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Rating: 
Summary: No wonder the book is so inexpensive
Review: Copyright 1972...should be 1772. The illustrations are Old World sketches at best. If you want a VERY brief overview of tools and processes, this book should do. Although for being a basic and introductory book, it assumes you know some terms which can be frustrating. Probably a good guide if you're taking a course and want to refer to very basic tools and processes. Presentation is definitely "old school".
Rating: 
Summary: Well, maybe not for craftsmen...
Review: I returned this because I was trying to find projects to make in a metal artwork and welding class... this book had rather bland illustrations, and nothing which seemed readily reproducable in the context of the class I was taking...Matt Lang
Rating: 
Summary: Good Coverage of Metalworking Basics
Review: If one reads the Editorial Reviews you will see what is contained in this great little book. I was going to make a full list of what is include but they have given a good but brief summary so I will just add to it slightly.
The book is divided into three main sections. The first is Tools and Metalworking Processes. This section is 52 pages long and has what I believe to be excellent drawings of the tools required and gives drawings of the processes like Hollowing, Raising, Chasing and Etching to name a few. Section 2, at 110 pages, is called Projects with Processes and here Kronquist outlines a series of items to be made giving simple yet clear explanations of the relevant steps taken. In this section he makes a 1 Quart Pitcher, a Mail Box, a Fluted 9" Bowl, a Beaker, Serving Tray and an assortment of other items. The third section is devoted to the projects. In this section he gives us a series of drawing with dimensions for small items. They are mainly composed of items of Tableware, Cigarette holders, Coasters, Tea Strainers and Jewellery Boxes to name some. He then includes a small secion of 4 pages with finishes that can be applied to the various metals used. There is a couple of finishes each for Aluminium, Brass, Copper, Pewter and Silver. The book is then completed with a Glossary.
This book is aimed, I believe, at people who are interested in crafting as a hobby or the person who is wanting to get into this as a hobby. I do not believe it was aimed at practitioners of metalwork who are already true Craftsmen so do not be confused by the title. As such I think this is an excellent book for a person starting out for it gives you some simple projects that include dimensions and if you follow the instrucions you will build up a set of skills to tackle the projects of your own imagination. There are the big brothers to this book on the market and I have reviewed some but there is nothing wrong with this book and it should certainly be considered.
I therefore recommend it to others and I'm very pleased it is in my collection of books on working metal.
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