Collins Complete Woodworker's Manual

by Albert Jackson, David Day

A completely revised, redesigned and updated edition of the definitive and bestselling woodworker's bible. Authoritative, superbly crafted and easy to use, Collins Complete Woodworker's Manual is the UK bestseller and the one book every woodworker needs. This revised edition has been extensively rewritten and contains new photographs and illustrations. It includes new products and techniques developed since the last edition. Every stage in crafting furniture and other decorative pieces are fully explained starting with the basics; the nature of wood, the tools required and setting up a workshop. The book then examines the principles of three-dimensional design from inspiration to construction. Step-by-step illustrations demonstrate how to make every type of joint and all the major crafts are given detailed coverage with the same step-by-step approach: bending wood, veneering and marquetry, woodcarving and finishing. The book also includes a chapter on using other materials, such as metal, glass and leather in combination with wood, plus a chapter on fixings and fittings.

Genres: Woodwork, Reference, Nonfiction, Design, Construction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 1989

Reviews

[Jessica Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a complete beginner, I purchased this to start learning about and practicing woodworking - it has been absolutely brilliant! It has so much information about the different types of wood and what they are used for, and the different tools, what they are used for and how to use them (step by step guides with illustrations).

It is clear, well written and well laid out, with plenty of photos and illustrations. I have already learnt so much and with so much of the book still to use and read!

I would highly recommend this book as a tool for anybody looking to learn about woodworking practice, wood and its uses, and for practical step by step woodworking advice and guidance.

[coco chill · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have only one book on woodworking- this is the one. It is truly my bible!

Includes chapters on:
1. Wood the material pp 9-68
2. Designing in wood pp 69-104
3. Hand tools pp105-152
4. Power Tools pp153-186
5. Machine Tools pp187-230
6. Home workshops pp231-236
7. Joint-making pp237-270
8. Bending wood pp271-278
9. Veneering and Marquetry pp279-292
10. Woodcarving pp293-304
11. Finishing wood pp305-332
12. Fixings and fittings pp333-342

[Matthew Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super thorough and methodically laid out book

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bend me, shape me, any way you want me."

This book is more than just veneer. It has the look and feel of a coffee table book. There are glossy pictures and plenty of diagrams. However, after the shock and awe, you will find this an excellent overview of many woodworking disciplines. This book has information on everything from the history and makeup of various kinds of wood to tools used in multiple types of woodworking.

My interest is mostly in turning and turning tools. A tab in the margin of the book page leads you to similar information on the subject. This is the in-print version of a Hyperlink.

After absorbing this book, you will have a better feel for how you want to proceed. Then the book is still useful for reference. If you do not indulge, at least you can hold an intelligent conversation.

[Doug Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but dated in parts.