Woodworker's Central Woodworker's Gazette Gazette Archive 10/29/02

A Book Review by Aaron Gesicki Title: The Mini Power Tool Handbook Authors: Zachary Taylor & Colin Bullock Published by: Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. 387 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016-8810 ISBN 0806922923 Price Softcover: $14.95 144 color pages Introduction Mini power tools are those small handheld rotary devices, usually electrical, resembling a dentist's drill, which are probably familiar to all of us. They offer a wide range of cutters and add-on accessories, which means they can be applied to virtually any area of work, usually on a small scale. This book takes the reader through the various types of available machines and accessories, and then explains the various applications in great and well-illustrated detail. Details After an introduction, there are nine chapters. Chapter 1 is a generic explanation of the tool, followed by seven chapters of techniques and their requisite hardware and methods. The chapter titles are Drilling; Routing; Sawing and Cutting; Flexible Drives; Shaping and Smoothing; Engraving; Grinding and Polishing. The last chapter consists of three tables, all about the equipment options and the different manufacturers. There are 419 pictures in the book. Each is clear, in color, and usually quite illustrative. The reader can learn things without actually reading if he/she has just a little familiarity with the equipment or technique being illustrated. Review This book is relatively inexpensive ($14.95). It goes into great depth to show the reader what can be done with a (excuse the trade name reference here, but I'm most familiar with these as a) Dremel Tool. Every possible accessory and it's application are illustrated. In addition, if that weren't enough, there is also some good instructional information to go with each of these alternatives, much of which will be very much appreciated by the novice. I found the layout, minimal text, and picture-based style to be easy to follow. Everyone has the need, from time to time, for a small tool to do a specific task, whether its to sharpen a set of those special Gingher shears or to hone the tips of the treble hooks on your favorite muskie lure. This book can help you to understand what accessory to use and also help with the required technique. If you don't have one of these tools, but feel you need one, this book will get you started and shorten your learning curve. Aaron A. Gesicki 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! And you can usually find their titles at a discount from Barnes And Noble