Here’s another book we received from the publisher and we’re giving you an opportunity to win a copy. Leave a comment here for your chance to win.
Made by Hand: Furniture Projects from the Unplugged Woodshop by Tom Fidgen is a book about building furniture with hand tools. Fidgen begins the book with information about the different tools found in a hand tool shop and spends some time talking about how to sharpen them. He moves on to discuss the importance of bench hooks, miter hooks and shooting boards as well as winding sticks and saw horses. Finally he covers techniques for such things as preparing lumber, sawing by hand, and cutting dovetails and mortise and tenons. The book also includes 6 furniture projects which help you learn the basics of hand tool woodworking and the accompanying DVD helps hone these skills even further.
Lucky jsilver is the winner. His comment was chosen at random. After he’s had a chance to read the book, let’s hope he posts another comment here with his review.
Tom Fidgen's recent series on a sharpening bench has really whetted (pun absolutely intended) my appetite to take a crack at the projects in this book and improve my hand tool skills!
As I make my progression to using more and more hand tools I believe that after I read this book I might take the plunge and try an entire piece using nothing but hand tools. Thanks for the chance to win the book
I have been reading more and more about working with hand tools. This book looks like it would be a good read for someone interested in going the unplugged route someday.
I have slowly been adding hand tools to my collection, most of my small collection came from my father-in-law (who was actually a tool and die maker, but he loved to work with his hands on any project).
Cool, I was just in the book store and had this book in my hand when I realized that I didnt have enough money with me to purchase it. I enjoy his new website/blog also. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Just what I want for Valentine's Day. I've been lusting after this since I first saw it advertised. Hopefully you guys will pick me. And I can then spend the money on some of CD's you have on sale.
I was at the live tenon shoot out and even though it took 2x as long to cut them by hand, my wife and neighbors are really getting on my case about the table saw noise, considering I sometimes work at 11:00 pm
Thank you for the great website. And to answer ppleman's comment, The good news is you are eligible to become a Galoot. The bad news is so is anyone else with an interest in hand-tools, there usage and history.
The idea of working wood with handtools was a sad thought to me. Thanks to authors like Tom Figden I know hand tools are career altering in such a surprising and enjoyable way. Rock on!
There's something great about a quiet Sunday, a cup of coffee, and a sharp chisel. Anything that would improve my skills with hand tools would be great. Sign me up!
Rapidly approaching retirement. Got the hand tools,got the sharpening kit,got the lo.........ng list of projects. Need all the help I can get putting it all together.'Made by Hand' looks like a good read.
Rapidly approaching retirement. Got the hand tools,got the sharpening kit,got the lo.........ng list of projects. Need all the help I can get putting it all together.'Made by Hand' looks like a good read.
Rapidly approaching retirement. Got the hand tools,got the sharpening kit,got the lo.........ng list of projects. Need all the help I can get putting it all together.'Made by Hand' looks like a good read.
I enjoy his web site and I am sure I will enjoy his book, but how am I going to explain to the wife that this is not another woodworking purchase. I've told her to many times I have won something that I've really bought.
I am new to the Fine Woodworking Blogs, I recently became a member and so far I am happy I did, I recommend this membership to all my woodworking friends. There are many online clubs to join, I found this one to be the best.
I've been a member of this website for a few years now and find it to be a very valuable woodworking tool. Like most woodworkers I own my share of power tools, but I love the peace and quiet that I get when I use hand tools. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this book giveaway.
I have been collecting -using and trading - hand tools for some years. I find them slower than power tools to use but for the most part more precise.
Tom's book sounds like it would give me more insight into this quiet relaxing way to make memories out of wood.
I love any book on hand tools. It's always interesting to me how as technology progresses, obsessing over using our hands becomes stronger and stronger. I wonder how we will ever strike a balance again.
Power tools are wonderful, but the quiet peace one experiences when working with hand tools, is truly welcomed in our rushed and loud society. Unplug. I look forward to reading this book and I hope to see more literature written about the old ways.
From the reviews, it sounds like a book that includes design concepts, not just how to use the tools - that's great, because so many books leave out this most important skill.
If I am able to build a piece of furniture like the piece show on the blog using the information in this book, then this is one book I would definetly like to have.
Would like very much to develop my hand tool skills and Tom's book could be a valuable aide to that end. The included projects with dvd is a definite bonus. Thanks for the chance to win.
Must be a great book. The art of hand making an item is about gone from this great nation. My grandfather made caskets by hand in his day. (early 1900's)
I work almost exclusively with hand tools, due to working on a deck with nearby neighbors or in my living room. I'd love to learn how to better translate power-tool plans to more hand-tool friendly ones. Thanks for doing these giveaways!
While I am normally a power tool kinda guy, every now and then I seem to channel James Krenov and will indulge myself in a 'smallish' project done by hand tools only. This is less an excersize in craftsmanship than a spiritual journey into the soul, where true quality resides. When this urge hits, I've gotta answer the call.
I am currently working on improving my hand tool skills and upgrading my sharpening tools. Part of my hand tool problems in the past have been dealing with tools that are not sharp or incorrectly tuned. I'm looking forward to reading Tom's book and putting to practice the techniques.
I have been using a combination of power and hand tools for all my projects. I am nearing retirement and am looking forward to learning how to work more with hand tools. This looks like a good book for some practical ideas.
Life has circled back three times, now. I have the hand tools and a hughe 30" diameter 4" wide hand cranked sharpening wheel in its standing wooden case of my mom's father. I have my some of my other grandfather's tool that I watched dad use.
Now, it's my turn to put them in my hands and let them teach me how hand tools enrich the term, "Hand Made".
I'm looking forward to reading Tom's book.
Anyone who has seen his work and read his postings knows Tom has much skill and passion plus the heart of a teacher.
Tom has the respect of the woodworking world, and it would be a privilege to win his book. I tend to struggle with the "quiet side" of woodworking, and I believe his book could help me get my skills to the level I believe I can achieve.
As are many woodworkers, I am interested in learning to use more hand tools, and this book sounds like one that would go a long way to helping that become a reality.
I'm the son of a pattern maker and I started my professional career as a rough framing carpenter using a framing hammer, Skilsaw, and chainsaw. Now is the time for me to learn the tools and techniques of my father.
HEY GUYS,
JUST A FEW WORDS ON HOW MUCH I ENJOY YOUR MAGAZINE AND WEBSITE. I HAVE DONE MINOR CARPENTRY WORK ALL MY LIFE, MOSTLY ON BOATS. AFTER 45 YEARS, I'M NOW RETIRED. I HAVE THE TIME TO TRY TO REACH A HIGHER LEVEL OF SKILL. I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOUR PUBLICATIONS, AND ONLINE VIDEOS. KEEP UP YOUR HIGH STANDARDS. WOULD LOVE TO WIN THE BOOK.
ROY ( GRAYDOG ) CANTLER
136 BAYSCAPE DR.
PERRYVILLE, MD. 21903
443-350-3410 CELL
410-642-6858 HOME
This looks like an amazing opportunity to learn more about projects crafted by hand, a skill that really speaks to the reasons I first got into woodworking.
My husband has created a small unit stabilizer for wood and while doing research for his system (for marketing and possible ad placements) I ran across this sweep and thought I'd enter. thanks for the sweep!
I love the information towards the bottom about the guy that recreated the french king's tables (perfect set) marquetry and all. I'm bookmarking your site and hope to win this contest.
I always thought that having a shop full of expensive power tools was what I needed to make expertly crafted furniture. I've recently come to the conclusion that I'm missing the real joy of woodworking by not using my hand tools more. I've started using my hand planes and chisels more often and leaving the noisy power tools to the rough dimensioning of lumber. The woosh of a finely tuned hand plane is music to my ears.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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Comments
Count me in!
Looks like a great book for us tailed woodworkers. Thank you for the giveaway!
Tom Fidgen's recent series on a sharpening bench has really whetted (pun absolutely intended) my appetite to take a crack at the projects in this book and improve my hand tool skills!
Ted Furlong
As I make my progression to using more and more hand tools I believe that after I read this book I might take the plunge and try an entire piece using nothing but hand tools. Thanks for the chance to win the book
Just found your website as it was featured in the magazine, The Week, as a site for the aspiring handyman...
I have been reading more and more about working with hand tools. This book looks like it would be a good read for someone interested in going the unplugged route someday.
I have slowly been adding hand tools to my collection, most of my small collection came from my father-in-law (who was actually a tool and die maker, but he loved to work with his hands on any project).
I want this book really really badly, so you should probably just call this off and give it to me (sorry everyone, but I'm sure you understand...)
Cool, I was just in the book store and had this book in my hand when I realized that I didnt have enough money with me to purchase it. I enjoy his new website/blog also. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Hubert K.
sold all the power tools...does that make me a galoot?
Im using handtools more and power tools less often.
This just might be the book to convert me completely.
sounds like a neat book. Count me in.
Looks like a good one--count me in!
Consider my hat tossed in the ring.
Count me in on the chance to win. I don't have any woodworking books just yet. This will give me a chance to start a collection.
This could be a great addition to the wood working bookself !
Thank you
Looks good!
Just what I want for Valentine's Day. I've been lusting after this since I first saw it advertised. Hopefully you guys will pick me. And I can then spend the money on some of CD's you have on sale.
I was at the live tenon shoot out and even though it took 2x as long to cut them by hand, my wife and neighbors are really getting on my case about the table saw noise, considering I sometimes work at 11:00 pm
Bruce Cohen
Looks very good me.
Hey, count me in. Does it have pictures?
Tom's book is, quite literally, a show of hands. Let the play begin.
Congratulations Tom!
I love working with hand tools. Any book that can assist me in improving that skill works for me.
Spent an hour or so looking it over in the bookstore and I'm 100% on the must get it list. Win it or buy it, one way or another.
Thank you for the great website. And to answer ppleman's comment, The good news is you are eligible to become a Galoot. The bad news is so is anyone else with an interest in hand-tools, there usage and history.
Follow this link and sign on:
http://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html
The idea of working wood with handtools was a sad thought to me. Thanks to authors like Tom Figden I know hand tools are career altering in such a surprising and enjoyable way. Rock on!
Glanced through this book at borders and was very impressed. Considering purchasing. nice read,,,,
I love the quality of the writing and photographs on Tom's blog. I'm sure his book is excellent. Please count me in.
Looks like a nice book to take my woodworking to new heights!
It would be great to win!!
As a newby to furniture making this would be an amazing addition to my wood working library
I saw this book in the store. It is absolutely beautiful! I would love to have this in my collection.
Thanks!
As a complete beginner, I'm always trying to read and learn more. I'd love to win the book.
Looks like a good read.
Looks very interesting.
I'm using more handtools these days and always excited to learn more.
Good choice - I'd love a copy of this book.
Thanks for the chance to win!
-----wade
I've long admired his blog. Really good stuff.
hey, great looking book!
I like his work
I have been following Tom's blog for sometime now and his work is excellent. From the cover it looks like his book is top notch.
There's something great about a quiet Sunday, a cup of coffee, and a sharp chisel. Anything that would improve my skills with hand tools would be great. Sign me up!
ebay is a good place to buy had tools. the men who used them years ago were not fools
i love to win this for my husband
[email protected]
I'm not giving up my power tools yet, but I do use hand tools a lot more as I'm teaching my grandkids. Thanks for the chance to win.
Everybody, and I mean everbody... was Kung Fu Fightin!
Cannot wait to read it - using hand tools more and more every day.
I'm ready to step up to old technology!
Just the book I need as I continue my journey further and further into hand tool woodworking.
Rapidly approaching retirement. Got the hand tools,got the sharpening kit,got the lo.........ng list of projects. Need all the help I can get putting it all together.'Made by Hand' looks like a good read.
Rapidly approaching retirement. Got the hand tools,got the sharpening kit,got the lo.........ng list of projects. Need all the help I can get putting it all together.'Made by Hand' looks like a good read.
Rapidly approaching retirement. Got the hand tools,got the sharpening kit,got the lo.........ng list of projects. Need all the help I can get putting it all together.'Made by Hand' looks like a good read.
Just the book I am after!
I enjoy his web site and I am sure I will enjoy his book, but how am I going to explain to the wife that this is not another woodworking purchase. I've told her to many times I have won something that I've really bought.
My ma says- "you go get that darned book!" I always do as my ma says!
I am new to the Fine Woodworking Blogs, I recently became a member and so far I am happy I did, I recommend this membership to all my woodworking friends. There are many online clubs to join, I found this one to be the best.
Oh, wow. This book looks awesome! :-)
I've been a member of this website for a few years now and find it to be a very valuable woodworking tool. Like most woodworkers I own my share of power tools, but I love the peace and quiet that I get when I use hand tools. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this book giveaway.
This book looks very good and would be a welcome addition to anyone's library
I have yet to see this book but a good book on woodworking by hand would be a valuble asset to me.
I have been collecting -using and trading - hand tools for some years. I find them slower than power tools to use but for the most part more precise.
Tom's book sounds like it would give me more insight into this quiet relaxing way to make memories out of wood.
I love any book on hand tools. It's always interesting to me how as technology progresses, obsessing over using our hands becomes stronger and stronger. I wonder how we will ever strike a balance again.
Power tools are wonderful, but the quiet peace one experiences when working with hand tools, is truly welcomed in our rushed and loud society. Unplug. I look forward to reading this book and I hope to see more literature written about the old ways.
Sounds like what I need. I am fairly good at machine woodworking, but sadly lacking at using and caring for hand tools.
From the reviews, it sounds like a book that includes design concepts, not just how to use the tools - that's great, because so many books leave out this most important skill.
Put me on the list to add this to my library.
After years of power tooling my way around the shop, I'm finally learning to enjoy the quiet, relaxing nature of hand work.
Hand skills is a major constituent of my joy of living. A book celebrating tools and skills would be a pleasure.
I am 73 years old and still learning. I would love to have this book.
Thanks for the chance to win it.
I am just beginning using hand tools and would welcome a copy from one of the masters. - Jasper
Thanks for the giveaway. Looks like a great book.
If I am able to build a piece of furniture like the piece show on the blog using the information in this book, then this is one book I would definetly like to have.
I saw this book at a local bookstore and was impressed. Been making a move toward hand tool work and this would help.
This has got to be a more satisfying way than Norm's.
I've been following Tom's blog for quite a while and would really love to check out his book.
Would like very much to develop my hand tool skills and Tom's book could be a valuable aide to that end. The included projects with dvd is a definite bonus. Thanks for the chance to win.
I need all the help I can get, and this book looks like the answer.
looks like a great book to make the backwards leap to hand tools
This guitar maker needs to learn how to build something else!!
Have been a fan of Tom's work for quite some time already.
Thanks to him for his efforts.
g
Must be a great book. The art of hand making an item is about gone from this great nation. My grandfather made caskets by hand in his day. (early 1900's)
Greetings from Tomorrow!
I work almost exclusively with hand tools, due to working on a deck with nearby neighbors or in my living room. I'd love to learn how to better translate power-tool plans to more hand-tool friendly ones. Thanks for doing these giveaways!
I have always wanted to build furniture the classic way.
Thanks for the resource that points the way.
A great book, at an even greater price.
Nice to find a book that doesnt do everything with a powertool.Looking forward to reading it.
My husband is the handy man, he would like this book.
There are not enough of these books that teach the 'old' ways. My son will learn the 'old' ways first. This will be a fine teaching tool.
Thanks
Sometimes the old reliable tools are best.
My husband has a lot of hand tools inherited from his father-this would be a great addition to his shop. Thanks!
I think it's important to become "unplugged" if you want to understand the real nature of wood. Thanks for the chance to win this one.
While I am normally a power tool kinda guy, every now and then I seem to channel James Krenov and will indulge myself in a 'smallish' project done by hand tools only. This is less an excersize in craftsmanship than a spiritual journey into the soul, where true quality resides. When this urge hits, I've gotta answer the call.
I am currently working on improving my hand tool skills and upgrading my sharpening tools. Part of my hand tool problems in the past have been dealing with tools that are not sharp or incorrectly tuned. I'm looking forward to reading Tom's book and putting to practice the techniques.
Thank you for the giveaway.
I have been using a combination of power and hand tools for all my projects. I am nearing retirement and am looking forward to learning how to work more with hand tools. This looks like a good book for some practical ideas.
Looks like a great book to learn the true art of wood working.
Since my daddy kept me busy with his brace and bit.
Life has circled back three times, now. I have the hand tools and a hughe 30" diameter 4" wide hand cranked sharpening wheel in its standing wooden case of my mom's father. I have my some of my other grandfather's tool that I watched dad use.
Now, it's my turn to put them in my hands and let them teach me how hand tools enrich the term, "Hand Made".
Bill
I'm looking forward to reading Tom's book.
Anyone who has seen his work and read his postings knows Tom has much skill and passion plus the heart of a teacher.
When it comes to hand tool work, it doesn't get much better than Tom Fidgen. I would love to have his book.
I would enjoy a chance to learn more about using hand tools. Tom's book looks like it will be a good read.
I have heard good things about this book. Of course I'd like to win it, but if not I will probably buy it.
Tom has the respect of the woodworking world, and it would be a privilege to win his book. I tend to struggle with the "quiet side" of woodworking, and I believe his book could help me get my skills to the level I believe I can achieve.
I would enjoy a chance to learn more about using hand tools.
Sounds like it's a "Must Have" and destined to become quite worn in my hands!
As are many woodworkers, I am interested in learning to use more hand tools, and this book sounds like one that would go a long way to helping that become a reality.
I'm the son of a pattern maker and I started my professional career as a rough framing carpenter using a framing hammer, Skilsaw, and chainsaw. Now is the time for me to learn the tools and techniques of my father.
HEY GUYS,
JUST A FEW WORDS ON HOW MUCH I ENJOY YOUR MAGAZINE AND WEBSITE. I HAVE DONE MINOR CARPENTRY WORK ALL MY LIFE, MOSTLY ON BOATS. AFTER 45 YEARS, I'M NOW RETIRED. I HAVE THE TIME TO TRY TO REACH A HIGHER LEVEL OF SKILL. I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOUR PUBLICATIONS, AND ONLINE VIDEOS. KEEP UP YOUR HIGH STANDARDS. WOULD LOVE TO WIN THE BOOK.
ROY ( GRAYDOG ) CANTLER
136 BAYSCAPE DR.
PERRYVILLE, MD. 21903
443-350-3410 CELL
410-642-6858 HOME
Believe the info contained in the book would be most beneficial. Never too old to stop learning.
Been using most power tools for my projects and I would like to take the next step into hand tools. This book should help.
'Looks like a cool book - I'm about evenly divided between hand- and power-tools, and enjoy using old tools, so I expect I'd enjoy reading it.
Well, I'd like to get past poor lefty always being a chisel stop for righty's exuberance. Please, help save lefty! thanks
This looks like an amazing opportunity to learn more about projects crafted by hand, a skill that really speaks to the reasons I first got into woodworking.
I'd love to have a chance at reading this book. I throughly
enjoyed the "Sharpening Station" articles.
What a great book. If I don't win it, I'll probably buy it.
I would love to win this for my father in law. He just retired and really wants to start some woodworking projects. This would be perfect.
My husband likes to make things (most recently wooden pipes) so I know he'd love this book.
This would be GREAT!
I definitely need the direction!
Anything published by Taunton has got to be OK. I turn to your books often, they are shelved right in my shop.
My husband has created a small unit stabilizer for wood and while doing research for his system (for marketing and possible ad placements) I ran across this sweep and thought I'd enter. thanks for the sweep!
I love the information towards the bottom about the guy that recreated the french king's tables (perfect set) marquetry and all. I'm bookmarking your site and hope to win this contest.
Hi,
Looks to be a very good book that will help me developp my Hand Tools
Skills!
Wish I could be a winner
Thanks
JC Ragot
Very cool topic for a book. Is the book also made by hand?
What a wonderful book, I would love to win this, thanks for the chance!
Always keen to learn more about hand tool work. When the last coal fired generating plant is shut down, we'll all wish we had too!
Hand work would be a great option for me during the hours that everyone else is asleep. Please enter me in the drawing.
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
I always thought that having a shop full of expensive power tools was what I needed to make expertly crafted furniture. I've recently come to the conclusion that I'm missing the real joy of woodworking by not using my hand tools more. I've started using my hand planes and chisels more often and leaving the noisy power tools to the rough dimensioning of lumber. The woosh of a finely tuned hand plane is music to my ears.
I would love to win this@! Thx.
Count me in!
working with the hands is the best.
Just what all beginner hand tool users need... Direction on howto sharpen and use their hand tools properly.
Awesome book to own.
Congratulations to the winner-
I hope you enjoy the book !
cheers-
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