Rating: Summary: Very Good Book Review: This book provides excellent instruction for simple furniture. Very few tools are needed for the projects and the materials used are fairly inexpensive. I would definately recommend.
Rating: Summary: At best misleading, at worst, a dangerous book Review: Three significant problems with this book. First, the title is grossly misleading; despite what the book claims, several of the projects (e.g. an armoire) are not easy for the most accomplished woodworker. Second, the author oversimplifies the tools and degree of skill required for several of the projects. While it is true that simple dado joints can be made with a handsaw and chisel, the plans included rarely utilize "simple" dado joints, but rather complex joinery techniques, which can only be accomplished with a table saw or router. And finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, SEVERAL OF THE TECHNIQUES SUGGESTED ARE DANGEROUS TO A USER. As an example, Mrs. Henderson recommends manufacturing raised panels with a circular saw set at a 15 degree angle. Raised panels can only be manufactured with a router; any attempt to use a circular saw will result in a trip to the emergency room. While the plans to provide ideas for improvement to an experienced woodworker, the plans are not of the type useful or practical to a weekend warrior. For your own safety, please consult a woodworking text before attempting any of the more advanced projects in the book.A final, more recent comment regarding Robert from Troy and his exception to my review -- a careful reading of my review demonstrates that I stated using a CIRCULAR SAW to make raised panels is incredibly dangerous. His claim that it is safe to do such on a table saw, while accurate, is clearly a misreading of my review.
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