The Woodwright's Workbook: Further Explorations in Traditional Woodcraft

by Roy Underhill

Roy Underhill is America's best-known master of traditional woodcraft. Creator of the popular PBS series The Woodwright's Shop , Roy has inspired millions--from professional craftsman to armchair woodworker--with his talent, knowledge, and enthusiasm.

Roy returns here with his third book. The Woodwright's Workbook features step-by-step instructions for a selection of projects from his television series. All projects are illustrated with photographs and measured drawings. Included here are plans for tool chests, workbenches, lathes, and historical reproductions of items for the a six-board chest, rustic chairs with cattail seats, a churn for the kitchen, and the Rittenhouse hygrometer. Roy also explores building barns, forges, boats, and even colonial fortresses.

A wonderful feature of this book is Roy's own translation of the humorous fifteenth-century poem The Debate of the Carpenter's Tools . He also provides a fascinating and useful 'field guide' to American tool marks that shows how to identify the specific tool used by the marks it left. Whether Roy is an old friend or a new acquaintance, let him be your guide to the world of traditional woodworking.

Genres: Woodwork, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1981

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly the best field guide to hand tool marks out there. It just turns out that isn't really the kind of thing I'm looking for. Includes a fairly good chapter on how to cut screws and to tap virtually any size, and has some interesting pictures from Colonial Williamsburg.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy Underhill is the man. I love his show on pbs. The last few seasons are on the pbs website if you want to get a feel for Roy's hilarious demeanor and extremely insightful lessons.

[John Rogers]

Thoroughly enthusiastic.