One of the first woodworking books that I ever bought was "Building Your Own Kitchen Cabinets" by Jere Cary.  I  made furniture and referred to it often but it was maybe 15 years later before I actually made a "kitchen cabinet."   I used it for all sorts of case goods with doors, drawers, or face frames.

 

There are chapters on

• styles
• story sticks
• selecting materials
• preparing materials
• joinery
• sanding
• assembly
• face frames
• doors
• drawers
• installation of hardware
• toe boards
• underlayment
• installation of cabinets (built-ins)
• countertops
• finishing
• jigs and fixtures
• tool list
• plan of procedure

 

Each chapter has clear line drawings, different options where applicable,  standard dimensions, and often, what to do when mistakes occur.

My favorite is "Turning Bowls with Richard Raffan.  I haven't gotten through the book completely but it has been very helpful from what I did get through.

 

 

Oh, probably above that is Bob Flexner's "Understanding Wood Finishes"   -- probably was the single thing that got me out of my rut and understanding finishing.

At one time, I had three books by R J Decristoforo. He got me into woodworking. Those books went in a fire many years ago. Along with another favorite, "The Impractical Cabinetmaker" by Krenov.

Nowadays, my books are specific to routers, jigs, and boxes, lots of books on boxes. And one by Scott Grove that I really like.

Edited December 4, 20178 yr by Gene Howe

I have around 100 books on woodworking, from basic "beginner" books to shop layout, turning, carving, tool usage, weekend projects and those dedicated to specific machines. Favourites change depending on what catches my interest on any given day.

John

Yes, before the days of internet, VCRs, and TV shows, I had to get my education with books and the few magazines.   To make matters worse, F+W Publishing used to have an annual warehouse sale with /books for a buck or two each (before the days of Amazon, E-bay and E-commerce).  So, yeah, I have a few books, too.

I have one book on the subject by Lewis H. Hodges. 

Edited December 5, 20178 yr by CharlieL