This book contains 3 step-by step methods for every job and explains how to choose the one that's right for you. It's the first-ever book to present a choice of techniques for individualized skills, preferences, and tools.

Introduction…vi

Part 1. Essential Shop Techniques…viii
Measuring, Laying Out, and Setting Up…2
Practical Shop Geometry…10
Sharpening Chisels and Plane Irons…24
Choosing the Right Glue…36

Part 2. Preparing Stock…52
Cutting Up Rough Lumber…54
Resawing…74
Gluing Up Wide Boards…82
Saws, Crosscutting, and Ripping…92
Smoothing Surfaces…108

Part 3. Cutting Joints…126
Rabbets, Dadoes, and Grooves…128
Edge Joints…140
Mortise-and-Tenon Joints…152
Corner Joints…172
Dovetails…184

Part 4. Shaping…198
Tapering Legs…200
Shaping and Molding…206
Cutting Curves…216
Frame-and-Panel Construction…226

Part 5. Shop Aids, Jigs, and Fixtures…238
Combination Mortise and Tenon Jig…240
Marking Knife…244
Adjustable Stop Block and Fence…250
Adjustable Tapering Jig…256
Crosscut Sleds…266
Shop-Made Bar Clamps…274
Box Joint Jig…277
Resaw Fence for the Band Saw…280
Frame Resaw…282
Router Circle Trammel…285
Ellipse (a.k.a. Oval) Trammel…290
Compact Router Table…295
Crosscut Support…298