The Foundations of Better Woodworking by Jeff Miller
Popular Woodworking Books, 2012.
$29.99; 192 pp.
Jeff Miller has been teaching woodworking for a long time and along the way he discovered that a lot of students are lacking fundamental woodworking knowledge and skills. In this book, The Foundations of Better Woodworking, he sets out to “pull together as much fundamental woodworking knowledge as possible” and provide a foundation so “all woodworking skills can be built and improved.” The book is divided into 3 sections:
1. Understanding the Basics, which has chapters on wood, tools and sharpening. Additionally, there is a chapter, “Using Your Body”, which has 12 pages devoted to such things as stance, generating force, and working at the proper height. Another chapter is “Learning to See” which covers lighting, viewing angle, where to look, and observation.
2. Getting a Better Sense of Where You’re Going is all about measuring, layout, cutting to the line, flattening a board, and getting and staying square.
3. Learning as You Work covers making mistakes, feedback – visual, audible (what sound is the plane making?), tactile, and olfactory – practicing, and lastly, putting it all together.
Lucky AndySpooner is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.
Stay tuned for more giveaways to come.
Comments
I welcome any chance I can to read about someone else's experience with woodworking if I can win a book to read so much the better I enjoy the act of working with wood.
My one and only woodworking class was a semester in the 7th grade and half of that was learning the rudiments of drafting. So most of my woodworking "skills" are self-taught or acquired by learning from my mistakes. I would enjoy learning more about the basics.
Sounds like an excellent read. I would love to use this book as a "back to the fundamentals" reference.
My skills come from YouTube and the FWW online service. I'd like to have this in my library to learn the fundamentals.
I would love to get a copy of this book. I can never stop learning about woodworking.
Ooo, I'd love to read about making mistakes in Ch. 3! I'm pretty good at that, but there's always room for improvement.
I can always use another book on woodworking to improve my skills. Count me in.
Looks like a winner!! Count me in.
Looks like a great book, thanks for the contest!
Yeah I'd love to win Jeff's book!
Sure, I'll take a shot at the moon with a slingshot--count me in.
Yes, please, thx for opportunity
These days, even with seemingly unlimited woodworking information available online, it's hard to beat sitting back with a good book in your hand.
This was my Christmas present to my eldest, and my namesake, who has the woodworking bug too. He said it looked to be a great resource. Sigh. It's on my short list of ww books...
Thanks for the opportunity. Count me in.
I could definitely use better basics...
The books looks interesting. I would be glad to read it.
Looks Great!!
Most of my woodworking knowledge, such as it is, has come from reading woodworking magazines and a whole lot of trial and error! It would be nice to have this book to learn some better methods!
I've been woodworking for about years and could always use some help to learn better techniques.
Sounds like an outstanding book.
Will... haben...
(that's German and would translate to sth. like "I desperatly want to have this great book" :) )
I'd love to have the book.
I am a retired teacher and coach of thirty two years. Fundamentals have always been a part of my teaching and coaching. They are the one thing you definitely need for success.
I have also been a wood worker and carpenter for over thirty years and fundamentals are overly important in this field. Although I am 68 years young I still search for new knowledge everyday in my woodworking. I am positive the book, 'The Foundations of Better Woodworking' could not only enhance the woodworking knowledge I do have, but would make me a better woodworker.
I already like the book just from the first part of the description. Body position and movement are so critical to the practical application of any art. Optimization of movement comes from starting with the proper body position and using fluid movement. Look forward to the book.
Online resources are invaluable but sometimes having a 'hard copy' cant be beaten! The only ww book I currently own has helped me immeasurably - imagine what two would be like...
Always looking to improve my skills.
I could always use any help to make me a better woodworker. I wold like in 2013 to build more complicated projects.
That's my New Year's resolution, to become a better woodworker. Sign me up.
Another hat in the ring!
i would like to review this book, thank you.
I would love this book.
I have read a lot of Jeff's articles in FWW and like them very much. Does it help that I live in Chicago too.
I saw the preview chapter and it looks Like a great book.
Jeff,
If half the people that want to win it, buy it.............
You should have a good headstart on a successful project.
Best of luck.
Looks like a good book to sleep on
Im dying to make Jeff's signature curved table and I need all the help I can get!
I would love to have the book. I need all the help I can get!
Too bad this isn't a need based award! One look at my work would establish that I am indeed a student "lacking fundamental woodworking knowledge and skills".
I am just starting out and would love to have a chance to get started off on the right path and help.
As a beginner I'm always on the lookout for anything that can improve my skill set. Would love to win a copy of this book.
I'd love to have this book.
This will be an outstanding book to own. His previous books on bedsanchairs were great!
This book would be great for my current position in learning woodworking. A wonderful book to own.
Jeff Miller always has worthwhile info. I would definitely read this.
This looks like a very interesting book that provides a valuable foundation for the craft. I would love to have a copy of it.
I would love to own this book!
Haven't won anything since that free trip to Okinawa in 1972. ;-)
I have to be due! (or perhaps it will be the Mega Millions next week?) Put my name in the hat!
I could really use this as a newbie
Would love to learn how to improve my skills.
Thanks for the opportunity I downloaded a free chapter and it is good stuff.
Always looking for inspiration from experts, it looks like a great book
Looks like a great book. I guess if I don't win it I'll be saving up to buy it. Thanks.
I am trying to teach my son the fundementals of woodworking. What better book to give him !!!
That would be an excellent addition to my library and a great expansion of the material I already own from Jeff Miller. I can always use more training and I like Jeff's style. Here's to hoping for a win.
The fundamentals taught by one of the greatest master woodworkers of our time? Sign me up!
One should regularly review the basics
I am always interested in new woodworking publications that can extend my knowledge. One never stops learning.
I'm not a very good woodworker because I just retired from industry. I would like it if it would help.
If there is a better way to do something I do, I want to know what it is. As a self taught woodworker, I'm always interested in how the other fellow does things. This book would be a nice addition to my reference library. Chuck
I would love a copy for my collection.
This book would help me explain to my grandchildren the finer details to fine woodworking and refresh my memories.
Ian from Oz.
It's always the fundamentals and details that distinguish the casual (fill in the occupation or activity here) from the expert. A book like this would be invaluable.
Looks like a good read, and reference.
Sounds very interesting. I'm intrigued with the the parts about your stance and how it makes it easier to work correctly. Also the parts concerning getting a sense of where you are going (always been the hard part for me). I could use tips on mistakes, but couldn't we all.
Hope I win
This looks a great book, I am always looking for ways to improve my skills.
"Using Your Body" chapter sounds interesting.
This book should be a part of every woodworker library.
This look liks a great book to improve my woodworking skills.
To improve my woodworking!!
And to do it with comfort and knowledge that Iam on the right track!
This looks like a great book. Something that I'm sure will end up on my reading list regardless of the competition result. Thanks for sharing the details and the opportunity to enter.
What a nice opportunity -- thanks for offering us the chance to win a great book.
It's always interesting to learn from really talented woodworkers
Yes, please, agree with all, this is a great opportunity,
Taunton Books are always a great source of inspiration and make good reading with sound advice on how to improve ones work ability no matter what your skill level is. They never go out of fashion.
My 9 year old son has gotten interested in woodworking and it's nudging me back into it myself after many years spent doing remodelling and landscaping. This book looks like a great resource for updating my woodworkers library and skillset.
As a new woodworker I enjoy reading and learning from the pros and Taunton books never disappoints. This newest book would be a very welcomed addition to help inspire and raise my skill level.
This will look great with my colllection of Tauton woodworking books I have now.
There's certainly always room for improving one's skills and techniques. This book looks like it would be a good addition to a woodworker's library to do just that.
Sounds like a great book
This sounds like just the book a relatively new woodworker like me could use to improve my skills. It sounds like an excellent read.
Love Taunton books and magazines, like to see "Home Furniture" back. Jeff Miller's book looks like a great companion to Rogowski's joinery book for our intro students at Red Rocks Community College's Fine Wood Working programs, would love to add this book to our program's library.
As a novice woodworker I'm always interested in help.
Jeff's chairs are amazing. I have seen them in person. I'd love to build one!
I enjoyed watching his video project bookcase and book beds. I bet this is another fine book that would shine in my workshop.
This sounds like the type of guidance one would expect from a good mentor. I look forward to reading this and gaining some knowledge to improved skills.
I'm pretty selective on the woodworking books I purchase. This one has been on my "to buy" list since I first heard about it.
I am always looking for techniques to improve my woodworking skills.
I took a class with Jeff and have his Beds book, would love to read more of his wisdom
Looks great. Just what I need, I have enough trouble with straight sided projects.
I'd love to add this book to my library.
Nothing has spurred my interest in woodworking more than Fine Woodworking magazine and Taunton Press publishers. A chance to win this book would be outstanding!
Just spent Christmas Eve afternoon frantically finishing up a set of kids' craft tables & chairs for a neighbor's twin granddaughters. I realized about halfway through that project that I was in serious need of a refresher course in the basics in order to introduce the concept of efficiency into the process. I have all Krenov's books & a priceless autographed copy of 'Sam Maloof - Woodworker', so the inspirational stuff is in place. This looks to be a perfect balance on my bookshelf, (but undoubtedly would spend more time in the actual shop.)
This sounds like a great book for both the novice and those who have been working wood for some time but may have developed some less than optimum habits over the years.
Would love to have some more reference and reading material
Jeff's book, "Chairmaking and Design" taught me more about attention to craft and detail than most general woodworking books I've read (and I don't even make chairs!).
I'd be very interesting to read anything he puts his pen to.
Looks like a great book I would like to win. Thanks for the opportunity!
We can always benefit from reinforcing good technique. Work habits that develop with time can frequently be improved if looked at with fresh point of view.
What a wonderful opportunity. Thanks for letting us enter.
Would love to win this book - my current selection is way too small!
Count me in too.
So many beginner's books cover the same territory - a list of tools, basic layout, etc. This one has some interesting, but important, new approaches. Put me on the list to win it. No, better yet, pick my name!
I have only just taken up the wood craft just a few years ago and I'm a student at Palomar College for wood working. This book would help me to inprove my skills as learn this craft. Some times the littlest thing cane make a major inprovement on someones skills. I hope to get this book.
If I could start all over again, I would hope to be an Apprentice with a Master Craftsman teaching, showing the way. I'm always searching for that type of book that gets me started in the right direction and wtihout my blundering errors. Thank you for sharing through 'The Foundations of Better Woodworking' .
I started with classes at the Community College & they were really good but I wished I had read more about the basics. Mine was mostly hands on without any real understanding of the foundations.
You've got my attention. Would love a new book to add to my overstuffed shelves.
This book would help me teach my boys woodworking as well as myself. Thanks for making it available in the contest.
Nothing better on a cold January night in Wisconsin then to sit down with a new woodworking book...well almost nothing better...
Sounds like a great book to read. I would like the chance to just do that!
I've taken several classes with Jeff and he is a great teacher. I'm looking forward to reading his latest offering.
I would love to have this in my shop library!
I'm in.
Looks like just the book to get me going in the right direction in improving my woodworking. Thanks for the offering.
I've been a woodworker for almost 40 years and this is one of those times when I can say "I really feel I can learn things from a book." Not to say that there were other books that helped me along the path of destroying too much wood, as we are never too old too old to learn.
For what its worth, I've been a subscriber to FWW since the third or so issue, and most of the things I know came from reading your magazine.
Many thanks, I hope I win.
Bruce Cohen
I've been a big Jeff Miller fan ever since I read his article about his benchtop bench with a moxon vise. I'd love to win the book.
Looks good.
My wife is getting annoyed with the time I spend on this site and checking out the tips I get in my email, but at least my work is improving as a result! I'm thankful for the wealth of information contained in this site.
No matter how much I think I know, there's always room for more knowledge. I love my hobby!
Looks like just what I need to get me to the next level in my woodworking.
I took Jeff's Slat Back Chair class at MASW last September. Jeff talked about the release of this book at that time. He's a great instructor and we had a great time learning from him. Can't wait to see what he's written.
From the description, it sounds as though Jeff centers his approach on the human being rather than the tools. I suspect i may just end up buying this book....
I can use all the help I can get, I can't wait to learn more!
Looks like a great book!
I would love to get a copy of this book. I can never stop learning about woodworking.
I look forward to it!
please?
I sure hope to get this book. I am always in need of more knowledge.
Still sanding off the edges of my work. I am sure this could help
While I learn by doing, its always helpful to learn from those who not only has done it themselves, but can teach and write clearly to help others like me better my craft.
Seeing as I could write the book titled "Foundations on Worse Woodworking" this is something I could use.
Fine Woodworking is great magazine!
looks like a good read
sounds like a great book to get the cob webs cleaned out after 30 years away from woodworking
I welcome any opportunity to learn and improve my woodworking skills.
Great publication and I have been a long time subscriber
I know how to enter a contest but I don't always know how to complete a project without a good woodworking book. This I could use.
caltabill
I'm not kwerkusalba even tho that name comes up every time I enter a contest on this website. I'm [email protected] and I'd love to win this book. Thanks
Count me in, I love to win!
Sounds like a wonderful book; the previews (on Amazon) show a well written book. Send it to me ASAP!
Nice book. I would love to win it!
Saw this at the Woodworking in the Midewst Show in Cincinnati but forgot to go back to the table to get it. Would love a chance to win it!
Looks like a great book to read and learn from.
I'd love to win and use!
I've followed Jeff for some time now and would love to read this
book from him.
thunderdrake.
Love to establish a good foundation.
If this book is anything as good as his other books I would love to be able to say I have a copy.
I was just thumbing through this book the other day at the bookstore. It looks great and now you are offering it as a give a way. I've got my fingers crossed.
My passion is woodworking. But with more time to read and less time to work (3 kids under the age of 10)......I can't wait to read this book. Whether I win it or buy it I will own this book. I like to read about diferent techniques to achive a beautiful projects.
looks like another great book from Jeff Miller
In.
J'apprécierais grandement obtenir ce livre. I can never stop learning about woodworking and woodturning.
Seems to be a very interesting book, hope I'll win it !
Jeff Miller is definitely a woodworker whose brain I'd like to tap into.
Looks like a great book that I would love to win.
Would love to win this book!
Would also love to win this book. Every publication I own from Taunton press is supberb.
This would be a great book to have in my collection. If I don't win it I might have to buy it.
This looks like a great book. I could always learn something valuable from a good "fundamentals" book.
It is always nice to see books that you advertise, if it isn't up to the FINE WOODWORKING level of work it will not ever be here!!
That's what I love about woodworking, the fact that you are always learning. I'd be thrilled to place this among my other woodworking books if I were to win.
I can learn from this.
Looks like another great title from Taunton press. Thanks.
I have always loved refinishing antique and/or old furniture pieces; seeing the final restoration is it's own reward.
I love this book. Would be fun to win it.
Thanks
This is a book I can use!
I would love to win this book, because I am sure it would help take my woodworking to a higher level.
Looks like a good book.
Time I paid more attention to my stance at the bench. A friend of mine is lucky enough to be on a course with Jeff Miller. This would be the next best thing, and if I don't win, I'll buy a copy.
I would love to have this book, as a new wood worker I can use lots of help.
Sounds great I'd like to have one for further learning.
Just what I needed!
Great reviews on Amazon. Would love to have it.
Count me in!
If this one is as informative as his other books, then we're in for a treat. I'd love to have a copy of the new book by the "Jig Master."
Be great to win Jeff's book.
this sounds like a book I need.
Sounds like a great book. I can always use help with my fundamentals.
It would be a great book, i might actually learn how to do what I am doing.
Thanks for the new book.
There are only three reviews of this book on Amazon, but they give it five stars across the board.
Would love to have it!
It looks like a great resource; just finding the time to read/use it is my challenge!
Could not ask for anything more.
Builder, remodeler, finish carpenter, amateur wood worker. I would love to add this book to my library, but I promise to read it first. James
I know I could learn a lot from this book!
"UsingYour Body" and "Learning to See" in Part 1 of this book are fundamentals that we probably do not encounter in most classes and books. That is a welcome addition.
Enlighten me, good sir.
Never had any formal training. Maybe this book would help.
I must be due to win
No better opportunity to learn from a master.
No matter how long you have been working with wood, and no matter what you have made from houses to Queen Anne Highboys, it is never too late to gain more knowledge. This would be a good place to learn.
An excellent book to get back the the basics
Looks like a great resource to improve my woodworking.
As a retired osteopath and a woodworker I am very interested in how we can use our bodies efficiently.
Anything I can read which helps me become a better woodworker is always welcome!
Learning never stops in woodworking or any other pursuit. Any possibility of expanding our knowledge or skills is a wonderful opportunity. Books like this are beyond useful, and, indeed, are essential.
would love to win the book, [email protected]
Enjoyed reading about Jeff's workbench. Have picked out the lumber and started to glue up he legs.
I would love to correct my OJT DIY supposed knowledge base. I have a couple of books to help me and would gladly learn from and review this one.
Thank you for bringing this opportunity for a great book giveaway! I've got four furniture projects on the list for this year and this book would be a perfect start!
I loved Jeff's book "Chair Making and Design". It is my bible and read and re-read from cover to cover. His explanations and style make a difficult topic straight-forward. If he can do that for chair I have no doubt he could work wonders for my limited skills.
Sounds like another great book!! Would love to win it!!!
The chapter that really intrigues me is the chapter on experience and learning from mistakes. Woodworking is a learned craft and I appreciate experts sharing their expertise!
I could use a book on the fundamentals since I could use some work on them. Count me in, please.
I consider myself to be like one of Miller's woodworking students who don't don't have a good enough grasp of woodworking fundamentals.
Looks like a very interesting read. Looking forward to winning and reading it.
Looks like a book I could benefit from. Please count me in.
How do so many really good woodworkers get the time to write book???
Count me in.
Here is another value packed book I would like a chance to win. Enter me please for a chance to win it. - Bill
Sounds like a good book.
Sign me up. Looks great!
What a way to expand my skill set with this book giveaway...I could use this immediately with what I am currently working on (dining room table set). Tks for the chance to move forward with this new book if I win.
Wood be a pleasure and an honor.
Always interested in learning more. Thanks for the chance.
Sounds like a great book any woodworker would truly appreciate, especially a novice like myself.
Thanks for the chance.
Whoo hooo, good luck to all.
Just what the doctor ordered!
I am looking forward to reading this book. It looks great.
This book looks like a good candidate for Late Winter reading...
I would like to win this one!
Sounds like a great book as I am trying to get back to basics and use mainly hand tools for my current project!
Ricks183
Looks like it would be a interesting book to read. You can never get enough skills when woodworking.
Looking forward to reading this one, especially Ch 3 to see if your list is complete as I have exceptional experience in the mistake business
as an accomplished wood butcher, I will be happy to proofread the section on mistakes.
My woodworking totally lacks foundations.
This souds like an awesome book. Exactly the kind of book I particularly enjoy - full of techniques and basic information you can incorporate into all you do.
Jeff Miller has published great material on chair making, so I look forward to reading his new book.
More project opportunities to build with my 10 year old? Bring it on!!!
Sounds very helpful.
I love reading Jeff's articles and am looking forward to getting and reading this book.
I need to get my workshop up and running as quick as possible (not getting any younger at 62). Having a book by a renowned expert would go a long way to help me achieving this goal.
I am a beginner. It would be helpful.
I need a better foundation in woodworking.
What better time to spend reading a good woodworking book than in the deep snows of winter. I look forward to reading Jeff's book.
Having no formal training in the craft of woodworking I am always trying to improve and Identify ways of correcting processes that are not quite right. I figure at 55 the are still many things I could be doing wrong. Sure sounds like a great way to cool off on a hot 40c day.
Sounds like an excellent book !
This would be a great read for a beginner like me.
And just who wouldn't like to have a book by Jeff Miller to add to their woodworking collection? And one that covers the basis of woodworking, creating and even better foundation. Yes, I would love to have this.
I would love to win this book,
I want to read this book,
I need to read this book
thank you for the opportunity.
This sounds like an excellent resource which would enhance any woodworkers skills. It's a great shame that there is one one book and therefore only one winner.
Looks like a good book and you can'nt get enough good books to learne from.
Sign me up!!!
A person can never learn too much about the foundations of their craft. This looks like a good book to learn from.
As with all FWW books I'm sure there is lots of great info in it. I'm looking forward to cracking it open and reading it cover to cover.
Ahh - a book every woodworker's library should contain. This would be a welcome addition to mine!
I can`t really comment on this book as I have yet to read it.
Everything I've learned about woodworking has been either hands on or by reading books. I have quite an extensive woodworking library and I would love to add this book to my collection, after of course I have drained all the information out it by reading it a time or two.
Would love to have this book to read.
You are never too old to learn and readig is one of the best ways to improve. Slow learining stays .....
jeff miller is a great woodworker Im shure jeff has writen an amazing book. great for any colection
Sounds interesting would enjoy reading.
Our local JC doesn't have any woodworking classes to take. Only can do very expensive lessons with local professionals. Sounds like the perfect book for me.
The approach sounds interesting and the cover certainly is. Maybe I can correct some bad habits I've picked up
I would find this book very useful.
I'm always interested in learning something new.
I read chapter 1--great stuff.
I love the the shape and curves of the wooden form the author is working on in the cover picture. From the description it sounds like this book is a must read! I'm always look for a resource to further develop the fundamentals necessary to achieve great results while working with wood.
I think I would learn a lot from this book. If I'm not the lucky winner I will probably buy it.
congrats to jeff. this would make an excellent addition to my library of books and skills
A good Foundation is critical in all aspects of Life and Work.
This book wood look great on my book shelve,
This would be a nice book to add to my library.
I would love to win this book.
Fundamentals. That's exactly what I need!
I looking forward to reading the section on bio-mechanics, after a carrier in the field it's still holds interest now as I take up my new vocations being retired.
'Twould be nice!
It seems the more I learn about woodworking, the more I go back to the fundamentals. This book would certainly help me in that quest.
Sign me up please
As a fan of Jeff Miller I would be delighted to own a copy of his book. Thanks!
definitely need better fundamentals. Thanks
I am always looking to improve my skills and learn something new. This book would be a help with both I'm sure. Thank you.
Would aid my beginner skills!
Book, neat, me, pick me!
What a wonderful gift this would make for my Grandson, he loves being in the shop with me and I with him.
These are the best and easiest books to follow! Step by step, Lots of easy illustrations to follow also!!!! Makes woodworking a breeze............Thank You,...........Ricky D.
Always good to have reference sources and to then pass along the book and knowledge to the next generation.
Always enjoy Jeff Miller's FWW articles. I often walk by his shop in Chicago and admire the work through the window.
Always good to get back to foundations from time to time to refresh.
Spoke-shaving Stick-man's groin is a tricky business!
Wish I had some kind of snazzy comment, but I just want to win so I can learn foundational stuff from the best!!
I wanna win this book!!
This is exactly the kind of books we so desperately need here in Brazil, even if not translated into Portuguese. I'm sure most Brazilian woodworkers would improve their skills.
Enter my name .
Always looking for more help in my woodworking life!
As an instructor of a woodworking class for a local community collage this would be a great resourse for my students
Keep up the great work an please neter me in the drawing.
Dude!! How many comments are there for this? My odds of winning are shrinking!
Anyway, Jeff Miller's no Bob Vila but I'd still like to have his book. Maybe I'll finally learn something. :)
Dude, free I love free!
Could certainly benefit from Jeff's book, as I have from his FWW articles. Whoever wins this will be lucky indeed!
Ted
My middle name is "Free"
Looks like a great read. Can't wait.
Looks like a great read. Can't wait.
Yes please and thanks
Looks like a great "back to the basics" type of book that could benefit any woodworker
Looks like a good foundation book as well as a good reference on best techniques. Woiuld be a great addition to my woodowkring reference library
Every chance I get I try to learn just a little bit more about woodworking with the goal being that I will some day be a proficient hand tool woodworker only using power tools where absolutely necessary.
Looks like a great book to add to my library. Thanks for the contest.
This book looks like it would be a great addition to my collection. I always enjoy reading books by Jeff.
Sounds like the book I need to develop a solid base on which to develop my wood working skills
As a hobby woodworker who likes to try new things, it is sometimes hard to get the proper techniques and avoid bad habits. This sounds like a great resource.
Am I too late? I hope not! Would love to have the chance to win this fantastic book. Thanks much.
As a self-taught woodworker I want to absorb the fundamentals of Woodworking but have not found a good starting point. The Foundations of Better Woodworking by Jeff Miller looks like a great place to begin soaking up the hands-on knowledge I need. Also, I wouldn't mind winning the book either.
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