13 best carpentry books

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Your Ultimate Guide to All Things Woodworking

This is the single most informative book on woodworking in print and has countless techniques, tips, and expert advice to offer.

The Complete Book of Woodworking is a staple resource for woodworkers of all skill levels, from aspiring to experienced.

Step-by-Step Instructions & Diagrams

Includes incredibly detailed step-by-step directions for every aspect of woodworking. The meticulous instructions are complimented by clear illustrations, diagrams, and photos to help woodworkers of all skill levels visualize the task at hand. Feel confident approaching any project, from picking out the right lumber for your design, to sanding and finishing your beautiful finished product.

Over 40 Stunning Projects for Woodworkers of All Skill Levels

Accessorize and furnish your home and workshop with gorgeous hand-made bookcases and cabinets. Deck out your yard and poolside with beautiful Adirondack chairs and sun loungers. A hand-crafted picture frame or mantel clock makes an excellent gift for any occasion. After all, there's no better gift than something made with your own two hands!

The Right Tools for the Job

Whether you're cutting stock, making the perfect joint, or finally assembling your project, it's important to use the right tools for safety, ease of use, and the best finished product. Learn which tools to use and how to use them. Find numerous equipment 'dos and don'ts', pro tips and tricks, and expert techniques for even the most seasoned woodworker.

An Introduction to Wood

Start at the root of woodworking: Trees. Learn invaluable facts crucial to lumber selection. Understand the anatomy of a tree, the difference between hardwoods and softwoods, and many more useful facts that will be your most useful tool in any project. Find in-depth information on 22 different types of wood, from their ideal uses to their workability and best applied finishes. Purchase your woodworking supplies with confidence, equipped with the knowledge you need to choose the perfect wood for every project.

Setting Up the Perfect Shop

Preparing your shop space is a critically important first step in woodworking. Whether you have a basement or a garage shop, there are a variety of factors imperative to creating your ideal shop environment. From power and lighting to ventilation and climate control, learn the key details to setting up a safe and productive work space. The tips and tricks found inside are sure to set your shop up for success.

The Project Design Process

The truth is in the details. Designing a project is a series of seemingly endless decisions. Carrying an idea from concept to fruition is what woodworking is all about! Explore different ways to generate project ideas and turn them into designs, from concept sketches to choosing your style, material, hardware, and finish. Learn how to build different prototypes to test out your design.

Squaring, Marking, & Cutting Stock

This is the ultimate step-by-step guide to creating parts for your woodworking project. Explore different methods and tools used to properly square stock. Examine how-to's, tool options, tips, and tricks for eight different types of cuts. Learn new skills and techniques whether you are a novice looking to find the best tools for your shop, or an experienced woodworker looking to find new ways to use your equipment.

Preparation Is Key

A complete list of materials and tools you'll need, as well as building time estimates, are provided for every project. You'll be equipped with a fully laid out plan, allowing you to confidently jump into any project you set your sights on.

Complete Cutting Lists

Every project comes with a comprehensive list of every cut you'll need to make, including part, number, size, and material.

Step-by-Step From Start to Finish

No guesswork, just clear and informative instructions for every part of your project.

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Ultimate Guide Home Repair and Improvement

Wouldn't it be nice if your home came with a user's manual? That's where Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement comes in!

This 600-page manual is your comprehensive handbook for day-to-day repair, maintenance, home improvement, and upgrade projects.

Eliminate the need to call a professional—just grab your trusty guidebook to confidently tackle any household job!

Project Photo Sequences

Step by step, you'll find clear how-to photos to guide your work, each provided in sequence along with concise instructions to help demonstrate the task you're undertaking.

Schematic Diagrams

Clearly labeled diagrams, exploded views, and illustrations break down the anatomy of everything from circuit breakers to roofing, guiding you through the inner workings of your home—and helping to troubleshoot when things aren't working properly.

Step-by-Step Directions

Find over 325 step-by-step projects for everything from pouring a patio or installing surface wiring to insulating your attic or restoring bath tile. The detailed, straightforward instructions help you ensure the job is done right.

Tools & Materials Guides

Special tools and materials required (or suggested) for larger projects are provided with helpful illustrations and lists, so you can be sure you have everything on-hand you'll need for the job.

Electrical

Inside this book, you'll get acquainted with how electricity is provided and distributed throughout your home, and learn foundation techniques like testing fuses and stripping cable sheathing. You'll get all the guidance you need to tackle common repairs like replacing your thermostat or fixing your doorbell, as well as improvement projects such as installing a recessed light fixture.

Plumbing

Learn about the anatomy of your home plumbing system and how it works. You'll be able to apply that knowledge to home improvement projects like installing a new sink or shower stall, as well as perform common repairs such as fixing a leak with a new seat washer or quieting noisy pipes.

Heating, Cooling, & Ventilation

Brush up on the different options for heating and cooling systems and understand ventilation basics. You'll utilize your new insight to execute common repairs like furnace or dehumidifier maintenance, as well as undertake home improvement projects like installing a masonry fireplace or new ceiling fans.

Roofing and Siding

Discover the anatomy of a roof, roofing language, and siding choices. With your newfound knowledge you'll be able to successfully and confidently execute home improvement projects like installing wood roofing or a skylight, as well as common repairs such as repairing or replacing roof shingles.

Cabinets & Counters

Learn cabinetry basics and discover the special tools you'll need to succeed!

You'll be prepared for new home improvement projects such as installing wall cabinets or post-form counters and making helpful repairs such as retrimming bases or refacing your cabinets.

Windows & Doors

Learn the inside & out of your windows, how to prep before any window or door project, and the material choices available to you.

Complete repairs your home needs, like replacing glass or repairing a slider, or begin a home improvement project such as installing window trim or a new garage-door opener.

Floors & Stairs

Discover the importance of subfloors, floor-trim options, and more!

You'll be equipped to successfully complete home improvement projects like installing floating floors or carpeting stairs, as well as handle needed repairs such as replacing floorboards, repairing tile, and patching damaged carpeting.

Walls & Ceilings

Learn about the basics of paneling, wallcoverings, drywall, and more.

Get started on home improvement projects like installing a suspended ceiling or constructing sound-absorbing walls, or handle repairs such as patching paneling, fixing large holes, or stripping old wallpaper.