Jim Tolpin's Table Saw Magic

Tolpin has put together a grand book on the table saw. A little bit of tricks, some jigs, when it's good and possible to use it and things to build for safety. Some things he wrote about I would not use. I believe that it's safe to use, but... I don't think I'll be cutting any circles with my saw, but if anyone asked me if you can, I'll say "Yes", you can do it safely. I'll keep this publication close to my saw for the future.

Several good reviews on this book, all are correct IMO. This book is very thorough.... I thought I knew a LOT about TS's, but this book taught me even more. Some very useful jigs, safe work methods (very critical when cutting small strips), great set up instructions, and, great charts on type of blades to use. If you use a TS, there is something extra you will learn if you buy this book...

I'd consider myself to have an intermediate level of woodworking skill - I'm not a novice or an expert - and this book is just right for me. I've built two of the jigs and love them. The general info on setup, blades, and technique is just what I need. I'm working through it, about half way so far, and thoroughly enjoying myself.

This is an amazing book. Jim Tolpin is a master of his craft, and a fine writer as well. There is material in here for readers at every level. The beginner gets a thorough guide to the choice of a table saw. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering their first purchase. The experienced reader can come back to the same chapter when it is time for an upgraded model. Every section is like this; Tolpin introduces the simplest techniques, and goes on to show us cuts I never thought possible on a table saw. The book is an excellent starting place for someone new to the table saw, and yet I cannot imagine outgrowing it. Major sections include choosing a table saw, setup, accessories, blades, ripping, crosscutting, grooves dadoes and rabbets, sheet stock and small parts, curves and moldings, and joinery. Throughout the book, Topin presents shop made jigs for setting up the cuts. He also discusses commercial jigs. His jig designs are quite impressive, and some of them are major projects in themselves. These jigs would be a major asset in any shop, and I look forward to building them. In most cases, Tolpin describes a variety of techniques for solving the same problem. Where a cut can be done on a variety of machines, he discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each one. The advice is evenhanded and unbiased. At the end of the book, two appendices provide source information on all of the equipment shown in the book, and all of the necessary parts for building the jigs. For example, the aluminum mini track which is used in many table saw jigs is available from Garrett Wade Co. in New York, complete with an address and an 800 number for obtaining price information.

Excellent book that starts with a description of what to look for in the selection of a table saw and blades/accessories. I thought it did a better job of explaining how to care for and maintain a table saw than did my owner's manual - I have probably saved the price of the book in saw blade resharpening already. Thouroughly covers basic and advanced table saw cuts and how to do them safely. Describes a number of jigs based on his design of a rip-fence accessory attachment and makes complex cuts and joinery look easy. I'll soon be throwing away some of my more awkward mitre-slot jigs.