Woodworker's Central Woodworker's Gazette Gazette Archive 3/13/00

A book review: By Joe Jansen Title: Handbook of Practical Woodworking Techniques Authors: Robert Lento Published by: Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. 387 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016-8810 ISBN 0806913517 Price Softcover: $17.95 (Canada $25.95 ) 114 pages with 449 b/w illustrations. The book, "Handbook of Practical Woodworking Techniques" by Robert Lento, is written to be a source book for the craftsperson, "do-it-yourselfer" and the home owner. The book is set up to help the novice understand some basic wood and woodworking principles and then build upon those principles. The book has numerous illustrations throughout its seven chapters to make it very understandable. The author covers a wide range of topics from project planning, tool selection and use, also hand power tools and stationary power tools. I particularly liked the sections on tips for buying tools and tips for purchasing used tools. This would be particularly helpful for the person just setting up shop. The chapters on project planning and carcass construction were informative and well illustrated. The final chapter does a good job describing finishing techniques. Overall this was a well organized and well written book. It would be most helpful for the person just beginning woodworking for a good overview of the basic principles. The book would also be helpful as a reference for problems faced in future furniture construction. I would have enjoyed seeing a chapter on shop layout. Joe Jansen Editor's Note: Sterling Publishing has graciously donated several books for review which are passed on to our members free of charge in exchange for thoughtful, honest reviews. Thank You!