The Hamlyn Book of Woodworking - Tapa dura

A reference for the amateur woodworker. It contains detailed explanations of all the essential elements that go together to make working in wood successful and enjoyable. Also included are full instructions for ten woodwork projects. The book explains when it matters which wood you use (and when it doesn't), which tools are the ones really needed and what each one is capable of, and demonstrates all the techniques - such as joint making, planning, routing, gluing, chiselling and drilling - with step-by-step diagrams. Alternative hard and soft woods are listed for each project, as well as hand and machine tool alternatives. The book also sets out the most useful types of finishes for woods and a section on furniture resoration gives a brief introduction to some of the more advanced techniques, such as veneering and carving, to enable woodworkers to carry out simple repairs.

Declan O'Donogue has designed and produced commissions for a large number of international firms and has run his own highly successful furniture workshop since 1980. He is also a part-time lecturer in furniture making.