Thread: Book review - Collins woodworker's manual

Collins Complete Woodworkers Manual
by Albert Jackson and David Day
Format: Hardback
Price: £24.99 UK
Publication Date: October 3, 1996
Imprint: Collins

ISBN: 0-00-414005-2

USA released as
The Complete Manual of Woodworking

Format: Hardback
Price: $24.99
ISBN: 0-679-76611-1
Alfred A. Knopf, 1996

I was looking for some up to date references for my woodworking classes and came across Collins Complete Woodworker's Manual.

YES! Printed in a way that would attract 21st century teen-agers through to seasoned veterans. It’s comprehensive, with up-to-date illustrations on woodworking and includes stunning colour photographs. A special feature is a chapter detailing with the characteristics of a huge variety of timber with plates clearly showing each, and the effect of applying a clear finish.

To give you an idea of how well the book is illustrated, a lecturer in publishing commented: “I would recommend that anyone interested in the design and production of explanatory drawings should take a look at this book by way of example.”

Importantly the book deals brilliantly with design, and provides ergonomic data, using actual three-dimensional designer's sketches, to illustrate the basic principles of chair, table and storage-unit construction. Gee this is well done! There are ideas for selecting everything from the best joint for the job to the most efficient order of assembly.

For the tool buffs, this book boasts an unrivalled illustrated survey of every type of tool – from the bench plane to the power router, and a Japanese saw to a universal machine – and each is comprehensively described to help the novice, inform the tool buyer and assist the experienced woodworker to plan and stock a safe machine shop.

There is great chapter on joint making with photographic examples, working text and step-by-step drawings of every type of joint. It even shows you how to set out a beveled dovetail!

Whether it is turning, woodcarving, veneering or marquetry, bending or finishing wood, the book provides detailed coverage of those crafts and would be appealing to every woodworker. There is even advice on using such materials as metal, glass, marble and leather in combination with wood. Add to this a comprehensive range of fixings and fittings – from the latest in adhesives to locks and handles – and you have everything you need to complete the job.

Looking at other reviews the book is variously described as "A fine book", "Well thought out and well designed", "A friend to lean on", "Thoroughly authoritative, well-illustrated and well-produced" and "An absolute must for the bookshelf"

The authors, Albert Jackson and David Day are the authoritative writers on DIY, home improvement and maintenance. They have made many television appearances, and have presented two major BBC series on furniture making and renovation. Their best-selling books include the ‘Collins Complete DIY Manual’

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO WOODWORKING TOOLS, MATERIALS, TECHNIQUES & CONSTRUCTION EVER PUBLISHED