Old Ways of Working Wood

Americana's Author Alex W. Bealer clearly understood that "a picture is worth a thousand words" and published his numerous books on American traditions into very good examples of this old saying. Here Mr. Bealer gives us the joy of looking at many of his wonderfully realistic pen-and-ink drawings of traditional 18th and 19th century woodworking tools and construction details. The reader can visualize with ease some basic methods of fabrications and the tools needed to build them. ...To further enrich your knowledge of historic American tools and hand planes, you will definitely not waste your money in reading Rogers K. Smith's Patented Transitional and Metallic Planes in America, 1827-1927 (Vol. I). Both books will eventually give you "expert" knowledge in the field!

If you are fascinated by old woodworking tools, this book is a must. A history and evolution of woodworking puts it all in perspective. The book is adequately illustrated (line drawings - no photos). The writer does a great job of explaining how to actually use some vintage tools - such as an adze, broadaxe, drawknife, etc. Surprisingly, some old technology has simply has not been improved upon, and this book will help the modern woodworker rediscover those forgotten secrets.