[Ebook reviews] - The Best Ebooks for Designing and Building for Carpenter.

Setting Up Shop: The Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop.

Paperback: 236 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press; Revised and Updated ed. edition (October 17, 2006)
Language: English
Price. $29.95

Garrison Keller claims that Lake Wobegon is the place where "all the men are strong, all the women good-looking, and all the children above average." Similarly, in Setting Up Shop, Nagyszalanczy claims that there is a place where "all the lumber is straight, the blades are sharp, the tools are precise, the benches are sturdy, the light is good, and the air and the floor are clean." Heaven is like that, he argues and so is the ideal woodworking shop. A former editor of Fine Woodworking, Nagyszalanczy has published a number of woodworking books. Here, in ten chapters on specific aspects of design, layout, and equipment, he discusses elegant and intelligent details in the design and execution of woodworking shops. He samples the shops of famous professional and amateur woodworkers, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of many design choices, and provides helpful guidance on equipment and safety. Nagyszalanczy's commonsense approach is evident from the verso of the title page to the captions of the hundreds of photos and drawings. This strong book is highly recommended.

Making Plastic-Laminate Countertips

Paperback: 134 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press (January 1, 1996)
Language: English
Price: $19.95

Two specialized woodworking books may not serve the purposes of garden-variety hobbyists, but those needing help on particular projects will welcome them. Kimball has been building plastic-laminate cabinets for many years and makes his manual more than worth its cover price. Those with average woodworking skills can get a good start on their own cabinets from it and, skipping contracting with a professional, save considerable sums on kitchen or bathroom remodeling projects. Makowicki's book, one of the best on its subject in many a year, may not feature the absolute best projects and plans but compensatorily imparts many of its author's shop secrets and shortcuts. Those hints and techniques are what make the book outstanding on its shelf. Check it out, and wind up easily (safely, too, for Makowicki keeps the integrity of one's digits well in mind) making toys that may prove more than adequate for enticing a kid away from computer games.

Making Heirloom Toys

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press (October 1, 1996)
Language: English
Price: $17.95

Two specialized woodworking books may not serve the purposes of garden-variety hobbyists, but those needing help on particular projects will welcome them. Kimball has been building plastic-laminate cabinets for many years and makes his manual more than worth its cover price. Those with average woodworking skills can get a good start on their own cabinets from it and, skipping contracting with a professional, save considerable sums on kitchen or bathroom remodeling projects. Makowicki's book, one of the best on its subject in many a year, may not feature the absolute best projects and plans but compensatorily imparts many of its author's shop secrets and shortcuts. Those hints and techniques are what make the book outstanding on its shelf. Check it out, and wind up easily (safely, too, for Makowicki keeps the integrity of one's digits well in mind) making toys that may prove more than adequate for enticing a kid away from computer games.