16 Easy-to-Build Projects for the Home and Garden

Women woodworkers are one of the fastest growing segments of the do-it-yourself niche, but until now they have had little resources to support their community and build their skills. This new book written by Linda Hendry, one of America's most accomplished woodworkers, will guide other women, step-by-step, through 16projects proving that workshops and power tools are NOT just for men anymore.

The book begins with a "Getting Started" section in which the author explains basic woodworking concepts and provides an overview of wood, tools, safety and finishing techniques. This section is designed to build the reader's confidence and features full-color photographs and easy-to-understand language geared specifically toward the female reader. At the heart of this book are 16 easy-to-build projects for the home and garden.

Learn Basic Wood-Bending Methods

Wood is usually considered a stiff, unyielding material, but over the centuries, woodworkers have found some ingenious ways to bend wood to make what they wanted -- items as diverse as a delicate violin, a flexible pair of skis, and a graceful, comfortable chair.

In this collection of 35 articles from Fine Woodworking magazine's classic black-and-white era, craftsmen explain basic wood-bending methods and how they've put them to use in their shops. You'll also learn how you can make the tools and acquire the skills you need for successful bending in your own projects.

Making an acoustic guitar is much easier than you'd think. With this straight forward guide, some basic woodworking skills, a modest workspace, and a few special tools, you too can make an eye-catching instrument that's ready for the concert stage. The fully illustrated and easy-to follow instructions take you through the whole procedure with full-size plans.

The Ultimate Guide to Crown Molding shows readers how they can add distinction to their homes by installing crown molding. Through over 350 photographs, author Neal Barrett takes readers through the process of selecting crown molding designs for their homes, choosing the right materials, and mastering the techniques of cutting and installing the trim work. But the heart of the book are the 30 crown molding projects. Each contains detailed step-by-step photographs and clear concise text that show how each unique design is created. This approach gives even the novice do-it-your selfer the confidence to tackle the projects. More experienced homeowners and professional trim carpenters can use author's designs in their own projects.

-30 unique crown molding projects.
-Detailed step-by-step photographs of each project.
-Clear instruction on the basics of measuring, cutting, and installing molding.
-Over 30 illustrations.
-Over 350 how-to photographs.
-Extensive resource guide for locating unusual tools and materials.
-Comprehensive index and glossary.

The Essential Wood Guide for Every Home Workshop

Find, cut, and dry your own lumber. This essential guide will save you money and expand your knowledge of wood.

For the woodworker who wants to purchase wood wisely and save money by finding, cutting, and drying it on their own, this guide from the experts at American Woodworker is a must. Along with learning the most economical way to buy and process lumber, there are a number of how-to's in this book, including:

-Interpreting rough lumber
-Working with defects
-Deciding which grade is most economical for the project
-Re-sawing thick wood
-Storing lumber
-Using boards that are not perfect

With expert advice, detailed drawings, and step-by-step photographs, this is a skill-expanding and money-saving book that every woodworker needs.

MAKING MANTELS
No woodworking project is more gratifying than making a beautiful fireplace mantel. Plentiful examples and plans cover a broad range of possibilities for the craftsperson to consider. This is aimed at both the professional and the home craftsman. Getts, a professional cabinetmaker and builder, covers essential information peculiar to mantel, fireproof materials, safety considerations, and building codes, as well as a whole host of style elements.

Using the three basic approaches to producing curved parts-laminate bending, steam bending, and milling by machine-this book provides step-by-step instructions on each method, the pros and cons of each project, and how to troubleshoot problems. Also included are discussions and advice as to what methods will work and what methods will not in various applications.

This guide to creating fully functional, working locks from wood includes step-by-step instructions, color photos, measured drawings, and advice on wood selection, tools, and finishing. Techniques for creating five different locks, including a combination lock, are also included. Here is a book for all woodworkers who enjoy making moving, mechanically oriented objects such as puzzles, games, gears, and motors.

Syfert provides 10 enjoyable projects that incorporate beautiful, multi-colored laminations. The projects vary from straightforward to intricate. Each is accompanied by complete step-by-step instructions and numerous photos. Included are clocks, puzzles, piggy bank, basket weave box, and more.

Unlock the Secrets of Curving Wood

Guitars, furniture, even canoes�bending wood adds a new dimension to what can be built in a workshop. In this timeless resource first published in 1948, woodworkers will find all the indispensable information they need: from the woods best-suited to bending to understanding fundamental hand and machine bending techniques. Also included are the key topics of moisture content, wood preparation and elasticity, steaming and other softening treatments, and working with laminates and adhesives. This is the classic for any woodworker seeking to master the craft of bending wood.

Techniques, Projects, and Expert Advice for Fine Woodworking

The art of bending wood confounds most woodworkers, yet it is surprisingly easy to do with the four basic methods in this complete guide. The techniques are presented in step-by-step photo sequences that leave nothing to the imagination and show woodworkers exactly how it's done: bending green wood or twigs, bending with heat or steam, and bending panels or laminations. There are seven step-by-step projects presented, including shaker boxes, a bow for an arrow, a rustic chair, the sides of a guitar, and bent panels used for tables and pedestals. All the necessary tools and equipment are discussed with an eye to budget and practicality, making this appeal to both amateur and professionals of all skill levels.

How to Craft Canes and Staffs from Rustic to Fancy

TAKE YOUR WOODWORKING FOR A WALK!

From rustic walking sticks to fancy canes, woodworker and author Charlie Self "cane" show you how to craft more than a dozen different staffs in Make Your Own Walking Sticks.

Whether you are looking for something simple and practical or looking to make a statement, you will find everything you need to know inside this fun and easy-to-follow book. The first part covers what woods to use, the tools and hardware you'll need, and the basic construction and finishing techniques necessary to complete your project. The second part is devoted to 15 projects ranging from a simple pine branch cane for the beginner to a brass-handled and stylishly turned two-piece cane for the advanced craftsman. To ensure your success, step-by-step directions, helpful sidebars, and full-color photographs are all provided.

The dovetail joint, which woodworkers rely on for making boxes and drawers, is the hallmark of fine craftsmanship. This unique and comprehensive handbook unlocks the intricacies of the classic joint. Woodworkers will learn exactly how to design and lay out all forms of the dovetail, and how to saw and chisel the mating parts for a perfect fit. With detailed explanations at every step and a refreshingly contemporary approach, master craftsman Ian Kirby shows how to achieve superb results with traditional hand tools as well as modern router jigs. Variations include the through, single-lap and double-lap dovetail; the secret miter dovetail; dovetail housings; and rail-to-leg dovetails. Every serious woodworker will need to own this essential reference.

Wood bending is intriguing to the vast majority of woodworkers, but until now most have not had access to the information they need to add it to their repertoire. This highly visual book and DVD changes that. It features step-by-step instruction on some of the most common techniques. Expert Lon Schleining explains and demonstrates both steam bending (where steam relaxes wood fibers so they can be shaped when clamped to a bending form) and bent lamination (where thin strips of wood are glued together, then clamped to a bending form). Schleining shows just how easy it can be to master these techniques, even using relatively low-tech equipment.