Books
Here is a list of books on the subject of woodworking in general and toolmaking in particular. I have found many of these books to be an invaluable reference over the years and until the time I write my own book, I can recommend them to you. If you click on the book images the link will take you to the Amazon online shop.
Patented Transitional and Metallic
planes in America Vols 1 & 2.
Roger Smith published Patented Transitional and Metallic Planes in America,
1827-1927, Volume I in 1981. Patented Transitional and Metallic Planes
in America,Volume II, which was published in 1992, contains all the new
information uncovered since the Volume I. These companion volumes contain
an exhaustive amount of research, are full of illustrations in black &
white and colour, and loaded with information. Both are true classics,
and highly recommended. Not only are they are essential to identifying
American planes and understanding their history, but it is awe-inspiring
to look at these beautiful tools, and learn about their history.
PATENTED TRANSITIONAL AND METALLIC PLANES IN AMERICA, 1827-1927, Volume
I - by Roger K. Smith,
This book covers the basic information on patented planes. 340 pages,
and 350 superb photos--41 in full colour. Important information on Bailey
and Stanley, their competitors such as Sargent, Ohio Tool Co. And Millers
Falls. Extensive information on all of the other early designers and producers
of planes in America, with biographical data and photos of many inventors
and manufacturers. Production Type Studies for Stanley planes. Rare plane
catalogues reproduced.
PATENTED TRANSITIONAL AND METALLIC PLANES IN AMERICA -VOL II - by Roger
K. Smith,
After ten years of gathering information and three years of full time
research and extensive travelling, Roger K Smith has authored his second
book on patented planes. Contained in this comprehensive reference book
are photographs, illustrations and a wealth of information relating to
all patented and other planes manufactured in America between 1827 and
1960, which are known to exist, the exception being planes already presented
in Vol 1 are not shown unless there was a design change and are used for
comparison. Hardcover, 400 pages. Over 450 photos - 44 in full colour.
David Charlsworth - Furniture
Making Techniques Vol.1 and Vol.2.
David Charlsworths Furniture Making Techniques volumes 1 and 2 draw
from his series of articles for Furniture and Cabinetmaking magazine and
from his teaching. These books are packed with techniques, advice and
tips on how to get the most from your workshop tools, David really knows
how to set up a hand plane and here you can learn from the master.
Garrett Hack - The Handplane
Book and Classic Hand Tools.
This well written book is a useful source of historical information
on hand planes with high quality photographs throughout. Also gives practical
advice on setting up and use.
The Classic Handtools book moves beyond planes to encompass all the hand
tools found in the workshop, with the same practical information and enthusiastic
approach.
British Planemakers from 1700
- W.L.Goodman
A thorough and well researched history of British planemaking. Updated
in the third edition by Jane Rees. This book may be currently out of print
but a second hand copy is well worth tracking down if you can find one.
Try the sellers at ABE - www.abebooks.com.
Wooden Plow Planes - Don Rosebrook
In Wooden Plow Planes, noted author and collector Don Rosebrook paints
a visual panorama of almost 275 years of plane making, providing fresh
and insightful commentary on the evolution of the plow plane from its
humble origins to its apotheosis as the ultimate symbol of the tool as
art.
Approximately 200 beautifully photographed planes illuminate, in full
and rich color, the extraordinarily high level of craftsmanship involved
in the planes’ fabrication, showing in clear and close-up detail inlays
of silver, bone, ivory and rare woods. Rosebrook provides full descriptions
of all of the planes contained in the book. Numerous one-of-a-kind examples
are also highlighted and displayed. Super detail pictures are included,
showing the characteristic features of specific makers. This book is the
culmination of over two years of extensive research and serves as an excellent
reference source for collectors and dealers, as well as industrial historians
and curators! .
It features, among other things: Galleries of nuts and shoulder moldings
for identification purposes; Special sections on the Greenfield Tool Company,
the Ohio Tool Company and planemaking at the New York Auburn Prison; A
special section ona modern planemaker and his work; Many interesting examples
of craftsman-made planes; Finely detailed examples of the use of ivory
tips, nuts and silver trim, and the use of woods such as rosewood, ebony
and boxwood. For those interested in tool collecting or restoration, in
industrial history or material culture, or for those who simply appreciate
craftsmanship, innovation and beautiful design, this visual tour through
a slice of American history will provide both invaluable information and
immense satisfaction.
Making and Mastering Wood Planes
- David Finck.
The classic guide by master woodworker David Finck is back and better
than ever, with all-new colour photography. It's the best book ever on
this popular tool-and it features a foreword by the celebrated woodworker
James Krenov. Small and extremely comfortable to use, wooden hand planes
bring machined surfaces to an alluring, silky smoothness-but they can't
be bought anywhere. Fortunately, this meticulously complete, photo-packed
guide is like two volumes in one, teaching you how to make a classic plane
yourself (it takes only a day or so) and how to use it in a refined manner.
One of the most respected woodworkers around digs deeply into the art
of crafting and working with this personalized tool, helping even the
most uninitiated with dozens of detailed boxed sidebars on the basics.
Every step in the construction process receives extremely close attention:
preparing the plane blank, bandsaw pointers, drift angle, tension, tuning
and using hand tools, sharpening with ease speed, and reliability, cross
pin location, and gluing up. Handle the plane well to get a good stroke
going; and take a look at invaluable planning aids and special techniques.
There's no other manual on the market to match this woodworking masterpiece..
Making Traditional Wooden
Planes - John Whelan.
A chapter each on 20 different types of planes and spokeshaves. Clear
instructions are laid out with line drawings to enable the would-be planemaker
to produce a plane to the standard of the photograph of each type shown
in the book. Plans for bench planes, bullnose, stop chamfer, spill, various
plough planes (including screw-arm), hollows and rounds, astragal, Grecian
ogee, dado, fillister, crown moulder and a spokeshave. Also chapters on
alternative methods of planemaking, making plane irons, and the tuning
and using of wooden planes.
ISBN 1879335697, 280 x 215 mm. 128 pp. Illustrated throughout with line
drawings and photographs. Paperback
Working with Handplanes (New
Best of Fine Woodworking).
A collection of articles about using handplanes features step-by-step
instructions for completing a wide range of woodworking projects while
presenting the basics of handplane use.
Fine Woodworking on Planes
and Chisels.
Twenty-nine articles about the most important tools in the workshop are
presented in this text, including edge tools that cut, shape and finish
the wood. Expert craftsmen explain how they choose, sharpen and use almost
every kind of plane and chisel.
Sharpening - Jim Kingshott.
Without proper sharpening equipment and the knowledge of how to use it,
no woodworker can hope to operate successfully for long. The author, a
professional cabinetmaker, has written a guide to a fundamental, often
controversial, aspect of woodworking. It includes a thorough examination
of the grindstone, how to use it, how to dress it, and what abrasives
to use. The author then looks at honing, the range of stones on offer,
maintenance, lubricants and the diamond sharpening systems.
