The Complete Manual of Woodworking: A Detailed Guide to Design, Techniques, and Tools for the Beginner and Expert

It doesn't go into a great deal of depth, but this is a tremendous resource to have on hand if you're a beginning or intermediate woodworker. If you have a question, the start of the answer is in here.Highlights of the book include a great 15-20 spread on design basics for common projects, like cabinets, tables, chairs, etc. Provides good technical drawings that are easy to follow, and gives you the information about what design elements should be followed, in case you're just beginning. (e.g. how big should the toekick be on these cabinets? Why?)The introduction to different types of woods is also excellent. Basics of different finishing techniques is also very good. I refer to this book often, and strongly recommend it, particularly for people who haven't gotten really specialized yet -- this book will expose you to a number of different ideas on areas you may want to learn more about.Mine's already dog-eared and covered with maple dust, so I obviously think highly of it. :-)

Having purchased this book, I would be remiss if I did not recommend it to other beginners. The book covers everything you would need or want to know about the basics of woodworking, including types of wood, tools, joining techniques, etc. Also, the book's layout is clear, containing rich photographs with text a layman can understand.I consider this book a great investment.

This book is an A to Z guide describing topics as diverse as the type of woods, their uses, power and manual tools, fittings to be used, wood carving, veneering, joinery, designs etc etc. I will guarantee that this is an investment - a fully illustrated (in colour) reference book - a complete manual.

A well-crafted and nicely illustrated reference manual for the woodworker. It covers all the basics for hand and power tools, and has chapters on wood as a material, workshops, bending wood, veneering, wood carving and finishing. You'll probably keep this book as long as you can make sawdust.