Woodworker's Central Woodworker's Gazette Gazette Archive 2/11/02

A Book Review by Afrim Hoxha Title: The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery Author: Gary Rogowski Published by: Taunton Press P.O. Box 5506 Newtown, CT 06470-5506 ISBN 1-56158-401-0 Price Hardcover: $39.95 400 color pages The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery is a well thought-out book on all types of joints in both carcase and frame joinery. The author breaks down the book into several categories. He starts of with the tools necessary for joinery. He discusses hand tools. portable power tools, and machines. The next chapters discuss the different types of joints for carcase joinery and frame joinery. What I found most enjoyable is that he shows in both text and illustration on how to achieve these joints using either hand tools, portable power tools, or machines. So if your shop or tool collection is limited you'd be surprised by how many joints you can make with a few simple tools. You will learn multiple ways to master: dovetails and finger joints mortises and tenons rabbets, dadoes, and grooves scarf joints lap and bridle joints The illustrations are excellent. There are very few pages which are just pure text. There are cross references to show you a related process to the joint you are interested in doing, thus giving you more detail and understanding on how how to achieve the joint. He walks you through the joint step by step and provides tips for shortcuts and safety warnings. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery is very up to date on the latest tools and processes that are used today. This book is well thought out and an excellent reference book. And as I mentioned before, the book will show you how to achieve the joint you want with the tools you probably already have. I recommend this book to anyone from novice to experienced. Afrim Hoxha Editor's Note: The Taunton Press 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