Jame Krenov

A cabinetmaker's notebook by James Krenov is a relatively famous book that I've been avoiding reviewing for a while now, join me on today's podcast as a I tell you why.

[S2 - 27] A Cabinetmakers Notebook By Jame Krenov

Gustav Ecke

Chinese classical furniture in the Ming style demonstrates some very interesting solutions to typical problems, some fascinating joinery and some timeless elegance in design. I found this book to be a great "read" - its got very little text but lots of inspiration. Upon reading it's easy to see why this is considered one of the seminal works in this style of furniture.

[S2-26] Chinese Domestic Furniture By Gustav Ecke

Bob Gilsdorf

A fun book that I enjoy is this book on kinetic toys by Bob Gilsdorf. It's one that I return to every so often to look for inspiration for a project with my boys. I hope that one day visitors to our house will be encouraged to join in and make a toy (rather than the current propensity for small scale weapons manufacture - that seems to be my son's primary rationale for visiting the woodworking room).

[S2-25] Zany Wooden Tools By Bob Gilsdorf

Paul Sellers

A great book if you want a really in depth look at the core tools in your workshop. I enjoyed this book and could heartily recommend it to anyone who is interested in the distilled wisdom of a master craftsman.

[S2-24] Hand Tool Essentials By Paul Sellers

Joshua Klein

Another Work is Possible is a very different take on how the task of building a structure can be completed. With the help of Charpentiers Sans Frontieres (CSF) - the folk at Mortise and Tenon set about constructing a new Blacksmith shop. Part philosophy, part construction log, part beautiful coffee table book - this book documents both the steps and ethos behind this project.

[S2-23] Another Work Is Possible By Joshua Klein

Richard Sennett

The Craftsman is a thoughtful and thought-provoking look at mankind's conflicted relationship with technology and craftsmanship. I learnt a lot from this book, but it is a bit of a tough read. You have to be paying attention. A book that I would suggest breaking up over a number of sessions. It's taken me a few months to re-read it, but I am glad I did!

[S2-22] The Craftsman By Richard Sennett

The Art of Saw-Filing by HW Holly is a fun little book that takes a quite complicated topic and breaks it down into a very easy to understand process - in a book which covers everything from the finest saw to a monster two-man saw to a circular saw and everything in between.

[S2-21] The Art Of Saw Filing By HW Holly

Christopher Schwarz

A book made of solid gold? Certainly feels that way if you try and buy a copy these days. The companion to Handplane Essentials is one of the hardest books to come by at a reasonable price. Join me on today's show as I discuss whether you should seriously consider paying this price for it!

[S2-20] Handsaw Essentials By Christopher Schwarz

James Hopkinson

PSA: Don't buy this book. Join me on the show to find out why, and to hear about my recent experience with hide glue.

[S2-19] Memoirs Of A Victorian Cabinetmaker By James Hopkinson

Peter Korn

Peter Korn has written an excellent Philosophy-Autobiography. After all who doesn't like a book that tells a great woodworker's story and gives some deep insights into why this story matters!

[S2-18] Why We Make Things And Why It Matters By Peter Korn

the podcast for woodworms - hand tool woodworkers who like to read about woodworking too!

The reviews have a critical depth made possible by a writer and serious reader. He’s also a very serious amateur woodworker. I have been very gratified by the high quality and depth of woodworking books now available through publishers such as Lost Art Press and Mortise and Tenon. This podcast (I apologize for not recalling his name) captured these fine books, ranks them honestly with insightful, erudite analysis with a layman’s accessibility. By far, in my opinion, the best woodworking podcast I’ve found. Thank you for your fine work and regular contributions!

A podcast as mighty as a saw

What an absolute resource, fantastic job!

Excellent !

Hand Tool Book Review

Aldren Watson

This episode I'm joined by Youtube woodworking rockstar Rex Krueger as we discuss one of our favorite books - Country Furniture by Aldren Watson ... and pretty much everything else woodworking related.Here is the link to Rex's video that inspired the show:https://youtu.be/1WPq2qKEk5U

This episode I'm joined by Youtube woodworking rockstar Rex Krueger as we discuss one of our favorite books - Country Furniture by Aldren Watson ... and pretty much everything else woodworking related. Here is the link to Rex's video that inspired the show: <a href="https://youtu.be/1WPq2qKEk5U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/1WPq2qKEk5U</a>

[S1-E10] Rex Figures Out Country Furniture by Aldren Watson (Episode 1 of 2)

The first episode gives an introduction to the podcast and describes my reasons for reviewing the books, a brief biography and rating criteria.

[S0-E00] Introduction

Robert Wearing

Probably one of the most practical books you'll ever acquire for your workshop. This simple, no-nonsense guide to appliances and shop fixtures is a fantastic asset for new and experienced hand tool woodworkers.

[S1-E03] The Solution At Hand by Robert Wearing

The second and final part of my interview with Rex Krueger where we discuss Aldren Watson's classic book, Country Furniture.

[S1-E11] Rex Figures Out Country Furniture by Aldren Watson(Part 2 Of 2)

Walter Rose

The classic memoirs by Walter Rose this book is a poignant look at the life of a village carpenter.if you're wondering whether you should buy this book - listen to my podcast, available on iTunes, Soundcloud, Google Podcasts, or wherever good podcasts are found.

The classic memoirs by Walter Rose this book is a poignant look at the life of a village carpenter. if you're wondering whether you should buy this book - listen to my podcast, available on iTunes, Soundcloud, Google Podcasts, or wherever good podcasts are found.

[S1-E09] The Village Carpenter by Walter Rose

The earliest known account of what it was like to be an apprentice joiner in the early 1800's. This is a great book that takes you back to a distant time where the unpowered shop ruled supreme.  The team at Lost Art press have put together a fantastic book here with the original text and tutorials, historical context and so much more!If you're interested in modern day apprentices, also take a look at what happens in Europe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journeyman_years

The earliest known account of what it was like to be an apprentice joiner in the early 1800's. This is a great book that takes you back to a distant time where the unpowered shop ruled supreme. The team at Lost Art press have put together a fantastic book here with the original text and tutorials, historical context and so much more! If you're interested in modern day apprentices, also take a look at what happens in Europe: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journeyman_years" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journeyman_years</a>

[S1-E12] The Joiner And Cabinet - Maker By Anonymous (Part 1 of 2)

John Wilson

If you're intimidated by the price of new tools and are looking for a more frugal way to acquire tools, or if you just want to try your hand at making your own tools - this is a wonderful way to start.Link to Uri Tuchman video that I mention in the show is here:https://youtu.be/ExuXMjCsE-wYou can support the author by buying it here:http://www.shakerovalbox.com/online-store-1/Making-Wood-Tools-with-John-Wilson-p49526353

If you're intimidated by the price of new tools and are looking for a more frugal way to acquire tools, or if you just want to try your hand at making your own tools - this is a wonderful way to start. Link to Uri Tuchman video that I mention in the show is here: <a href="https://youtu.be/ExuXMjCsE-w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/ExuXMjCsE-w</a> You can support the author by buying it here: <a href="http://www.shakerovalbox.com/online-store-1/Making-Wood-Tools-with-John-Wilson-p49526353" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.shakerovalbox.com/online-store-1/Making-Wood-Tools-with-John-Wilson-p49526353</a>

[S1-E04] Making Wood Tools by John Wilson

Vic Tesolin

There are many people who are reaching out in their own way during this current crisis caused by the spread of covid-19. Lee Valley has made project resources available to keep your kids (and your spouse sane), while Bad-Axe Toolworks is another example of a great woodworking company that is reaching out with a very special covid-19 special and resources to download. However, one of the big hearted gestures I wanted to highlight is Vic Tesolin's offer to make a chapter of his book available to anyone who wanted to stay at home and beat the boredom. Join me as we talk a bit about his book, and what he's up too.

There are many people who are reaching out in their own way during this current crisis caused by the spread of covid-19. Lee Valley has made project resources available to keep your kids (and your spouse sane), while Bad-Axe Toolworks is another example of a great woodworking company that is reaching out with a very special covid-19 special and resources to download. However, one of the big hearted gestures I wanted to highlight is Vic Tesolin's offer to make a chapter of his book available to anyone who wanted to stay at home and beat the boredom. Join me as we talk a bit about his book, and what he's up too.

[S1-E13] Interview With Vic Tesolin Author Of The Minimalist Woodworker

In the final review of my three plane books, we cover off Christopher Schwarz's classic - Handplane Essentials. Its an eclectic mix of history, techniques and philosophy delivered in the author's great style!

[S1-E07] Handplane Essentials by Christopher Schwarz

Garett Hack

In the first of three episodes of books about handplanes, I start by reviewing one of the books that I found most interesting from a historical and trivia perspective. Garett Hack's love of the topic shines through in a really comprehensive book.

In the first of three episodes of books about handplanes, I start by reviewing one of the books that I found most interesting from a historical and trivia perspective. Garett Hack's love of the topic shines through in a really comprehensive book.

[S1-E05] The Handplane Book by Garett Hack

Scott Wynn

A great starter book for anyone interested in handplanes, Scott Wynn's book is the second in three books I'm reviewing on the subject

[S1-E06] Getting Started With Handplanes by Scott Wynn

This is the final podcast covering the three best books on handplanes I know. There is comparative scoring and a final assessment of which is the best handplane book for the hand tool woodworker

[S1-E08] Review of Three Handplane Books Conclusion

Chris Schwarz

If you have ever wanted to build a low workbench, or are curious about the origins of the workbench - I have just the book for you today on the podcast. Chris Schwarz's excellent production Ingenious Mechanicks showcases 3 low workbenches and takes you through the history construction and use of them.

[S1-E19] Ingenious Mechanicks By Chris Schwarz

Christopher Schwarz's book on workbenches is in my opinion the best book a new hand tool woodworker can buy as they embark on the somewhat daunting process of designing and building their first (or second, or third ...) workbench.Join me on the podcast as I review this book and take you through all the reasons why you should add this to your library.

Christopher Schwarz's book on workbenches is in my opinion the best book a new hand tool woodworker can buy as they embark on the somewhat daunting process of designing and building their first (or second, or third ...) workbench. Join me on the podcast as I review this book and take you through all the reasons why you should add this to your library.

[S1-E18] Workbenches From Design And Theory To Construction And Use By Christopher Schwarz

This is an incredible work about an incredible character. I wish there was some way to share the tactile beauty of this book. It's a sublime production that I think belongs in any woodworking library.

[S1-E17] Hands Employed Aright By Joshua Klein

Gary Rogowski

The second part of a really fun interview I had with Gary Rogowski. As mentioned, this is one of my favorite woodworking philosophy books.

[S1-E16] Handmade By Gary Rogowski (Part 2 of 2)

I'm joined on the show by Gary Rogowski of the North West Woodworking Studio as we discuss woodworking philosophy, in the context of his book Handmade: Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction.Like some previous interviews, the interview lead to all kinds of interesting tangents and as a result I've split it into two episodes.

I'm joined on the show by Gary Rogowski of the North West Woodworking Studio as we discuss woodworking philosophy, in the context of his book Handmade: Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction. Like some previous interviews, the interview lead to all kinds of interesting tangents and as a result I've split it into two episodes.

[S1-E15] Handmade By Gary Rogowski (Part 1 of 2)

I wrap up the review of the Joiner and Cabine-Maker. Thanks to the fantastic folk at lost art press for making a chapter/project available to listeners. Download the Packing box chapter here:https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IW73zO8bBkVT4YLNxDX1Qvada_SRakDeDownload the Sketchup File here:https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ckpQ54klUgCKOOq79TxrAIBencwI8HZO

I wrap up the review of the Joiner and Cabine-Maker. Thanks to the fantastic folk at lost art press for making a chapter/project available to listeners. Download the Packing box chapter here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IW73zO8bBkVT4YLNxDX1Qvada_SRakDe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IW73zO8bBkVT4YLNxDX1Qvada_SRakDe</a> Download the Sketchup File here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ckpQ54klUgCKOOq79TxrAIBencwI8HZO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ckpQ54klUgCKOOq79TxrAIBencwI8HZO</a>

[S1-E14] The Joiner And Cabinet - Maker By Anonymous (Part 2 Of 2)

In this episode I go through what I consider to be one of the best hand tool overall books - The Anarchist's Tool Chest by Christopher Schwarz. If you're into hand tool woodwork and you haven't bought a copy yet, I'd suggest you listen to the podcast and find out why this is an essential addition to your library.You can buy the book from Lost Art Press here:https://lostartpress.com/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest

In this episode I go through what I consider to be one of the best hand tool overall books - The Anarchist's Tool Chest by Christopher Schwarz. If you're into hand tool woodwork and you haven't bought a copy yet, I'd suggest you listen to the podcast and find out why this is an essential addition to your library. You can buy the book from Lost Art Press here: <a href="https://lostartpress.com/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://lostartpress.com/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest</a>

[S1-E01] The Anarchists Tool Chest by Christopher Schwarz

Ron Hock

The sharpening bible, if there is only one book you buy about sharpening, this is my recommendation. Listen to the podcast to discover all the techniques, theory and recommendations from the author - one of the premium blade makers in the world.You can support the author by buying it here: http://www.hocktools.com/books/the-perfect-edge.html

The sharpening bible, if there is only one book you buy about sharpening, this is my recommendation. Listen to the podcast to discover all the techniques, theory and recommendations from the author - one of the premium blade makers in the world. You can support the author by buying it here: <a href="http://www.hocktools.com/books/the-perfect-edge.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.hocktools.com/books/the-perfect-edge.html</a>

[S1-E02] The Perfect Edge by Ron Hock

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Best Episodes on Science, Humans & The World

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!