Desert Island Books

[condeesteso]

Was just reading one of my favourite books on our subject, and I had this idea. Between us all we have read many books on our specialist topics. So if we had to create a library where the single best on each major topic was reasonably agreed on (that may get tricky) we'd have a list of the core basic library in our field.
An example is Turning - some months ago I wanted just one book (as a start-point, or maybe just one) and a vast majority said Keith Rowley: Woodturning, a Foundation Course. I have that book and I too would recommend it as a very good starting point.

This could actually become quite useful as a reference for any interest specialism in working wood.

I start by nominating the Keith Rowley, and one more. It may help if you say the topic, then the book, then briefly why (sort of like this) - but do it your way! These ain't rules

Basic Woodturning: Keith Rowley 'Woodturning - a Foundation course'
Easy to read, good pics, very clear, ideal to get you started

Work Benches: Chris Schwarz 'Workbenches'
Because he's done loads of research that means I don't have to. He's passionate and it shows, and he really does use them. Plus he is sensitive to the fact we don't all have a grand to blow on a bench.

I might have sneeked G Hack's hand planes book in, but I've done my one (the KR was a re-recommendation). Someone else will surely nominate that anyway.

If there are differences of opinion, we can have 2 on a topic surely?? It's all meant to be quite casual and useful. Is there a book out there on DC transformers for example?... sorry

see what you think.... and wait til we get to sharpening - oh boy

 

[adidat]

theres only one book i need in my life, the bible according to ernest joyce, revised by saint allen.

adidat

 

[Jamesc]

+1 for Joyce

James

 

[condeesteso]

OK, that's in then. I know this has been done before in various ways (Pop Woodworking some months ago for example, but that had a distinctly US bias I felt). If this becomes a good clear list covering lots of topics, I'll offer to do a spreadsheet on Google Docs so it's always accessible as a reference to everyone. This cloud stuff is handy isn't it

 

[Paul Chapman]

"Cabinetmaking - The Professional Approach" by Alan Peters.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Racers]

No no no you are all wrong James Krenov the only book you should read. :wink:


Pete

 

[eoinsgaff]

Before seeing these last two posts my contribution would have been Alan Peters for rock solid guidelines on running a workshop and Krenov for romantic and inspirational meanderings on wood. Most importantly I could note rate one over the the other. They are a perfect compliment.

+1 for Alan Peters
+1 for James Krenov

Eoin

 

[condeesteso]

Eoin - I feel that is useful, to actually say why. Obv can have 2 equal firsts, why not?

 

[Paul Chapman]

Yes, I should have said why I recommended the Alan Peters book. It's primarily about setting up and running a workshop and business. However, it's got some other very useful stuff as well. In particular, his pragmatic approach to tools and machinery; how he dovetailed a drawer; why he always used PVA and also some sort of mechanical device in his joints. Not at all like your average woodworking book but the one that I've found the most useful and keep going back to.

Another brilliant book is "Hide Glue - Historical and Practical Applications" by Stephen A Shepherd. It's available from Tools for Working Wood in the States http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merc ... earch=hide glue

Probably the most comprehensive book about hide glue.

Also, any book by Robert Wearing. I have "The Resourceful Woodworker" which has loads of stuff about making tools, jigs and stuff, but all his books are good.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[woodbloke]

Before seeing these last two posts my contribution would have been Alan Peters for rock solid guidelines on running a workshop and Krenov for romantic and inspirational meanderings on wood. Most importantly I could note rate one over the the other. They are a perfect compliment.

+1 for Alan Peters
+1 for James Krenov

Eoin

Agreed and +1 for Joyce - Rob

 

[kirkpoore1]

If I was really stuck on a desert island, I'd want a book on boat building.

However, for a more general approach that covers a lot of ground, Roy Underhill's Woodwright's Shop and his subsequent books do a very good job. I learned a lot of stuff out of them.

Kirk

 

[jimi43]

I have to say that "The Village Carpenter" has got to be the book for me on an island. Coming from a time when things were hard, done by hand and invention and everyone shared the work of the society unit...the little village.

Jim

 

[Scouse]

You got there just before me, I was about to recommend 'The Village Carpenter'! I'm 3 quarters of the way through it and frankly it's magical.

 

[flounder]

What about a recommended bible on finishing? I can't recommend one myself but would be keen to hear which one you guys would!

 

[adidat]

there is only one book you need turn to the bible according to ernest joyce Part X

adidat

 

[Saint Simon]

From more of a beginners stand point can I suggest Hand Tool Essentials for the island. A compilation of articles from writers on Popular Woodworking this book talks about having the confidence to do it by hand and that with a little practice we can all achieve work to be proud of without too much reliance on machinery.
It gave me the confidence to have a go and I love it for that.
Simon

 

[jimi43]

From more of a beginners stand point can I suggest Hand Tool Essentials for the island. A compilation of articles from writers on Popular Woodworking this book talks about having the confidence to do it by hand and that with a little practice we can all achieve work to be proud of without too much reliance on machinery.
It gave me the confidence to have a go and I love it for that.
Simon

+1

Also...Fine Woodworking has a series called "Fine Woodworking on...."

The Planes and Chisels one is superb for the same reasons....I need to get the series...

Jim

 

[mark w]

For sharpening its got to be David Charlesworths books, all of them.

Mark w

 

[condeesteso]

Thanks all - I have some work to do on this then, to make a list (may do a little spreadsheet-type thing). And there are a lot of topics not covered, but it's a start.

 

[AndyT]

I see nobody's suggested anything for the category of books about tools...

For me, the stand-out essential work is the Dictionary of Woodworking tools by Salaman. Huge scope, includes loads of fascinating insights into the why and how as well as the what. I must get round to doing a proper review some time.