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Summary: Teach a man to fish...
Review:
I've had this book for over a year now, and I find it to be an invaluable reference whenever I'm dealing with finishing products, and especially when I'm concerned over the viability of layering one finish over another.
Flexner's book strives to teach you how to sort through the widespread mislabeling of off-the-shelf finishing products and learn for yourself how to discern the true makeup of a finishing material. To me, Flexner does this better than anyone. For a while, you'll feel like you're reading a chemistry book, as he sorts through definitions of different finishes and their appropriate solvents. But then, he breaks it all down into just a few simple categories and it all makes sense. Additionally, the pictures of the products he's finished are cross-referenced to the various techniques discussed in the book. I've got other books on finishing, but to me, Flexner's is at the top of the heap. 5-stars for this one!
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Summary: Single best book on wood staining & finishing
Review: A friend loaned me a copy of this book when I was trying to figure how to stain a cherry cabinet without the typical splotchy results one usually gets with this difficult-to-stain wood. This book not only addressed that problem, it gave several techniques to deal with it. Flexner even explained why different brands of stain would have different results. I was so impressed I bought my own copy. No other book I've seen does such a great job of explaining the technical aspects of how finishes work, and what protection each kind of finish provides, while keeping the text easy to follow and understand. This makes it a great book for learning about the many different stains and wood finishes.
Plus, it is more comprehensive than other wood finishing books I've seen. It explains in detail the different application techniques, when and how to use them. There are plenty of helpful illustrations, including color photo examples of different stains and finishes on various woods. So it is a great reference source when working on a particular project and trying to decide the best finish or application technique to use. I keep looking for other books on wood finishing that would add to what is in this book. But I haven't come across any yet.
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Summary: This book will help anyone get over the fear of finishing
Review: A well written guide to the various methods of wood finishing. It explains the pros and cons of each type of finish and provides step by step instructions on how to apply any finish.
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Summary: Indispensable for any finishing job
Review: Anyone investing a substantial amount of time creating a quality woodworking project realizes that a shoddy, hastily-applied finish can ruin both the appearance of the piece, and the attitude of the artist. Flexner's book is a categorically detailed text of what to do correctly, and what to avoid. Supplementing the general text are highlighted tips, specific step-by-step "how-to" instructions, and tables to graphically summarize points detailed in the text. Which thinner in a shellac, lacquer, or varnish would act as a solvent and ruin the stain or undercoat finish? Can the advertising on the product labels always be trusted? If you would like to KNOW rather than guess, buy this book and get the knowledge to give yourself the potential to produce a finish worthy of the time spent on the woodworking.
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Summary: Clear enough for beginners, detailed enough for experts
Review: As a newcomer to wood finishing, I have been daunted by the confusing and myriad finishing products on the hardware store shelves. This book clears up nearly all of the questions that had been swirling around in my head -- what's the real difference between varnish and lacquer, and should I go ahead and use that special "Tung oil" finish (which, the book explains, may not contain tung oil at all)! Extremely thorough, demystifying, scientifically presented, it was interesting enough to keep me reading beyond my immediate needs and I enjoyed the book from cover to cover. The numerous illustrations and photographs fully round out the detailed explanations. After having struggled on smaller previous projects, I can't wait to tackle my first big wood finishing project.
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Summary: A well written book.
Review: Bob Flexner did a superb job in writing this book. He makes the art of finishing very understandable. He spells out not only the "hows" but the ever important "why's" of finishing.
I enjoyed reading it, and refer to it from time to time in my shop.
Bob Claus Ridgeley WV.
Rating:
Summary: A well written book.
Review: Bob Flexner did a superb job in writing this book. He makes the art of finishing very understandable. He spells out not only the "hows" but the ever important "why's" of finishing.
I enjoyed reading it, and refer to it from time to time in my shop.
Bob Claus Ridgeley WV.
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Summary: THE finisher's reference
Review: Bob has written a masterpiece of reference in this book. It is easily understood by the beginner, yet is a valuable reference to the professional. This book is in the hands of anyone who is involved in finish work at my business.
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Summary: Apotheosis of wood finishing books
Review: Flexner's book is a gem. It answered 98% of my wood-finishing questions and dozens more I did not know enough to ask. I generally learn through books and am interested in the science behind processes. This book explains the chemistry behind different finishing products, their pros and cons, and how to best apply each one. It is well organized, easy to read and includes a complete index. Previously, my projects ended up with the finish they had when I gave up trying to improve things. Since reading this book, I have achieved the wood-finish I wanted.
Rating:
Summary: The Best I Have Seen on This Topic
Review: For less than the price of a gallon of your favorite wood finish you can have the information on how to select and use it. A must have for the woodworker or restorer.
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