Collins Complete Woodworker's Manual

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View books by Albert Jackson, David Day.

A Great book - Rated
I cannot reccomend this book enougth this should join all the other carpentry books your so glad you own, its really comprehensive & it hard-back this is value for money & will be a reliable companion what ever your level & skill Buy it! Charles de Greeff (France)

All essential woodworking info in one book. - Rated
I'm strictly a "hobbyist" woodworker and I ordered this on a whim, having just bought a router in the post xmas sales, hoping to pick up some ideas for projects.
The depth of information is outstanding, with the chapters being logically ordered and all types of wood, tool and method being laid out in detail with plenty of clear diagrams and "how-to" instructions.
I picked up plenty of hints and tips on things I never even knew I was doing wrong. I've also managed to identify some of the more obscure woodworking tools I inherited from my Grandfather, and found a use for them!
Money well spent, this will keep me busy for years.

Told me everything that I wanted to know - Rated
Wanting to get into woodworking for pleasure (and ultimately furnishing my house) but having very little prior knowledge about the subject, I wanted a book that I could use as a reference whenever it was needed. This book fulfills the role very nicely and gives excellent guidance on the purchase of tools as well as techniques. Having read through the relevant sections, I was able to go out the next day and purchase everything I needed.

Often the most difficult thing about starting out in a new hobby is finding somebody with experience to guide you. Whilst this is usually the best way, in my case it wasn't possible and this title was about as worthy a substitute as a reference book can be.

Good, but can be sketchy - Rated
First - this is a really well produced book. It shows what several dozen samples of different wood types look like (both plain and varnished), and goes on to outline the basic construction principles behind chairs, tables, and cupboards. It then covers the use of hand tools and power tools.

But, and it's a big but, this is really only an overview of a vast subject. For example, it covers drafting of a plan in one single page, which really isn't enough if you're planning to build a large piece of furniture.

So while it looks lovely, bear in mind that it's best considered as a roadmap for further study and experimentation.

Very Informative - Rated
Excellent book. I am studying Antique Furniture Restoration at college and find that this book covers all the woodworking basics that I need to know, learn and excel at. It is well laid out, easy to follow and has step by step guides for different types of joints, timbers, tools and wood finishing. It is my bible.