Book Review:
Most of the fifty projects in this book aren't fancy but they have
a quiet elegance that is evident in the fact that they are well
crafted and beautiful to look at. Some of the projects in The Complete
Guide to Outdoor Projects are only for the experienced wood craftsman
because they involve techniques that aren't explained in this book.
When you see the pictures of these finished projects you can just
imagine them in your outdoor space.
The significance of The Complete Guide to Outdoor Wood Projects
is that it includes projects you can do and will be proud to have
in your outdoor space. Why buy an Adirondack chair when you can
make your own if you are experienced and ambitious enough. There
is also a brief history of the origins of the Adirondack style included
along with the instructions.
Following a brief introduction the content in this book is divided
into Materials & Tools, Ornaments & Decorations, Benches
& Seats, Tables, Children's Play Projects, Bird & Pet Projects,
Garden Accessories, Storage & Utility. At the back of the book
there are conversion charts (Drill Bit Guide, Abrasive Paper Grits,
Saw Blades, Adhesives: their characteristics and uses and Lumber
Dimensions). There is also a useful Glossary to explain the tools,
supplies and techniques you will encounter in the book.
The Materials & Tools Section is a must read because it contains
a glossary of symbols representing the tools you may be using for
a project you decide to make. These symbols are shown in the margin
of the first page of each project under the heading Project Power
Tools. A general list of tools you will need is also included for
your knowledge and to prepare you to successfully complete your
project. To become more familiar with the material you will be using
there are sections on Sheet goods, Dimension lumber, Other wood
products, Fasteners and adhesives and Other materials. Color photos
of various types and sizes of lumber, sheet goods, and hardware
are provided for your knowledge. Although you will most likely have
help from a sales clerk when you are purchasing such materials it
helps to have an idea of what you are looking for before you buy
anything.
I like that safety is paramount in this book. It is important to
read the section called Organizing Your Worksite and the Safety
Tips. Tip sections are also included with the instructions when
necessary to ensure that your final product is well built and safe
to use. They include hints about how to use your final product and
how it can be more beneficial to you (i.e. adding wheels to your
plant boxes so the plants are easier to move around and bring indoors
when the warm season is over).
Color photos in the next section on Woodworking are of techniques
such as cutting using circular and jig saws, creating detailed shapes,
squaring a frame, piloting and drilling, gluing, prepping wood for
finishing touches and finishing & Staining (going into great
detail on applying sealers and stains). This is a very important
sections because here you can see and learn very clearly the techniques
you need to prepare the materials for and assemble your final product
(represented in a diagram).
Along with the diagram showing assembly of the pieces for the project
there are handy charts for the measurements you will need when purchasing
construction materials, the cutting list as well as a list of the
additional materials you will need. These charts are followed by
the project directions and accompanied by photos of the cutting
and assembly process. |
