Laminated Designs in Wood: Techniques, Patterns, Projects

Rating:
Summary: Not for novices
Review: I agree with the first reviewer in most respects. The book is an awesome resource on how to make solid laminates. However, it could be greatly improved if the author would give more details on how to make the jig. There are good pictures and sketchy details but no measurements or helpful details. This book is definitely for the experienced woodworker. A little experience is good, but expect to struggle. Of course, that's what some of us like about woodworking -- the struggle, then the beautiful finished product when we're done.

Rating:
Summary: Not for novices
Review: This book gives information about a beautiful form of woodworking, complete with many colorful pictures and explanations of how to do it yourself. Mr. Rannefeld has developed wood laminating into an art form and his work is inspiring. He shows hundreds of different cutting patterns, gives details on building his special jig for the table saw, and includes some projects that anyone would be proud to make and own. Note that this is not a beginner's woodworking book. The technique and the projects require some skill. However, once you master it, the variety of objects this technique can be applied to is endless. Turned bowls, trays, tables, clocks, and more. All can be enhanced and beautified with this method. This is not simple surface lamination, but rather it goes throughout the wood. So once it has been created, the wood can be cut and shaped and the laminated design remains intact. An exellent book for a woodworker with the desire and dedication to create not just woodworking projects, but woodworking art.

Rating:
Summary: Woodworking as an art form
Review: This book gives information about a beautiful form of woodworking, complete with many colorful pictures and explanations of how to do it yourself. Mr. Rannefeld has developed wood laminating into an art form and his work is inspiring. He shows hundreds of different cutting patterns, gives details on building his special jig for the table saw, and includes some projects that anyone would be proud to make and own. Note that this is not a beginner's woodworking book. The technique and the projects require some skill. However, once you master it, the variety of objects this technique can be applied to is endless. Turned bowls, trays, tables, clocks, and more. All can be enhanced and beautified with this method. This is not simple surface lamination, but rather it goes throughout the wood. So once it has been created, the wood can be cut and shaped and the laminated design remains intact. An exellent book for a woodworker with the desire and dedication to create not just woodworking projects, but woodworking art.

Rating:
Summary: Deep, but Thorough
Review: This book is so complete with jigs that are necessary to do the exact cutting required for good results that some woodworkers may not appreciate it. It has all the formulae to calculate the amount of lumber required for a project. If the woodworker has the patience to read this book and follow the design instruction, then experiment with different widths and numbers of the laminates, the possibilities are unending. Clarence Rannefeld, the author, has tried to introduce us to a whole new field in woodworking. Use your scientific calculator for the formulae, then cut and glue, and cut and glue some more and beauty will jump out at you. Above all, be patient. This type of woodworking is an art. Intarsia enthusiasts will love it.

Rating:
Summary: Deep, but Thorough
Review: This book is so complete with jigs that are necessary to do the exact cutting required for good results that some woodworkers may not appreciate it. It has all the formulae to calculate the amount of lumber required for a project. If the woodworker has the patience to read this book and follow the design instruction, then experiment with different widths and numbers of the laminates, the possibilities are unending. Clarence Rannefeld, the author, has tried to introduce us to a whole new field in woodworking. Use your scientific calculator for the formulae, then cut and glue, and cut and glue some more and beauty will jump out at you. Above all, be patient. This type of woodworking is an art. Intarsia enthusiasts will love it.