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. Over 250 color photos and drawings and two complete projects — a bench and a small cabinet — are included.

Recently got back into woodworking after almost 25 years away from it and this was a good book to review the basics.

I have done small woodworking projects such as shelves but wanted to learn more so I could possibly complete larger projects. This book has been an invaluable tool. Gives you information on different types of wood and their qualities, gives good information on tools, how to use them, which ones to buy, etc. There are lots of pictures. I learn more visually than reading. This book has all the information you need to get started. It even has a small bench project to complete. I made the bench using the book. Turned out great.

This book is a must have for any novice or even experienced woodworker. I would highly recommend the book.

I need this book for a woodworking course that I am currently taking.This book arrived in good condition...and before it was available in the college bookstore.

First, I'd suggest you ignore the less than five star reviews; The authors don't seem to get the point.

This book is not about specific technique. It is about the thought process you go through in selecting and applying a technique. It is about approaching things from a self-conscious perspective of Craftsmanship in woodworking. That probably sounds like the mystical-babble that most practical craftsman hate, but I found myself in complete sync with the author's thought process in about the first four paragraphs of the introduction, and I am all about practicality.

As so many of the other reviewers have noted, I wish I had found this book years ago and started with it, but then I might not have understood it at that point.

I read this book with knowing almost nothing about this subject. Though I have not tried to use the knowledge presented in this book in a practical sense, I feel that I have gained enough insight from this book to begin to do so. This book will probably be appreciated the most by those that are seeking a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of woodworking. If you are already working with wood, this book is probably not for you. For those of you who are not, this book will provide a foundation from which to do so. I would not rely on this book alone though as the only source of information on this subject, as it seems it is not comprehensive enough to encompass the whole of the subject matter.