Woodworking Books?

[m8]

I'm new to the world of woodworking and am looking for specific books or related items that you would suggest to help me learn and improve my woodworking skills.  Thank you.

 

[Rob-GB]

Can you specify a particular area or areas of woodworking you have an interest in as the range is large, also where in the world are you as some books are more applicable to a country than others (tooling availability and building code wise, etc.)
I have a broad range some purchased while on holiday or working overseas.
e.g. From USA, Carpentry by Gasper Lewis ISBN 0-8273-5979-9
      From UK,  Collins Complete Woodworking Manual by Jackson/Day ISBN 0-00-411565-1 Published 1990 and I believe republish more recently (good beginners book with lots of info)
      From Germany, Holz by Dumont ISBN 3-7701-8616-8 ( bought to improve my vocabulary when working in Frankfurt. It's a poorer version of the one above)

Regards Rob.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Rob's advice is good.  Let us know what you plan to build: home remodeling, furniture, toys, boxes, decks, etc.  Would probably recommend different books depending on what path you wish to take.

Also, its a great idea to take a class (try local adult ed programs or community colleges).  There are some things it really helps to see done, eg. how sharp should a chisel be?  how do you hold a board on a jointer?  Woodcraft offers some useful short courses, too.

One more piece of generic advice... never pay retail for a book.  There's a huge used book market on the internet (Amazon.com if nothing else).  You should be able to get a new or like-new used book for half the store price.  Your local library may have some good woodworking books and videos, too.

 

[jzaavy]

I agree too, that big book written by Jackson and Day is very good for anyone beginning.

 

[m8]

As always I greatly appreciate everyone's responses.  I should have specified what type of woodworking I have planned.  Most of my future woodworking will involve interior and exterior work on my sailboat, specifically making cabinets, settees, and general finish carpentry.  I do have plans to move on afterwards to performing a little home renovation/construction.  Any suggestions would be extremely helpful.  Thank you.

 

[MartinW]

I've found that the local library system is very well stocked with woodworking books covering all areas.  If you go this route then you can peruse dozens of books and find those that you can later buy for your own home library.  If this is not an option then don't think that you can go too far wrong with the Taunton books, which are very clearly written and illustrated. 

Martin.

 

[danjames]

M8

I build boats, mainly wooden ones, a few good reference books are-

Boatbuilding Manual by Robert Steward,

Boat Joinery and Cabinet Making Simplified by Fred Bingham is really good for anything interior,

Illustrated Sail Boat Maintenance Manual by Don Casey is a nice allrounder,

Dan. [smile]

 

[m8]

Thank you for everyones responses.  I picked up Collins Complete Woodworking Manual from the local bookstore and am about half way through it.  So far I am impressed with the clear precise information contained in it.  I'm looking forward to reading Dan's recommendation of Boat Joinery and Cabinet Making Simplified.