The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery

Media:	Hardcover
Author:	Gary Rogowski
Publisher:	Taunton
Release date:	15 January, 2002
List price:	~~$39.95~~
Our price:	$26.37 that is 34% off!

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery

Average rating: Stars

Truly an excellent book

I purchased this book from a store and am sorry I did because I paid full retail price instead of Amazon's vastly lower price. Although I did over pay, I still feel that I got my money's worth. This is an EXCELLENT book. The photographs are absolutely top notch. The text is superbly written and very easy to follow. The lay out is great as well. Even the quality of the binding is noteworthy. There are so many types and methods of joinery discussed I was almost overwhelmed and decided to take my time reading the entire book. This truly is a reference manual. I will be buying most if not all of the books in the "Complete Illustrated Guide to..." series as my need and budget allow. Absolutely must have!

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery - Gary Rogowski

Getting Things Together

One of Taunton Press's best efforts is the 'Complete Illustrated' guide series. The books are all well illustrated with and emphasis on both quality and durability in the binding. They make use of writers who are well-established craftspeople who have served as teaching professionals as well. 'Joinery' is no exception to this rule as it opens the door into what many think of as the secret science of woodworking. Certainly few things will create disagreement among woodworkers the way the question of how two bring two pieces of wood together to make one.

The book is divided into three parts - Tools (hand tools, small power tools, and machines), Carcase Joinery (butt, rabbet, groove, dado, miter, finger, mortise-and-tenon, and dovetail joints), and Frame Joinery (butt, miter, lap, bridle, scarf, splice, edge, and mortise-and-tenon). Each joint type is discussed in some detail, covering both the theory behind the working of the joint and discussions of how to make the joints. In general, the level of detail and clarity are very good.

There are those who would sit down and read this book from cover to cover. Some, no doubt, would actually remember it all. But for most of us the best use of Gary Rogowski's work is as a reference. Browse through it several times to expand our joiner's imagination, and then deep dive into the joints for a potential project. Eventually, you will absorb an alarming amount of knowledge. Just as, with practice, the skills required for each joint develop and grow.

It amazes me how, each time I return to this book I find something completely new. Rogowski has a straightforward writing style that meshes well with the format of this series. The only thing I would add are even more pictures, even a gallery of various examples. This is a volume I am delighted to own.

Gary Rogowski - The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery

A very thorough and beautiful book

Once again I am very impressed with the encyclopedic coverage Taunton has given us on a vital aspect of our hobby/craft/passion. Gary Rogowski's writing was accurate and understandable. I love the fact that this book does not waste too many pages talking about shop basics, yet the first three sections level the playing field for beginners by explaining the tools and terminology used throughout the rest of the book.

As for the bulk of the content here (sections 4-15) - there are twelve themed sections covering every conceivable type of joint you might encounter while working wood. Each section starts with an overview of that type of joint and its uses, followed by cookbook recipes for how to go about accomplishing each one. I found the color photographs to be clear, and they provide ample support for the text as the author describes each step.

I ordered all three books in this series for my library (yes I am a librarian and a woodworker) and I especially recommend this title as a must have shop 'encyclopedia' on the topic. Basically, I found the Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery to be practical enough that I would 'need' a copy in my shop and beautiful enough that I would 'want' a copy on my coffee table!

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