Traditional Woodworking Handtools: A Manual for the Woodworker

My favorite bookstore was closed by a power outage, so I was forced to go to a nearby "big box" media store.It was destiny! I found this book on a bargain rack. Graham Blackburn provides precise descriptions regarding the history, form, function and use of all the old tools. He applies this wonderfully researched information to today's world of noisy, expensive power tools - showing many benefits to doing things "the old" and often better way. He doesn't suggest that you trash your tablesaw, drillpress or router, but offers effective alternatives that have increased my enjoyment of woodworking as a hobby. I've spent hundreds on woodworking titles, but none have had such a profound influence as this. Very readable and intelligent - entertaining dry wit. It's like having an old timer, with old time wisdom in the shop.It will pay for itself in a week, and maybe change your methods of work for life! Negatives? I have bandages on two fingers and my thumb, but I'm having a ball!

I found blackburn's book to be extremely helpful in my woodworking, most of which I do with hand tools. The book is well organized and covers more info than most will ever use. His description of sharpening handsaws simplified the process exponentially for me, and now I follow his advice to sharpen my own saws. Blackburn's book reflects his extensive background in woodoworking and his simple writing style makes the book a pleasure to read and one you will go back to time and time again. Highly recommended as a basis for a woodworking library.