Product Description

A completely revised, redesigned and updated edition of the definitive woodworker's bible. Authoritative, superbly crafted and easy to use, Collins Complete Woodworker's Manual is the one book every woodworker needs. This new revised edition has been extensively rewritten and contains new photographs and illustrations to give the book a contemporary feel, and includes all the new products and techniques developed since the last edition. The reader is guided through every stage in the process of crafting furniture and other decorative pieces. Starting with the basics -- the nature of wood, the tools required, setting up a workshop -- the book then examines in depth the principles of three-dimensional design, from inspiration to methods of construction. These ideas are then put into practice with a comprehensive look at the various skills and techniques a woodworker requires. Step-by-step illustrations demonstrate how to make every type of joint, and all the major crafts are given detailed coverage with the same step-by-step approach: bending wood, veneering and marquetry, woodcarving and finishing. Add to this a chapter on using other materials, such as metal, glass and leather, in combination with wood, plus a chapter on fixings and fittings -- and the book has everything you need to complete the job.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11793 in Books
• Published on: 2005-04-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

Review
"An absolute must for the book shelf" -- Which Tool "Thoroughly authoritative, well-illustrated and well-produced" -- Home and Garden "A friend to lean on" -- Woodworking International "A fine book" -- Traditional Woodworking "Well thought out and well designed" -- Woodworker "Bursting with ideas" -- Practical Householder

About the Author
Albert Jackson and David Day were both awarded Masters degrees in furniture design at the Royal College of Art. They have written numerous bestselling titles on woodworking and DIY, including the Collins Complete DIY Manual.

Customer Reviews

Good, but can be sketchy
First - this is a really well produced book. It shows what several dozen samples of different wood types look like (both plain and varnished), and goes on to outline the basic construction principles behind chairs, tables, and cupboards. It then covers the use of hand tools and power tools.

But, and it's a big but, this is really only an overview of a vast subject. For example, it covers drafting of a plan in one single page, which really isn't enough if you're planning to build a large piece of furniture.

So while it looks lovely, bear in mind that it's best considered as a roadmap for further study and experimentation.

Told me everything that I wanted to know
Wanting to get into woodworking for pleasure (and ultimately furnishing my house) but having very little prior knowledge about the subject, I wanted a book that I could use as a reference whenever it was needed. This book fulfills the role very nicely and gives excellent guidance on the purchase of tools as well as techniques. Having read through the relevant sections, I was able to go out the next day and purchase everything I needed.

Often the most difficult thing about starting out in a new hobby is finding somebody with experience to guide you. Whilst this is usually the best way, in my case it wasn't possible and this title was about as worthy a substitute as a reference book can be.

Very Informative
Excellent book. I am studying Antique Furniture Restoration at college and find that this book covers all the woodworking basics that I need to know, learn and excel at. It is well laid out, easy to follow and has step by step guides for different types of joints, timbers, tools and wood finishing. It is my bible.