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Rating: 
Summary: Classic stands thre test of time
Review: Krenov's famous cabinetmaking techniques layed bare, July 8, 1998
Reviewer: A reader from Toronto
This, Krenov's second book (1976), is the book that they still want you to have when you show up at the College of the Redwoods for Krenov's course. The book is devided into three parts: wood, tools and the shop, and cabinetmaking techniques. It sets out his techniques for mortice and tenon joints, dovetails, HANDPLANE CONSTRUCTION, and much more. The handplane section was so influential that several courses are taught on this subject alone, accross the country.This book is indispensible for the serious woodworker. That said it is just a little dated since obviously a lot has changed in twenty plus years. Krenov labours close to the soul of cabinetaking, however, and a lot less has changed there than elsewhere. An obvious change is that Krenov's essential few power tools are now much cheaper to buy than they then were. But modern workers will probably assume that he now sharpens his tools with waterstones. Not so! As he recently revealed in a national magazine, and his reasoning is as sound as ever. At a deeper level perhaps, the craft has become dominated by projects and production on the one hand, and arty self-congratulatory stuff on the other. In the old days there was another path, that of extrodinary quality and technical virtuosity. Few follow this path today due to cost, a skills shortage, and some lessened desire to have furniture which belongs in the boudoir of the Sun King. Krenov is one of the few who has written about another way: A sensitivity to wood, tools, and one's own heart. This book is the most how-to of his essential trilogy. If that turns you on, try the Impractical Cabinetaker next, lots more "project" tips. If you like his philosophy of craft try The Cabinetaker's Notebook. Mentioned above is the idea that the instruction on dovetailing has been covered better elsewhere. It is true that there are some funky tactics that were necesary 20 years ago, that aren't with the explosion of great hand tools today. On the other hand while there are tons of instructions on how to hack out some dovetails, there aren't many from the perspective of folks who join hardwoods like Pear and Ebony, and then sell the results for 20K. These metal hard woods demand a different approach than for pine boxes, and you won't find that information in many other texts.
Rating:
Summary: human who feels wood
Review: Mostly theory and philosophy. Not a step by step guide. Krenov writes like a grandfather droning on about his life philosophy. Very enjoyable in a droll manner. It's hard to read this and forget about what he says. Here's a man who has utter conviction. His words still haunt me. If you want to read a book by someone who absolutely loves what he does and is, without a doubt, great (the best) at what he does, then read this book. Even nonwoodworkers will enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: A splinter in the hand is better than a hand in the splint.
Review: One of America's premier furniture masters who has influenced and created a craftsmans foundation for more than one generation. What else is there to say, you want to work wood then here's the place to start. Fine Furniture starts in the spirit and mind, moves thru the hands and body to be executed by the hands thru machinery and tools, contrary to popular belief not vice versa. As someone once stated to me "we don't want teach the worship of wood" to which I reply "then use plastic". If you worship wood, and would like to gain a more intimate knowledge of same, then buy this book. Other recommended Master Craftsmen in the same vein are: Sam Maloof
Franz Klaus
George Nakashima
Tage Frid Uma vida viveu no medo, e`uma metade da vida viveu.
Rating: 
Summary: A good book, but not a great one.
Review: This book gave me a few problems. Let me start off that I find the work of Mr Krenov to be some of the finest in the world of cabinetmaking. The trick is that this book spent a lot of time going over material that has been done other places better. The sections on shop tools, sharpening and how to do dovetails did not add much to the book and has been covered better in many other books. The section that talked about handmade planes was an interesting read, and in my opinion could have been expanded to give much more. The high points of the book are the "Details of Cabinetmaking" section and an earlier section that goes over the aesthetics of wood grain in the context of design. This gets you into the head of Mr Krenov a bit. The problem is that it is all too short. I think this book could have cut out a lot of stuff and expanded its section of the design and construction much more. Even though I kind of sound negative, I like the book for what it is and find it helpful when I design and put together a cabinet.
Rating:
Summary: A good book, but not a great one.
Review: This book gave me a few problems. Let me start off that I find the work of Mr Krenov to be some of the finest in the world of cabinetmaking. The trick is that this book spent a lot of time going over material that has been done other places better. The sections on shop tools, sharpening and how to do dovetails did not add much to the book and has been covered better in many other books. The section that talked about handmade planes was an interesting read, and in my opinion could have been expanded to give much more. The high points of the book are the "Details of Cabinetmaking" section and an earlier section that goes over the aesthetics of wood grain in the context of design. This gets you into the head of Mr Krenov a bit. The problem is that it is all too short. I think this book could have cut out a lot of stuff and expanded its section of the design and construction much more. Even though I kind of sound negative, I like the book for what it is and find it helpful when I design and put together a cabinet.
Rating:
Summary: Krenov's famous cabinetmaking techniques layed bare
Review: this is not a "how to" book of woodworking, you will find no blue prints or schematicts. this book is however, highly informative and illuminating. Krenov speaks of his strong feelings for the craft and the nature and spirit of the wood itself. His reflections are inspring and reach beyond woodworking as mearly a means to an end. This book is good reading for both the novice and the expert of crafts. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Classic stands thre test of time
Review: This is the most helpful and inspiring book on the topic. It provides not only extremely useful how-to information, it prepares any serious student, no matter what skill level, for the proper mind set in which to create fine work. Mr Krenov is the absolute master
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