Book Review
Exploring Woodworking is an all-encompassing book on woodworking
that will benefit the beginner woodworker because it covers everything
you need to know about woods, tools and other products you will
be using. Also covered extensively are the techniques necessary
to complete future woodworking projects you may choose to do. The
authors take you through the woodworking process from beginning
to end including the selection of woods for their specific properties
(including color photos to assist you in the identification of wood
types) to finishing your project with sanding, staining and sealing
the wood to protect it for long use. Safety is paramount to the
authors and this is especially evident because one whole chapter
is dedicated to this issue. It covers everything from general safety
practices such as wearing safety goggles when working on a woodworking
project to working safely with tools and equipment, working with
and around machines and fire protection.
The layout of this book is like that of a textbook because at the
end of each chapter there is a section called Test Your Knowledge
and an Activities section but this doesn't take away from the vast
amount of valuable information provided for aspiring woodworkers.
The release of information is gradual so you can absorb what you
need to know and as much is necessary for the depth of woodworking
you are looking to get involved in. After learning about wood you
learn about the steps involved in the planning stage of your woodworking
project. The next step, before you cut any wood, you need to learn
about the layout of a woodworking project including the tools required
to measure and mark the wood for the next steps of the project.
I like that the chapters on tools give you options. You are provided
with extensive information on hand sawing, power sawing, boring
and drilling, filing and chiseling, hand planing, power planing
(including how it feels when shaping wood with these tools), wood
joints, routing and shaping, wood turning, fasteners, adhesives
and clamping, sanding, wood finishing, hardware and carving. Not
only is this great amount of educational information provided on
the above important parts of woodworking but for those who are interested
there is information about automated manufacturing, entrepreneurship
and manufacturing enterprise, and careers in woodworking industries.
The final chapter on woodworking products is where all your knowledge
and learning comes together. There are references back to the steps
of planning and design to refresh your memory and keep you on track
to make your project a success. The complete directions are provided
for two projects for you to try but the rest of the projects consist
of only the drawings with the dimensions printed on them. This requires
you to use the knowledge gained from Exploring Woodworking to complete
the rest of the projects if you so desire. To some this may be a
challenge and to others an inconvenience. Personally I would have
preferred to have all the directions included for all of the project
ideas because this would save time and energy so you can get right
to working on your project. It all depends on how interested you
are in the entire process of woodworking and how much time you have
to invest in learning and completing the project that will determine
how much you benefit from this book. |
