Good books for a Beginner and/or projects

[kidliquid]

Hello everyone,

I have tried a search on these forums about this and havnt found much, so I thought I would ask.

I'm looking for a few basic woodworking books that will cover all types of techniques in a modern low budget shop. Basically right now I have a circular saw, drill, Compound Miter Saw, Router (non plunge) and a router table (planning to get a table saw when I get the money). I got the router table as a gift and I'm really confused on how to use it. Its just one of those 100 craftsman universal tables to fit any routers. Rest of the tools are hand tools.

So anyways, I'm looking for some books to get me going on the tools I have and possibly using rough lumber from a mill not home depot.

Also looking for some functional, good looking projects to start off with or possibly some jigs to make things more accurate.

Thanks!

[LarryHo]

Boy-you've got LOTS of questions.
One of the first things you're going to have to address is the lumber situation. If you're going to use rough lumber, you've got to find a way to smooth, flatten, and edge joint the boards.
That's going to require you to either find a cabinet shop that will do it for you, or you'll have to find a friend who has a planer that you can use or if that's not an option, you'll have to buy one, OR use planes and scrapers and a lot of sweat and time to get the boards to the point that you can use them for a project.
Depending on where you live-you may have some discount bookstores that will have what you need. In the Dallas -FTW area where I live, we have a chain of "half-Price" bookstores. You can find virtually any book you'd like, ranging from individual books on specific tools, How-To books, Finishing, and Project books out the gazoo. Check the Yellow Pages in your area if you're not already familiar with what's available in your area.
You may have some woodworking supply stores in your area also (Rockler, Woodcraft, etc.) Again check the Yellow Pages under woodworking. They generally have people who are willing and even anxious to help a beginner--I think their philosophy is that if they help you and you need to purchase a tool or supplies, they might get your business (Home Depot or Lowe's is not much help ). This might be another option for the planing-jointer services you need. These people rotate out their equipment from time to time, and offer the "used" one are significantly reduced prices.
As you build your tool supply, check the classified ads for used tools. If you have a regional tool repair center (factory service)in your area this can be a good source for used / reconditioned tools. A tip from someone who's been doing this a long time--
BUY GOOD QUALITY TOOLS--It's cheaper in the long run. You'll get better results for your time and effort and the tools will last longer.

Good Luck

[Bill D]

Ya know, I'm really suprised about the interest in woodworking books. I always thought the way to learn was to just get out in the shop and make sawdust (and firewood). HOWEVER, I picked up several woodworking books at a yard sale (for nothing) that included the use and care of hand tools, cabinetmaking and millwork, furniture refinishing, furniture plans, and general home repair. I quickly found out that in the shop I was trying to re-invent the wheel everytime I wanted to do a project.
Therefore, I applaud your efforts to learn, and suggest that yard sales can be a source of woodworking books as well as a source of good used tools, but in my neck of the woods, the yard sale season is rapidly coming to a close. BTW, keep reading this forum, I've picked up a ton (or tonne, for my fellow Canadians) of really good tips and suggestions here.

PS. I'm only 31, with a baby on the way, and learning how to make kids furniture.

[Badfrog]

Library, library, library. The cheapest and biggest source of all. That's what I'm using. There are books for projects, tools, setting up shops, jigs, fixtures etc. You name it, they have it. So far, my projects come from my imagination. With woodworking there are so many things possible. So may joints you can make, so many kinds of woods and adhesives and so forth. I don't need a book to tell me how long I should make something. Once you know what joints are out there and how to properly make them and when to use them you are ready to go. Also, if you know how to use your tools to their best ability, you never need to buy a project. At least, that's my thought. As for the lumber, I would suggest getting stuff that is ready to go and not something that you have to plane down or square up. You already have enough stuff to learn how to do and do well to be worrying about a planner and trying to run stock through it. Also, you definately need a table saw. Two words, RIP FENCE! Get a saw with a big rip fence and an accurate one. Makes all the difference in the world.

[Jules]

Liquid,

You will find a wide variety of books and information to satisfy your soul at http://www.taunton.com/store/index.asp

Click on the woodworking section and feast your eyes. Make a list of all the book you want. Then walk, run, cycle, drive or hitch hike on down to your local library and place your order. No charge (unless you don't have a card, in which case it might cost you a few buck to get one).

Cheers

Jules

[volleyheads]

Turning wood with Richard Raffan by Richard Raffan
In the Craftsman Style: Building Furniture Inspired by the Arts & Crafts Tradition by Fine Woodworking (Editor), Tim Schreiner (Introduction)
In the Shaker Style: Building Furniture Inspired by the Shaker Tradition by Tim Schreiner (Introduction)
Cabinetmaking by James Krenov
Joinery by Richard J. de Cristoforo
Woodworking: The Right Technique: Three Practical Ways to Do Every Job-And How to Choose the One That's Right for You
Making by Tage Frid by Bob Moran, Nick Engler
Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking 1&2: A Step-By-Step Guidebook to Essential Woodworking Technique by Tage Frid, Peter Chapman
Mostly Shaker from the New Yankee Workshop by Norm Abram
The New Yankee Workshop by Norm Abram
Classics from the New Yankee Workshop by Norm Abram,
The New Yankee Workshop Kids' Stuff by Norm Abram
The New Yankee Workshop Outdoor Projects by Norm Abram, Roland Walker
The New Yankee Workshop by Norm Abram
Making by Nick Engler
The Impractical Cabinetmaker by James Krenov
A Cabinetmaker's Notebook (Woodworker's Library (Fresno, Calif.).) By James Krenov, Craig McArt
James Krenov: Worker in Wood by James Krenov
With Wakened Hands: Furniture by James Krenov and Students by James Krenov,
Setting Up Shop: The Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop by Sandor Nagyszalanczy
Understanding Wood: A Craftman's Guide to Wood Technology by R. Bruce Hoadley
Making Workbenches: Planning, Building, Outfitting by Sam Allen
Great Wood Finishes: A Step-By-Step Guide to Consistent and Beautiful Results by Jeff Jewitt
Taunton Workshop Classics Set: The Workbench Book, the Toolbox Book, the Workshop Book by Scott Landis, Jim Tolpin
Jim Tolpin's Table Saw Magic by Jim Tolpin
Table Saw Techniques by Roger W. Cliffe
The New Wood Finishing Book by Michael Dresdner
Woodworking for Kids: 40 Fabulous, Fun & Useful Things for Kids to Make by Kevin McGuire
Controlling Dust in the Workshop by Rick Peters
The Complete Guide to Sharpening by Leonard Lee
Furniture by Design: Design, Construction, & Technique by Graham Blackburn
The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking) by Helen Albert (Editor)
The New Router Handbook by Patrick Spielman
Turn a Bowl with Ernie Conover: Getting Terrific Results the First Time Around by Ernie Conover, Rude Osolnik
Fine Woodworking on: Boxes, Carcasses and Drawers (Paperback - April 1985)
The Woodwright's Shop: A Practical Guide to Traditional Woodcraft by Roy Underhill

Best Regards,

Bill

"If it is worth doing, it is worth overdoing"

[Jules]

Hey Bill,

Aren't you supposed to be at work right now??? :)

J/

[volleyheads]

Well yes, but what is your point ;)

I'm still here

Personal strikes are a wonderful thing!

Best Regards,

Bill

"If it is worth doing, it is worth overdoing"

[Kaoslord]

there is only one answer i can give you..BUY THIS BOOK no matter what its the best money you will ever spend, its the best money I EVER spent.... worth it a million times and a half if you wanna get into joinery and such, as well as furniture..... its called Tage Frid teaches Woodworking, you can get the paperback editions of the first 2 books in one book, dont get the third unless you are thinking of building bigger rather advanced furniture... on the real, I LOVE this book, the only downside for you is that he uses his table saw a lot... but everybook will do that really... thid book is all about joinery, finishing veneering, the material, how to prepare the material, handtools, power tools, how to buy rough lumber and mill it to useable lumber for a project etc... this is very well spent money in my opinion

[MadMark]

I have several "starter" projects on my web page that you're welcome to. Some are more detailed than others. But there are several that can be made with very basic tools.

http://www.markswoodshop.com

M