UPDATE: The Unplugged Woodshop: Handcrafted Projects for the Home & Workshop by Tom Fidgen
Sep 26, 2013
The Unplugged Woodshop: Handcrafted Projects for the Home & Workshop by Tom Fidgen
The Taunton Press, 2013.
$29.95; 240 pp.
MP72 was chosen at random as the winner of this book.
Tom Fidgen is known for his hand tool work. In this book, The Unplugged Woodshop, he offers a number of projects, all made with hand tools, and provides drawings, cut lists, photos and helpful tips for each. Some of the projects included are a sawyer’s bench, a pochade box – a portable wooden tote originally used by artists, and a gentleman’s valet. He also offers projects for making hand tools as well as advice on glues and finishes.
Lucky MP72 is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.
Be sure to check back often for more giveaways.
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Comments
I've been very interested in checking this book out.
If this is like his first, it will be great! I looking forward to reading it.
I just saw the trailer for this book, and was going to put it on my to-buy list. It would be nice to not have to buy it, though.
Although we're hitting mid to upper 80's again this week, I know winter will be here soon enough. Would love to have a new book to read and use over the winter.
I already own this book, so I'm not commenting to enter the contest, rather to just let folks know that if you don't win it, definitely buy it. It is so good it should be on every woodworker's shelf, whether you're a galoot, normite or anywhere between. The projects are first rate, but the tips and techniques sprinkled throughout are more than worth the price of admission.
I have the first book he wrote, and have seen the trailer for this one and it looks fantastic. If i don't win it, i will buy it for sure. Good luck to everyone.
I would enjoy getting the second book (I have the first), and free is always good...
Looks like a great book. I am looking forward to reading it!
I loved the first book.
I would love to win a copy.
His videos and craftsmanship is first class. The new book is a must have; free or not.
As I'm having to do woodwork in a house with no electricity, this looks like a perfect fit ;)
I attended a 6-week course by the same name. It was taught by the editor of another woodworking magazine. I learned a lot, but haven't had time to practice the craft. This book would sure help.
I would love to win a copy!
I already have it.
Looking forward to reading this book.
Another hat in the ring..:>)
I've enjoyed Tom's articles in the past, this book looks like a sweet compilation.
I would definitely love to win it.
Me!!
Loved the video associated with the book. Fingers crossed.
No whammy, no whammy...
This book would be a great addition to the libe. I really like Tom's videos.
Me please!
i would love to read this book...i have follow his music an woodworking happens for years...
Please include me in the draw.
I would love to have this book..Thanks for the chance.
Tom's projects look great!
I have Tom's first book - would love to add this to the shelf. Thanks
Was learning to drive my #6 (Woodriver) yesterday. It certainly was nice to be able to think and hear while dabbling in the hobby.
My workshop is quite a ways from my house, there's nothing more I would love to do than to have some projects I could work in a smaller area, without having power tools running
I have the first too. Would love the second
I've been following his blog for a while and would love to see the book. If I win, I promise to share.
A great resource!
I, too, would like to win this book. Will read and review if I win.
Always wanted to try going unpluged
fingers are crossed!!
I have been following two or three woodworkers that have been working without power tools. I want to do more by hand woodworking. I do some, but want to read this book so I can do more.
Thank You for letting me have a chance to win this interesting book.
Awesome. Can't wait to read this book!
I am ready to read this book.
I enjoy hand tool work and share the experience with a retired friend. This book seems like it would offer some new perspectives on this kind of woodworking.
I'm really looking forward to this. I follow Tom's blog and have a lot of respect for his work. Good luck to everybody.
Would be delighted to enter your contest.
I built several projects from the first book and learned a lot about hand tool wood working. Who knew, you do it and you get better at it. What a concept.
I've got to be due for a win, and this would be a good book to have.
I'm very interested to see the plan for the sawyer's bench.
Nothing like getting a great book from a fellow Canadian...and free to boot!
As someone who prefers shavings to sawdust, I'd like to read this book.
"He who works with his hands is a handyman, he who works with his hands and mind is a craftsman, he who works with his hands mind and heart is an artist" he is an artist and is inspiring.
I work using a combination of hand and power tools and I would definitely love to read this book. Handtools are very relaxing to use and I find that for small jobs, it doesn't take that much longer to do the job if you factor in the setup time you need for the power tools. Of coarse I'm not talking about milling rough lumbers but more like doing table top edges etc.
I could really use some tips to refine my woodworking skills. Can't wait to read this.
I love Tom's sense of style. I don't know where he gets his design inspiration, but hopefully some of his design skills will rub off if I win this book.
Looks like a great book!
This would be a cool book to add to the library. Got my hand tool collection started now just need to use them as much as I can.
This looks like a great resource. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Really liked his first book, would like to get his second one for freeee! Sign me up.
-----wade
Would love to read this book. My circular saw scares the heck out of me and annoys the neighbours.
I'd dig this book. Cool.
As I get older, my shops get smaller. Fewer power tools, more hand tools. Need more instruction/practice with the latter. this book looks like it would help. I'll let you know after devouring it.
Interesting. I will have to take a look.
I have been using the woodshop at the local university, but they practice with power tools, and very few projects for hand tools. A few of the older ones including me, wish to have the how to for hand tools and this looks like the best one. Thank you for this opportunity and if I win I will share the the others at wood class.
Blerg!
Hope a CD of his music comes with my book
Pick me, pick me!
Looks like a good book. I'd be interested in reading it.
I have been wanting to increase my hand tool skills and think this book would be great for that
Looks like a great book!
As a new hand-tool woodworker, this would be excellent to have!
I was quite inspired when I saw the video for this book. I would love reading it and would definitely post a review.
Looks like more fun projects to make while the rest of the family is still sleeping!
Looking forward to reading this, sounds very interesting!
I love the idea of posting a comment after reading the book. That could be interesting :)
I love working with hand tools! I could spend all day planing, in a heart beat! I would love this book.
Would love the opportunity to read and give a review. Thank you for this chance to get this awesome book.
Tom is at the pinnacle of his craft. He has been on the forefront of hand tool work since its rebirth. I am extremely excited about reading this book. One look at the architects table and the reader will have no doubt about Toms work
its great to see projects in this book that you just don't see anywhere else. definitely adding it to my "must buy" list.
Ever since I saw the trailer for this book, I have wanted to get it.
raspberry!
This book looks great. I can't wait to check it out
I have such limited room for my woodshop, learning exclusive handtool techniques and projects would be awesome!
I would love this book. He doesn't live all that far from me, at least in the winter. :)
Please consider me! I'd love to read this book AND follow-up with a post as you suggested. I grew a Normite and am trying to find my blend as a hybrid woodworker. The only way I know how to do that is to immerse myself in handtool woodworking so I can say I've experienced both sides. Then and only then would I feel comfortable saying I found my balance.
Looks like a great book to own.
I never win.
I like Tom's work & music. I'm sure his book will be equally good.
I pretty much rely on power tools for my projects, but have always been interested in developing hand tool skills. This book would be a perfect tutorial.
I love the idea of working without power tools.
Why is it that no one comments on anything unless there's giveaway?
I would love to have this book so I can begin my collection!
Comment
I would love to see the tips and have a shot at the sawyer's bench.
Thanks!
Looking forward for this book. He seems to be a great woodworker! Has lots of good info to give.
Looking for
I have "Made by Hand" and would love to add this book to my collection.
This would be a great companion to Tom's other book!
I already reserved a copy at my local library but I'll be happy to add it to my bookshelf if I win.
looks like a great book!
I have been working on a set of shelves in the carport, but a wind (and RAIN!) storm knocked out my power this weekend (and water, too, but that's a different story :-( ). I already use some hand tools in my work, but I have had to figure them out for myself, so some instructions would be quite helpful.
I'm in.
Thank for this opportunity I have learnt so much from reading fine woodworking.
Put my hat in the ring!
I want this book!!!
I loved his first book. This one, well I must read it...
Learning to use hand tools is good but with actual projects makes it a must read.
I would love to have this book!
I`m in!
I really need this one to enhance my woodworking projects.
Very nice - and timely for many of us - giveaway. Thanks.
Very nice - and timely for many of us - giveaway. Thanks.
Retired librarian living in Grand Rapids at "Covenant Village of the Great Lakes". We have a wood shop where a group of us hold forth on our love of woodworking. I sub scribe to the F W mag and love it....
Attached is a photo of a bench I built as a step in the direction of a real professional one. This one was built for practically nothing with a recycled cabinet base reinforced with 2x4 and 2x6 "legs", and part of a very hefty old church door for a sturdy top. Costliest item was the vise. I guess we like to recycle stuff!! When we can, we would like to build a proper solid hardwood bench with front and end vise...after ones like you have featured in your great magazine. ...want to develop a great hand tool collection and your offfer will be welcome in our book collection.
Where do I paste a photo ?
Looks like a great book. Sign me up, please.
I'm in, too. Thanks for the opportunity!
I'm in. Looks like a good read.
Looks like a good read
Always looking to simplify and slow down. Would love a chance to check this book out.
Love to work in my shop with hand tools, listening to my music, no noise from electric motors. Calm, peaceful, rewarding.
I am looking forward to reading the book.
I am learning woodworking and this will be a great help!
Another must have from Fidgen!
Just starting out w/ my own shop, would love to work on hand processes and tools while I save up!
I would love to win this book!!!
I'm 58 yrs young and have been a carpenter pretty much, all of my life. I've worked and found satisfaction in most every phase,(residential,commercial,industrial,institutional), but I've always loved residential the best. It's more than just building a house, it's making a home where memories are going to be made. All those things usually take a crew of guys.
I find the most meditative moments are made in the workshop, by myself or teaching someone else about the satisfaction of working with your hands. If your like me, you've found that life sometimes has a way of changing personal plans. We're now at a stage where we can make a move out west. And I am in the process of finishing up a pole barn, who's main purpose is to be my workshop. It seems it's been a long time coming, but I think it will be worth the wait. Especially when I look at my grandson or daughter sitting on the end of the bench asking questions .... just like I did ... a long time ago.
I built a Not-So-Big-Workbench by Ed Pirnik in the past six months and learned how to use some of my hand tools better while making the joinery. Tom's new book would be a great addition to my woodwork library.
27 years of woodworking and rocket engine testing. Would love to review the book.
I would love this book. Count me in.
I would really enjoy reading this book, and having it around to refer to from time to time, good luck everyone.
This summer i have build my new woodworking shop. I have to finish it before the winter.
Looks like a great book to add to the library!
Tom's YouTube videos are outstanding.
I'd love to win this book - thanks!
Love his book and will buy this one if I don[t win.Great simplified writing
Always looking for new ideas. 55 + years of woodworking from framing to fine finish, custom cabinet making and furniture. Have to say unique pieces of furniture, or cabinets built ins are the most fun at this point - such as rebuilding 100 + years old 20 light sashes that have been partially crushed.
This looks like a great book. I would love to have some example of projects done with hand tools. Might give me a reason to break out my Stanley 45 or 55!
Please I want this book :)
Would love to own this book!
Enjoy your magazine. I recently added another leaf to my folding storage unit you featured in your Tools and Shops Annual Edition Winter 2009. Also completed a small vacuum caddy fo small clean-ups in the shop.
I have retired as an oboist, which means I no longer have to scrape 5 different sizes and shapes of double reeds - I guess that's a form of hand carving? I now have a new Sjogrens work-bench with the shelves and doors. The bench is ready, but the work surface is covered with many piles of stuff to put away: drills, nails, screws, the list continues. Currently I am working on an Irish carved spoon for my husband on our 50th. Luckily I have time for about 5 years! I do a lot of problem solving and fixit. It's only fair since my husband is the chef here. I'm planning a music (sheet music) cabinet next.
Been subscribing Fine Woodworking for some time now. Since I recently retired from full-time music performance, I don't need to scrape 5 sizes of oboe reeds all the time any more. I've purchased and set up a Sjobergs bench which is all set up and ready, but covered in MANY piles of things to find a home for: drills, nails, screws, and the alike. My grandfather was a specialty carpenter who make furniture for the handicapped e.g. scoliosis, chiseling the curves by hand. It fascinated me, hanging out in his shop! And to this day the smell of fresh cut wood is in toxicating! I am currently carving a love spoon for my husband for our 50th anniversary - since I can't get at the top of my bench just yet! I prefer hand work, but my husband has bought me a full shop of electric tools for the things that are becoming difficult for me at 65. I would love to add the book you're offering to my library!
I'm a big fan of Tom's first book and will be sure to check this one out, too. Thanks.
Would love to own and read this book.
Looks like a nice book :)
I am new to woodworking (about one and a half years), and have learned much in that time. I have also produced some excellent pieces for family and friends. I have been using hand tools, and would love to add this book to my collection. I am very interested in projects using only hand tools. I am always amazed that with the right tools, solid techniques, and patience what is possible.
i'm retired and am building a new woodworking shop on bear island, lake winnepesaukee, NH. this is a true island - no bridges, cars, roads or stores - just quiet and inspiration. i hope to be doing 95% hand tool work - and am looking forward o reading tom's book.
Just going unplugged, any and all info much appreciated.
I have his other book and it's excellent.
Would be great to learn to do things the old fashion way!!.
Perfect choice for my woodworking style and shop size!
This would be a great addition to my library! Thanks for all you do FW!
so nice to use handtools... really keeps the noise and dust down in the shop
Hand tools = quiet = less dust = better health
Chuck
We need more books like this!!! To be able to complete a project with just hand-tools would be great!!!
I could really use this book in my first shop that I am now just starting.
New to woodworking trying to learn how to make nicer projects.
Pick me.
I have been a member for only a week now but have gotten inspiration for a year's worth of projects. Thank you!!!
Final sanding stage of building a king sized head board then on to stain and finish! This thing is hugh!
I am very interested in learning more about working with hand tools.
I teach woodworking, primarily with hand tools, at McKinleyville Middle School. This book would be a great addition to my shop library, and an inspiration to all my students. With no state budget for my program (California), all I do for the kids comes from donations, so it would be great if I get lucky on this draw. Thank you for providing the opportunity. Rand Hall
I am always looking for ideasI
This is just the sort of book I've been looking for.
I'm having to rethink things now that I have a smaller workspace and have put some of my larger machines in storage. Handtools are are more space conscious and it is more relaxing without the dust and noise. I will be ableto listen to music and not wear a respirator as much. More like darkroom work used to be. At least woodworking hasn't changed as much!
I'm working on a set of night stands and could have used some additional advise on using hand tools.This book would help me on the next project project phase which is a chest-of-drawers.
Thank you,
radtwo
I have been an avid wood turner for years and have would like to get into some small flat type work. This book looks like it would be a great way to help me get started......
As I get older, I'm starting to use a lot more hand tools like I did 30+ years ago. I have all the machines but sometimes it feels good to go back.
Unplugging the workshop (still on the journey) has allowed me to introduce working with wood to my children. Quieter, safer and they really get to feel hands on with the wood. All of us are enjoying it a lot.
I'm really glad I started getting into hand-tool work before I moved, because my new shop space has no electricity! I'll need to check this book out, one way or another.
Love shavings not dust!
Comment left
Semper Fi!
Looks like a really fun book!!!
Woodworker and avid reader for years. Keep up the good work. I've learned lots from you!
If i win i promise to never use another pocket hole jig again.
This looks like a great book.
I'm on the road to hand tools.
Looks like a really interesting book. I am starting my woodworking journey and decided to start with hand tools. The book would be a great resource.
I would love to have this book.
Tom's videos are inspiring and make me want to excel as a woodworker. I'm trying to build some wooden, cam clamps at the moment.
Wm. D. Elliott
Love my hand planes
Tom is great and I love his stuff. This book is definitely on my wish list!
Please let me win this book.
I'm glad there are more resources, such as this book, for helping people make furniture by hand. We need to become more reliant on non-power tools. Regards, Bob
Sweet awesome looking book
Nice easy to follow instructions and great photos. Look forward to reading more of this book.
Another glossy eyed newb looking to win some free schwag! I promise to subscribe to the hard copy of FWW if I win!! eh, eh?
I like reading Tom Fidgen. Been a fan of his blog, and liked his earlier book. I'm in for this one!
Send this book down under to New Zealand. It will be appreciated.
Send this book down under to New Zealand. It will be appreciated.
Looking forward to this book!
I have started on my collection of hand tool and this book would go great with my studied subject
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