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Rating: 
Summary: Worth its weight in GOLD
Review: I'm a beginning woodworker who wants to get the most out of the tools I have and produce the best work I can. That is probably true of anyone of any ability. This set of books had me going "WOW! What a great idea!" over and over again as I flipped the pages.I don't understand the reviewer that downgraded the book as "just tips". Funny, that's what it is ADVERTISED as being: "The Best Tips from 25 years of Fine Woodworking". Downgrading it for being what it says it is seems a bit foolish to me. Like buying a sports car that advertises itself as a sports car and then complaining that it isn't an SUV? (Perhaps we should give the Reviewers themselves star ratings?) If you are looking for an impressive collection of tips this set gives maximum bang for the buck. 4 volumes (Tablesaw, Router, Workshop and Finishing) cover all of the biggies in my book. Nearly A THOUSAND pages. Each of these volumes is available separately, (if only one of those topics interests you) but I like the slipcase set Note: Do not be confused by the fact that Taunton is now calling the set "The Best Tips from 27 years of Fine Woodworking". I checked the copyright date and the ISBN number. There is no newer edition. This is the set they are selling. (The new headline is misleading and reflects that two more years of the magazine has been published, but those tips are not in this set.) No matter. Visit your library to catch up on the last 14 issues or so. The book often gives you multiple ways to do the same thing. (Example: jigs to cut perfect miters on a table saw). Some tips build on tips that came before. All of this adds to your learning process and gives you more choices. The illustrations by Jim Richey are wonderful and give you only the essentials (no distractions, as in actual photographs) and much more personal feeling than sterile drafted plans. The reader is left to adapt the idea to his particular shop or tool. I love mine and highly recommend the set.
Rating: 
Summary: Only tips and not much else
Review: If you are a novice looking for a beginning table saw book, look elsewhere. This book is only for those who understand the jargon of the seasoned woodworker. One of the first tips introduced speaks about runout, I had no idea what it was and the book never fully explained it. I also found the illustrations to be lacking information and the photgraphs outdated. Again, don't buy this book if you want basic tablesaw how to.
Rating:
Summary: Only tips and not much else
Review: If you are a novice looking for a beginning table saw book, look elsewhere. This book is only for those who understand the jargon of the seasoned woodworker. One of the first tips introduced speaks about runout, I had no idea what it was and the book never fully explained it. I also found the illustrations to be lacking information and the photgraphs outdated. Again, don't buy this book if you want basic tablesaw how to.
Rating: 
Summary: Woodworker's sage combines knowledge and talent
Review: Jim has taken the attitude of not talking down to his readers, or should I say collegues. His approach assumes basic woodworking knowledge but presents the tips in a very accessible manner for the beginner and veteran. Readers will enjoy the simple and concise illustrations and step by step guidance. Seasoned woodworkers will enjoy refreshing their skills and looking at solving problems from Jim's perspective as a teacher and craftsman. When you can't get to the shop to make sawdust, this books gives almost as much satisfaction. Soon to become a favorite shop reference.
Rating:
Summary: Woodworker's sage combines knowledge and talent
Review: Jim has taken the attitude of not talking down to his readers, or should I say collegues. His approach assumes basic woodworking knowledge but presents the tips in a very accessible manner for the beginner and veteran. Readers will enjoy the simple and concise illustrations and step by step guidance. Seasoned woodworkers will enjoy refreshing their skills and looking at solving problems from Jim's perspective as a teacher and craftsman. When you can't get to the shop to make sawdust, this books gives almost as much satisfaction. Soon to become a favorite shop reference.
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