The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking
by James Krenov

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Book Reviews of The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking

Book Review: Classic stands thre test of time
Summary: 5 Stars

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.

Summary of The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking

How-to & Home Improvements Books

• Subjects > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements
• Professional & Technical > Engineering