Book Review:
The author starts off the book with an Introduction that I feel
is a must read. He tells you a little about himself and his history
with woodworking. He also gives you an idea of what the projects,
the instructions and the tools necessary for the projects will be.
He includes a list of Power Tools necessary for the projects in
Making Contemporary Wooden Tables and also mentions the importance
of reading the section About the Projects because it includes relevant
woodworking terminology and safety information. Before that section
there is one called Basic Knowledge for Table Builders, which covers
Flattening, Thicknessing and Jointing, Keeping Table Tops Flat,
Gluing Table Tops, Fastening Table Tops, Drop Stops, Jigs, and Fixtures,
Fair Curves and Patterns, Biscuit Joinery, Simple Veneering, Structural
Epoxy and Burnished Oil Finish. Photographs that illustrate the
techniques accompany most of these basic knowledge items and there
are also photographs of different types of tables.
Each woodworking project includes a Materials, Supplies and Cutting
List. The Cutting List is broken down into Code (A, B, C, D), Description,
Quantity, Material and Dimensions. There are references back to
the Cutting List in the instructions with the code that matches
it so you can see what is needed for that part of the project. Step-by-step
photos explaining the process accompany the instructions for certain
parts of the project. This is very helpful because some people are
very visual when it comes to learning how to do things and the photos
help clarify the instructions. The assembly is also demonstrated
in a black and white drawing. Some projects also include a portion
of the instructions called Important note on Materials and Sizes
which offers variations of wood colors and size of the materials
used. There are also options available for routing or sawing the
slot for the Glass-Top T Table.
The author states in his Introduction that he "will guide
you through the steps necessary to make each table, keeping parts
and processes in order, helping you avoid pitfalls, and stopping
occasionally to explain a difficult move. While the instructions
are not written for beginners..." the instructions are clear
and in combination with the step-by-step photos I think the author's
intent was for the woodworkers making the projects to be successful
and I feel he has done just that!
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