A Cabinetmaker's Notebook

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View books by James Krenov.

Simply the best - Rated
James Krenov is, arguably, the most influential cabinet maker of our generation. Each of his books is a gem to be treasured. In my view A Cabinet Makers Notebook is one of his finest works.

Reflective and inspiring - Rated
Whenever I'm starting a new project, or feeling a bit bogged down with a part finished piece I turn to this book. Krenov writes about his love of timber, his attitude to making furniture for money and the pleasure in using good tools in such a reflective and inspiring way that I can't fail to be energised and itching to get back into the workshop.

A quality book with a different approach - Rated
This is a book on woodwork unlike any other that I have read. There are a great deal of good books explaining the mechanics of woodwork, but here Mr Krenov takes quite a different approach. A quote on the cover informs us that this is not a "how to" but a "why to", but here I would disagree. It is a "how to", and one from someone that imposes very rigorous standards on his own work, but it is far more about aproach, attitudes and style, rather than how to cut a joint, or plane a board. Heavily focused on hand rather than machine methods, Mr Krenov tries to explain his own personal approach to producing real quality.

Whilst perhaps not a book for someone who doesn't already know at least something about woodwork, it can certainly be an inspirational change for those who are already familiar with the "cut this with this machine, sand that with that machine" durge of information.

A lovely little book from a real craftsman, only slightly let down by the mainly black and white images.