Flyinghorse** · 05-10-2001, 01:06 PM

I would consider one of my most valuable books to be: " Cabinetmaking and Millwork" by John L. Feirer. It is covers just about everything and is fairly heavey (reading as well as weight)

I also love FineWoodworking.
I have found some good woodworking books at used book stores for VERY reasonable prices.
BJ Wilkinson