Woodwork

In the machine age there is a particular pleasure in working with wood, which Woodwork celebrates, both in the easy-to-follow instructions for mastering the core skills and in the projects at the end of the book that demonstrate them.

The first chapter details the properties of the most commonly used hardwood and softwood lumber, so that woodworkers can make an informed decision about matching the qualities of a wood to its intended purpose. This is then followed by a chapter on all the important tools a woodworker is likely to need-both hand and machine-and on how to look after them to ensure the longest and most efficient working life. The third chapter discusses the optimum layout for a workshop so that key considerations of accessibility and safety are taken into account.

The next four chapters demonstrate, with detailed step-by-step instructions, the essential woodworking skills, from working by hand to using power tools and fixed machinery, as well as further skills that will be useful to the more ambitious woodworker, such as veneering, carving, and woodturning.

These techniques are then put straight into practice in the final chapter, which contains 30 attractive projects ranging from a simple footstool to a complex desk. These are cross-referenced to the technical skills in the practical section, and include detailed plans and cutting lists so that the projects are easy to follow.

ToC:

Introduction
1. WOODS
The structure of a tree
Common woodworking woods
Softwoods
Box feature: Working with green wood
Hardwoods
Box feature: Wood from sustainable sources
Woods for fine furniture
Woods for veneers
Reclaimed/recycled woods
Manufactured boards (plywood, chipboard, etc.)
2. TOOLS
Hand tools
Box feature: Japanese saws and chisels
Hand power tools
Workshop machine tools
Looking after and maintaining your tools
3. THE WORKSHOP
Layout
Workbench
Storing tools
Storing wood
Health and safety
4. HAND-TOOL TECHNIQUES
Nailing and screwing
Sawing
Planing
Chiseling
Making joints
Box feature: Blind dovetail joints
Using modern knock-down fittings
Gluing and the use of adhesives
Sanding and the use of abrasives
Staining and varnishing
Oil and wax finishing
French polishing
5. POWER-TOOL TECHNIQUES
Using a power drill
Box feature: Power tool safety
Using a circular saw
Using a router
Using a power sander
6. MACHINE-TOOL TECHNIQUES
Using a table saw
Box feature: Woodworking machine safety
Using a band saw
Using a drill press
Using a machine sander
7. ADVANCED SKILLS
Applying veneers
Marquetry
Box feature: Parquetry
Carving
Woodturning
Fixtures, door hinges, handles, catches, and latches
Combining woodwork with other materials, e.g. metal, glass
8. PROJECTS
1. Cutting board
2. Planter
3. Footstool
4. Ornament shelf
5. Mirror
6. Waste basket
7. Hamper
8. Jewelry box
9. Toy box
10. Simple bookcase
11. Medicine cabinet
12. Coat rack with bench
13. Garden chair
14. Simple garden bench
15. Bed table/plant stand
16. Bathroom stand
17. Coffee table
18. Outdoor table
19. Kitchen table
20. Linen chest
21. Sofa table
22. Bookcase with doors
23. Corner cabinet
24. Simple dining chair
25. Bed
26. Dresser
27. Kitchen island
28. Entertainment center
29. Computer desk
30. Dining chair with arms
Glossary
Index
Acknowledgments