Product Description

In this indispensable new guide to the basic principles of furniture making, David Charlesworth reinforces his status as a dedicated commentator and teacher of the craft. This book is an ideal workshop accessory, with easy-to-follow instructions on the use of hand tools and how to build confidence and creativity with new, or maybe just rusty, techniques. Designed to encourage the complete beginner and challenge the student or keen amateur, all woodworkers will glean inspiration from the sound knowledge and advice within these pages. The book is suitable for all levels and abilities and includes tips and techniques on how to get the best from hand tools.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #86347 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

About the Author
David Charlesworth is a well-known craftsman with 30 years of experience in the furniture industry, whose work has been published extensively in the UK and USA. He has contributed to GMC's Furniture & Cabinet Making Magazine since the first issue, and has two previous books with GMC Publications: David Charlesworth's Furniture-Making Techniques - Volume 1 (ISBN: 1-86108-125-1) and Volume 2 (ISBN: 1 86108 295 9). David lives in Platts Heath, near Maidstone, Kent.

Customer Reviews

Good as far as it goes
This is a small selection of reprinted magazine articles on specific topics related to a few different woodworking tools and techniques. The publisher's blurb suggests that it is far more comprehensive than in fact it is. It's interesting and stimulating as far as it goes, but that's it.

There are plentiful illustrations and the book is well produced. However, many of the pictures make for a pleasant page layout without giving any value in improving understanding of the subject.

David Charlesworth does it again (Handtools and Methods)
In some respects this is the most basic of David Charlesworth's books on furniture making -but that does not mean it is too simplistic. If you are a trained cabinetmaker or woodworker you may find there is less to learn from this volume than the other two in the series, however I learned my stuff in the late seventies and early eighties and found the advice useful - it updates and evolves some of the hoary practices of those times which were the leftover product of a very traditional apprenticeship system. David Charlesworth's open minded and inventive approach makes the best of techniques and products - some new, some rediscovered or adapted.

If you are an amateur there is probably a lot to be learned. But there is some inspiration for developing or refining workshop practice whatever your background.

The written style is good, fairly informal whilst staying crisp and focused on the subject. Topics are split up into key areas and the book is good to browse and does not need to be read cover to cover (though you will anyway). Photography is excellent with a few whole page pictures which whilst not directly text related help set a tone for the book.

Besides which, I cannot resist looking into other folks workshops to see how they go about it.

I bought this book after purchasing the other two in the series and was not disapointed.