A page to list all relevant books I own/have read, my thoughts on them and links to any posts I’ve made about them.
- Understanding Wood: A Craftsman’s Guide to Wood Technology
– an absolutely incredible amount of information about wood!
- Build Your Own Mobile Power Tool Centers
– I must have had this book for about 15 years now and keep coming back to it. I really love the concept of “arbitrary dimensions being made specific” where components are sized to fit tools/each other nicely. I also like the way the different stations can act as each others outfeed tables etc – a very well thought out system (although I don’t think I’ll ever have space to build it all I plan to use some of it as the basis for my workshop).
- Workshop Idea Book
– Contains some great workshop layout, workstation and storage ideas which I’m sure I’ll be drawing on in my workshop. I’ll certainly be turning to its section on storing sash clamps soon, given my recent purchases!
- Smart Workshop Solutions: Building Workstations, Jigs, and Accessories to Improve Your Shop
– Another book full of great ideas for workstations, storage and jigs. This book is also full of tips on technique (I think this was the first place I read about the triangle marking system, for example)
- The Workshop Book: A Craftsman’s Guide to Making the Most of Any Workspace
– This has been my bed time reading for the last few weeks. I really liked it, but most of the workshops described are much bigger than I can even dream of!
- How to Build a Great Home Workshop (Wood Magazine)
- Woodshop Storage Solutions
- Making Workbenches: Planning, Building, Outfitting
– As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I don’t think the current space will allow me a proper work bench as well as all the power tool stations I want, but I can dream! This book has designs for Joiners and Cabinet makers benches, along with advice on selecting vices, outfitting and storage.
- The Workbench Book: A Craftsman’s Guide to Workbenches for Every Type of Woodworking
– Another excellent book about workbenches that includes a lot of information on the history and also many designs for different types – now all I need is the space and the skill to build one!
- Danny Proulx’s Toolboxes and Workbenches: 13 Fast and Easy Projects
- The Bandsaw Book
– I’ve just received this and it looks really good so far. I’ll update further once I’ve read it all
- Router Projects for the Home: The Best from “Router Magazine”
- Bill Hyltons Ultimate Guide to the Router Table (Popular Woodworking)
- Power Tool Maintenance
- The Handplane Book
- Jigs & Fixtures for the Table Saw & Router: Get the Most from Your Tools with Shop Projects from Woodworking’s Top Experts
– I’ve just received this and it looks really good so far. I’ll update further once I’ve read it all
- Old-School Woodshop Accessories: 40 Tried-and-True Jigs, Fixtures and Tool Storage Projects (Popular Woodworking)
– this is a good book, made up of old articles from Deltagrams magazine, with the authors modern day take on them
- Woodwork: A Step-by-step Photographic Guide
– it’s a long time since my CDT realisation GCSE (the only training I’ve had in working wood) so I’ve bought this as a refresher. I’ve liked every Dorling Kindersley book I’ve ever bought and this is no exception
- Cabinetmaking: A Foundation Course
– I’ve just received this and it looks really good so far. I’ll update further once I’ve read it all
- Cutting-edge Cabinetmaking
- Woodturning: A Foundation Course
– I’ve just received this and it looks really good so far. I’ll update further once I’ve read it all
- Two in One: Woodturning (Two-in-one)
– I’ve just received this and it looks really good so far. I’ll update further once I’ve read it all
- Garden Buildings Manual: A Guide to Building Sheds, Greenhouses, Decking and Many More Garden Structures
– I’m thinking of building a play house for my children and maybe even a bigger shed one day, so I’ve ordered this. Haynes produce some good quality books. I also have their book on Home Extensions
- Home Storage Solutions (Wood Magazine)
- Post from 12/02/2012 about my collection of books on workshops and workbenches (the basis of this page)
- Post from 18/06/2012 about recent additions
- Post from 09/08/2012 about recent additions
- Post from 30/12/2012 about recent additions
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For most of us who work in the trades, the question becomes “Why do I do this?” more that “How…” I would suggest a few books: David Pye’s titles on “Workmanship” and “Design”; and Cecil Hewett’s English Historic Carpentry, just because his premise is so awesome, and some of the buildings are close enough for you to visit. Also, if you haven’t seen James Krenov’s books, please take a look. Best. M
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