Woodworking is a craft that has evolved over millennia. And there are many methods to accomplish all the tasks woodworkers perform, from the low tech approach of handtools to the speed and efficiency of sophisticated machines.

This book will help woodworkers of all levels choose the right method and tools to bring great results, pleasure and satisfaction to working wood.

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Table of Contents

The Workshop
Shop Space and Fixtures
Mobilize Your Workshop

Outfitting the Shop
Holding the Work
Edge Tools
Measuring and Marking Tools
Hammers and Striking Tools
Sharpening Equipment
Portable Power Tools
Miter Saw
Stationary Machines
Blades, Bits, and Cutters
Dust Collection

Working Wood
Buying and Preparing Solid Wood
Flattening a Board by Hand
Working with the Grain
Smoothing with Edge Tools
Good Sanding Techniques
Keeping Parts Flat
Plywood and Other Manmade Boards
Mixing Materials
Laying Out and Cutting Plywood
Using Cutting Lists
Making Your Mark
Choosing and Using Glue

Dimensioning Wood
Jointing and Planing
Ripping
Crosscutting
Cutting Sheet Goods

Case Joinery
Butt joints
Biscuit Joints
Dowel Joints
Rabbets
Grooves
Dadoes
Drawer Lock Joints
Tongue and Groove
Miter Joints
Finger Joints
Dovetails

Frame Joinery
Butt Joints
Dowel Joints
Biscuit Joints
Miter Joints
Lap Joints
Bridle Joints
Scarf Joints
Splice Joints
Mortises
Tenons
Through Mortises

Shaping Wood
Tapers and Octagons
Arcs, Circles, and Ellipses
Curves
Shaped Edges
Coves
Turning Shapes
Bending

Construction
Case Construction
Shelves
Drawers
Doors
Locks and Catches
Bases
Backs
Tops

Sharpening
Planes
Chisels
Scrapers
Spokeshaves
Handsaws

Finishing
Surface Preparation
Fixing Defects
Coloring Wood
Applying Finish
Rubbing out Finishes

Index

Introduction

Part of the appeal of woodworking is the wide range of tasks that go into making even a simple piece of furniture. We begin by milling wood square and then dimension it to make parts. To make a piece that will endure the stresses of seasonal wood movement, we cut joints to hold the parts together. Along the way we set up, use, and sharpen tools. Finally, we apply a finish to protect the wood and bring out its beauty. And thats just the beginning. To add interest to a piece, we shape wood by adding curves, moldings, and edge treatments. And moving beyond the basic project, requires a knowledge of the architecture of furniture and cabinets. Woodworking is a craft that has evolved over millenia. It has many methods to accomplish all these tasks, from the low tech approach of handtools to the speed and efficiency of sophisticated machines. Choosing the right method depends on many factors including your skill level, the tools in your shop, and whether you need to work quickly or can take the time to savor the process. The process is the purpose, isnt it? Its the pleasure and satisfaction of working wood, whatever technique you choose.

This book collects in one volume the essential information that every woodworker needs to know. Its taken from the subject-specific books in The Complete Illustrated Guides series: Joinery, Furniture and Cabinet Construction, Shaping Wood, Finishing, Sharpening, Using Woodworking Tools, and Working Wood. The selections included here are my own, based on teaching woodworking classes and editing woodworking books for the last dozen years. If you dont find your pet technique, please accept my apologies. A single concise shop reference must have, by definition, limits. If you own the volumes that comprise The Complete Illustrated Guides, this book is a manual you can leave in the shop as a basic reference. If youre just starting out in woodworking, it can be your guide to the skills and techniques youll need to master to become a woodworker. Wherever you are in your woodworking path, I hope The Complete Guide to Woodworking gives you a taste of the rich variety of ways to work wood and keeps you coming back to the shop to learn more.

Helen Albert, Executive EditorTaunton Books