Reprint. Originally published: Bearsville, N.Y.: Blackburn Books, A2000.

A revision of the praised 1974 edition, marred by the poor reproduction of the hundreds of drawings. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

A revision of the praised 1974 edition, marred by the poor reproduction of the hundreds of drawings. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

In this age of machines, handtools remain the best way -- often the only way -- of creating beautiful details, perfect fit, and final finishes. With handtools, there are no technical nor creative limits so the woodworker is liberated from the artistic constraints often imposed by machinery.

A revision of the praised 1974 edition, marred by the poor reproduction of the hundreds of drawings. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

John Whelan unlocks the fascinating secrets of an almost lost art: wooden planemaking. For those curious about the ingenious ways of the craft, this book lays out clear, step-by-step instructions that will enable any woodworker to make a plane. Each chapter (covering 20 different types of planes and spokeshaves) is fully illustrated by the author's line drawings. In addition, there are chapters on the history and alternative methods of planemaking, making plane irons, and the tuning and using of wooden planes. Every chapter that details the construction of a particular plane starts with a photograph of the plane that has been made by the author. As you would expect from Mr. Whelan, this book is the finest and most complete work on the making of wooden planes in print. The reader will enjoy it even if he never puts blade to wood. Should he make a plane or two, he will find Making Traditional Wooden Planes most satisfying

A revision of the praised 1974 edition, marred by the poor reproduction of the hundreds of drawings. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

50 Classic Devices You Can Make. In Jigs Fixtures for the Hand Tool Woodworker, expert hand tool woodworker Graham Blackburn brings classic devices back to life and shows you exactly how to make and use them in todays workshop.

Learning to use hand tools is the foundation to understanding the craft of woodworking The third volume in Graham Blackburn's Illustrated Workshop series, Traditional Woodworking Techniques is a clear and practical introduction into the art of hand tool woodworking and furnituremaking, as well as an invaluable reference to the fundamental aspects of the craft. Even if you have never made a single piece of furniture before, Traditional Woodworking Techniques will guide you through the selection of materials, the complexities of dimensions and wood movement, the choice of joinery, and the mysteries of pleasing design. Starting with just a few basic handtools, a beginner will progress from simple but useful projects, such as a bookcase, box, and chest, to more advanced items like tables and chairs--furniture to be rightly proud of. Whether you work your way through every project, or simply dip into a particular area, such as the detailed chapters on miters, dovetails, mortise-and-tenons, splayed joinery, or drawermaking, Traditional Woodworking Techniques will lay the foundation for a thorough understanding of the woodworking craft. Illustrated with over 400 of the author's iconic detailed line drawings, and complete with an annotated select bibliography, this fully indexed book is an essential part of any woodworker's toolkit.