Working Wood, Not Machining It If you're more interested in working with wood rather than machining it, you will be relieved to learn that expensive powered machinery isn't required to build furniture. You can also forget the dust masks, face shields and hearing protection since many of the safety concerns related to woodworking—the use of power tools—are eliminated. In this book, you'll learn to set up a hand-tool woodworking shop, then discover the toolset, practice the skillset, and understand the mindset—effectively completing a comprehensive course in hand-tool woodworking.

To show the dramatic results that can be obtained from closer attention to wood's natural strengths, Elkan has assembled a showcase of projects, all shown in breathtaking color. The fifteen designs featured here are imaginative variations on woodworkers' favorites: the basic bandsawn box (which he calls a "keeper"), hinged box, dovetail box, butterfly, owl, bird's nest, tower of wings, and several other sculptured pieces -- all shown in oversize close-ups that focus on the careful techniques needed for following the natural wood patterns. A full-color photo gallery displays over 40 award-winning projects.

To enjoy woodworking, all you need is a few essential tools, a little bit of space, and the desire to make something with your own two hands. The Minimalist Woodworker is about making woodworking clean and simple--from the tools and the workspace to the easy-to-follow instructions. Woodworking is thriving in the hands-on, DIY, maker world we currently live in. Yet, for it's increasing popularity, there are many crafters who don't engage in woodworking because they falsely believe you need a large workshop and a full-blown collection of tools and equipment. The Minimalist Woodworker disproves this myth. It eliminates the fears and excuses as it demystifies the craft. Written by Vic Tesolin, aka the Minimalist Woodworker, a woodworker and woodworking instructor, The Minimalist Woodworker is a stress-free approach for the hobbyist that emphasizes the destination is actually the journey. Beginning with an understanding of the minimalist mindset, The Minimalist Woodworker quickly details how to make a small space productive and outlines the most efficient tools for a woodworker. Each piece of equipment is explained and instructions on how to use are provided. Techniques for keeping them sharp and maintained are also explained. Once space and tools are covered, seven projects are presented: a saw bench and matching saw horse, a Nicholson-style workbench, a shooting board/bench hook, a shop mallet, and a small hanging cabinet. Each project not only develops woodworking skills, but also outfits the minimalist woodworker's small shop. With step-by-step instruction, photos and illustrations, and an easy-going voice, The Minimalist Woodworker offers a stress-free point of entry into the life-long craft of woodworking.

Woodworkers use these books as a source of inspiration and project ideas. Interior designers and architects use them as a means to keep up with the latest trends in furniture design. The series has been published since 1977, to date, seven Design Books have been published, the last in 1996. The series is being expanded in response to reader requests. Past design books were basically a catalogue of woodworking projects selected by a panel of experts. "Design Book Eight" will depart from that tradition by featuring fewer examples, but offering design talk about each piece as well as detail shots. The book is organized by class of furniture: Tables, Chairs, Desks, Cabinets, Book cases, Home Entertainment Furniture, Beds and Bureaus.