Hey all,
This is my first post here and I am a complete beginner to woodworking. I wanted to ask if anyone could give me a recomendation on a good beginner’s woodworking book.
There are a lot of books out there and rather than take a gamble I thought it would be best to come and get the advice of people who might actually have a valid opinion 🙂
Also, if anyone has any recomendations for good tutorial sites/videos (other than the fine resources here on Fine Woodworking) they would also be much appreciated.
Thanks all,
Chris.
Replies
Woodworking book
That is a tough question, Chris, because it seems everybody publishes a woodworking book nowadays.
I am 74 years and so keep the age of when I started out in mind. I personally believe that the 3 books by James Krenov would be a good start because he instills the love of wood and woodworking rather than any slap-dash approach. The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking would be a place to start. Tage Frid also informed my woodworking and his 3 books were from Tauton so they should be available.
When you get around to buying chisels and planes I recommend you look at Ron Hock's website for good ideas on how to sharpen the blades. I have found - as many others before me - that a realy, really sharp blade makes woodworking much more pleasureable.
You don't need to start off with wooden planes (particularly if you are just starting out!) but a quality block plane with a flat, flat, flat sole is a good start. Go to https://www.finewoodworking.com/how-to/video/how-to-tune-up-your-block-plane.aspx to learn how to tune it up.
For videos, I highly recommend the Timothy Rousseau videos on FWW. Don't try to emulate his work yet, but listen to him closely because he throws out tidbits of 'how-to' do some things that are basic and are true woodworking gems.
Forrest
For a starter any good book will be okay. All you need is more practice to make yourself perfect in woodworking.
Best book in my honest opinion
HI, Chris! One of my friend asked me the same question last week :). Despite I'm not so strong in book lists (I usually use different videos on youtube) I can recommend you the next books:
- "Wood working Basics" by Peter Korn;
- "Understanding Wood" by R. Bruce Hoadley.
Hope they will be helpful for you! Best regards.
Video tutorials
Hi ruralspaceman!
Concerning tutorials videos, I'd recommend this guide: http://www.startwoodworking.com/getting-started/season-one
It's a good series of videos for a start, to learn some basics.
If you want not only to learn but also to get inspired, here are some YouTube channels of several professionals to follow:
famous Steve Ramsey https://www.youtube.com/user/stevinmarin
Matthias Wandel https://www.youtube.com/user/Matthiaswandel
John Heizs https://www.youtube.com/user/jpheisz
Not sure how much equipment you have, but if you are just starting out, I can highly recommend Paul Sellers. Start on youtube, or go to https://commonwoodworking.com/.
Well worth investing the time watching and practicing.
Colin.
And follow up with Bob Flexner's "Understanding Wood Finishing." Otherwise, you will get really frustrated with misleading labeling and improper technique or products.
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