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Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Information But Too Deep In Places
Review: Like all books of an encyclopedic nature this one has it's limitations. It sometimes leaves you wishing for more on a subject. With that in mind I must say this is a very good book. For a beginner it covers an enormous amount of material and for a more advanced woodworker there are pearls all thru it. I have an extensive library of woodworking books with many specialized books and yet I learned something from Mr. Engler's book. I would recommend it for beginners but intermediate woodworker will also benefit from it.
Rating:
Summary: Everything you could ask for- almost
Review: Overall this is an incredible resource for any level of woodworker. Mine will definitely be a dog-eared twisted mess in no time. The only thing that makes me crazy is the detail left off of the jig diagrams. For example, the cross-cut sled is a beauty. If you are patient enough to find little details spread across four different areas of the book, you will still be left without a few details you need to build the jig. It pains me to nitpick this great collection of info, but this is a cardinal sin when presenting plans.
Rating:
Summary: A wealth of great info, some weak areas
Review: The prior reviewers are correct in their criticisms about the vagueness of Engler's diagrams for jigs. The jigs also tend to be overcomplicated sometimes. I also found the sections on finishes and glue and adhesives to be incomplete and not as helpful as other sources ("Understanding Wood Finishing" by Bob Flexner and "The Glue Book" by William Tandy Young). Otherwise, this is the first source I consult when beginning a project. This book is a primer on most aspects of woodworking and worth having on your shelf.
Rating: 
Summary: Essential Shop Reference
Review: This book is essential in any home workshop. There is a jig for virtually every kind of job, and detailed instructions on how to make and use them. The depth of knowledge covers the woodworking spectrum; history, design, tools, techniques and finishing, and LOTS of practical material. It has a design for the best router table I've come across, and the description of dove-tailing is perfect for a home woodworker. The material on tool maintenance and understanding, and the extensive cross-referencing makes this a must-have book. You will not be sorry.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!!
Review: Whether for the beginning woodworker or the advanced Master Carpenter, this book is a must have. It is a wealth of knowledge in one place, from types of wood to types of finishes for your project. In between, the book is jam-packed with helpful tips and general woodworking knowledge. I would recommend this book to anyone thinking about getting into woodworking and to the advanced woodworker as a reference.
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