Woodworking Basics: Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship

by Peter Korn

Based on a two-week course in woodworking fundamentals offered at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Camden, Maine, this book takes a traditional approach to teaching, with the idea that learning basic skills is essential to craftsmanship. In the process, the book covers all the bases--from working with hand tools to cutting dovetails. Includes two complete projects: a bench and a small cabinet.

Genres: Woodwork, Reference, Nonfiction, Crafts

186 pages, softcover

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

PETER KORN is the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, a non-profit woodworking and design school in Rockport, Maine. A furniture maker since 1974, his work has been exhibited nationally in galleries and museums.


In addition to writing Why We Make Things and Why It Matters: The Education of a Craftsman, which won the 2014 Maine Literary Award, Korn is the author of several how-to books. These include the best-selling Woodworking Basics: Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship (Taunton Press, 2003) and The Woodworker's Guide to Hand Tools (Taunton Press, 1998). The former has been translated and published in both China and South Korea.


Born in 1951, Korn grew up in Philadelphia, where he attended Germantown Friends School. He majored in history at the University of Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Ben Martens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good info. I need to retire so I can pour some time into this.

[Charles Stellberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the basics of woodworking for potential hobbyists. Helpful to have a bit of exposure to a shop environment before reading in order to get maximum context. Looking forward to completing the practice projects in the back!

[Patrick Tucker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is full of information on the craft of woodworking and I found some value in the author's experience and teaching but thought the book was not very accessible to the novice. The tone made me believe the book's audience is either 1 in the classroom with the author or 2 already doing woodworking but wants to understand how to use power tools and make better joints. The pictures are very helpful for understanding what each tool does but everything is done to such a precise level it is daunting for a beginner.

While the book's title may be technically correct I would never recommend this to someone who wants to get started with woodworking. The first project, squaring boards (super boring... I get the necessity but come on...), requires many tools and significant time. I completed nothing from the book and only skimmed everything past page 100 because the remaining sections were all projects that I had neither the time, experience, nor tools to complete.

[Douglas Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an amateur woodworker I like to occasionally read up on other craftsmen's techniques. I liked this book for its emphasis on hand tools, but sometimes he referred to the use of equipment the average weekender like me doesn't have access to. but it's still a handy reference for my shop, and I'm sure I'll refer to it often for its basic plans and methods.

[Mike Nalitan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wanted to have a copy of this book, to apply the content and improve my skills, and most of all so that I have something to share to my students.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource. The focus is on primarily on hand tool woodworking and growing basic skills which translate into the bedrock of fine craftsmanship.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skimmed the last project (table with drawer and cabinet), since it was much more complicated than anything I'd attempt any time soon.

The projects all build on each other at what seems like a reasonable pace, but since I was just reading and not following along, hard to be sure. The first few chapters were good overviews of tools and methods. Certainly want to read Peter Korn's book on hand tools after this one.

The one thing I didn't like was just how much stuff the "basic" woodworker is expected to have. My approach to tool gathering is on an as-need, project-by-project basis. All the projects were able to take advantage of nearly a full workshop full of stuff. Great if you are taking classes, not so useful if you're building your own toolset over time.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on getting started in woodworking I have read. It covers the necessary tools needed. It also describes how to sharpen them. In particular it shows how to do basic tasks like how to square a board and how to make dovetails and a mortise and tenon joints using hand tools as well as power/shop tools. It also includes two projects to make: a small bench and a side table. Everything is described with pictures in great detail. It is an excellent book if you don't have anyone to show you how in person.

[May Ling]

not a bad guide. a few easy projects.

[Mills College Library]

684.08 K846 2003

[Cesar Landin]

Excellent reference book.

[Tang Wang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hand tools are to power tools what walking is to driving. Walking is about the journey; driving is about the destination.

[Phillip Bost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and practical book.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to the tools of woodworking