As the title implies, this book covers every aspect of woodworking, from the initial design to a completed project. The first half shows how to set up a workshop, describes the species and types of wood, and covers nearly every commonly used woodworking tool and technique. The latter half offers a variety of plans that include household accessories, furniture, outdoor projects and workshop furnishing. The well-designed projects include excellent instructions supplemented by clear illustrations and are perfect for woodworkers of all skill levels. If you are going to buy only one woodworking book this should be it. Recommended for every public library. Library Journal: June 2002
The Complete Book of Woodworking: Step-by-Step Guide to Essential Woodworking skills, Techniques, Tools and Tips is a superbly presented, comprehensive, and practical reference packed with just about everything a basic or advanced woodworker needs to know about squaring and cutting stock, making joints, assembly, applying finishes, projects for home and outdoors and much, much more. Every page is filled with color photographs to clearly illustrate each step of the art and craft of woodworking and over 40 excellent and useful projects are narrated in explicit detail for woodworkers of all skill levels. The Complete Book of Woodworking guides every step with a thorough explanation of technique, and is a highly recommended reference for school and community library, as well as do-it-yourself hobbyist woodworking reference. The Midwest Book Review
480 pages later, I now know everything there is to know about woodworking. Well, not quite, but this book gives a very detailed insight into the right way to do woodworking. From setting up a shop to actually making an object and everything in between, this book guides you through all the steps to getting it right beginning with the all important SAFETY issues in the shop and moving on to types of woods. It continues with squaring up and cutting the wood (stock) and then goes into types of joints. It explains how and when a router can be used and how to create a few jigs. Ever wonder how the handmade furniture gets that really GREAT glossy finish? There is a chapter on that. Need a cutting board for a gift, a book case, a birdhouse or a utility cabinet for your shop? These are only four of the 40 projects provided. Simple to complex, choose which project you want to start with (after thoroughly reading the book, of course!) and have fun with wood. Barbara Rhoades: October 2009