Hand Tools: Their Ways and Workings

Rating:
Summary: Most useful book I have bought yet
Review: I have recently taken an interest in woodworking. Being someone who like to learn about the theories before actually doing anything, I started buying and reading a number of woodworking books, and doing some experimenting and practicing with the information I learned.

This book is the most useful one that I have read yet. It is extrememly easy to read, and captures the basic techniques for using a number of common hand tools. The chapter on chisels is one of my favorites, and the chapter on planes has clearer instruction on how to use different type of planes than another book of mine that talks only about planes.

Reading this book after reading other "how to" books about joinery, furniture, etc. clarifys a lot of things, making the picture complete so to speak.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone

Rating:
Summary: Hand Tools: Their Ways and Workings
Review: This book is an excellent primer for anyone interested in woodworking with handtools. Clear illustrations identify tool particulars and correct usage and maintenance of each. All woodworking handtools from handplanes to screwdrivers are included. Also included is an appendix listing essential handtools for any woodshop. I have found this appendix, and the book itself, indispensable.

Rating:
Summary: just what I needed
Review: This book provides practical know-how and excellent illustrations in using western-style hand tools. There is no coverage of Japanese-style tools (which I find somewhat disappointing considering I like Japanese saws more than their western equivalents).

Rating:
Summary: just what I needed
Review: This book provides practical know-how and excellent illustrations in using western-style hand tools. There is no coverage of Japanese-style tools (which I find somewhat disappointing considering I like Japanese saws more than their western equivalents).

Rating:
Summary: very good for beginners
Review: wow. this book is simply gorgeous. for a beginner like me it is a very informative coverage on the art of woodworking. beautifully and clearly illustrated on every page it teaches.

not only does it explain the hows and whys of hand tools' functions/application but also give plenty of tips and advice on how to avoid (costly) mistakes.