I've been watching your videos through the pandemic and decided to pick up wood working as a hobby. Still buying books and tools, haven't made anything yet, but getting there!
A few people have been mentioning books by James Krenov in the comments. All I can say is YES YES YES. I borrowed ‘The fine art of cabinetmaking’ from the library a year ago and thought it was brilliant. *Edit* I also returned it a month too late. Go figure.
Paul Sellers has some great books for beginners that I've seen. With over 50 years in cabinetry and woodworking he likely has books I haven't found yet. BTW, thanks for the list and links. I am limited in my funds, but I'll definitely look into some of them when I can. (This video saved to favorites so others, as well as myself, can find it on my channel.)
I am very stoked that you are recommending woodwoorking books! Two authors who completely inspired me were Sam Maloof with his book and James Krevnav with his series. Thank you for your books I have several of these! Love your channel👍
You don't need to apologize for plugging yourself! Like the late great Zig Ziglar said " You can get everything you want if you help enough other people get what they want" love your content! Cheers!
Really pleased to see the Collins's Complete Woodworker's Manual in the list. It's an essential book for me and for all the reasons you gave. But it has a section on basic furniture design and construction which I always refer to. A comprehensive list of 'standard' dimensions. For example of your designing a wardrobe it's handy to know that a standard coat hanger is 19" wide. Fantastic.
Thanks so much for the video. Love your wood working, I’m also trying to make a channel like yours about my brewery, so really appreciate the books about business and camera work. Just ordered thru your link. All the best
Perfect. Will be setting up shop soon and I'm sure some of these will come in handy. And since an affiliate link costs me nothing it is the least I can do. Actually your entire channel is a gold mine so thank you for what you do. I do realize that there is very little chance you will actually read this, but I'll feed the algorithm anyway.
Great list of book suggestions. I love Shwarz’s “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest.” I also highly recommend Pekovich’s “The How and Why of Woodworking.” It’s a great book for beginning woodworkers, IMO.
Great topic, Nakashima, Maloof and Krenov are must haves imo! For me, it's anything that will inspire me in terms of design. I'm coming at this as a physicist so often it's hard for me to bring in the aesthetics if they come at the cost of some strength as that is really pushing against my instincts. Maloof especially shows just how strong you can make something that superficially looks almost fragile.
If I owned a Krenov book I would have definitely included it. Unfortunately I borrowed one from the library while making my Krenov cabinet and never got round to buying a copy myself.
Hi, one of my favorite books : 'working wood' from P. Sellers. Ideal for learning the use of hand tools. Hybrid woodworking from the woodwhisperer (M Spagnolo) is also great.Hybrid for using electrical and non electrical toos.
This woodworking book is really detailed, *TopFineWoodworking. Com* ! With the aid of this plan, I was able to use words, drawings, real images and different diagrams. It is really an informative product. I am presently making furniture together with my brother and thanks to this product, I feel like helping him is possible.?
Enjoyed the book recommendations. Great place to learn some theory and design in woodworking. I am a American interested in learning woodworking and have recently stumbled upon your videos and watched pretty much all of them. I am in the field of Aviation and have worked, lived, and attended schools in both the UK and USA. I always enjoyed the different teaching styles of both countries. I always think in learning something new and there are important areas that need to be covered. The first is Theory. Books, schools, and the internet are good source. Second, practice. I need to screw it up at least once, to learn from your mistakes. The more you practice the better your skills will get. Third, surrounding myself with mentors. These people often can show me the short cuts to improving my skills and point out areas that I might be doing wrong that I might not even be aware of. Fourth, having a mindset that I always learning. This will keep myself grounded, because once you think you know everything the learning stops. I have been in my field for 30 years and always learning and forgetting things. The process never stops.
Thank you Matt. You've got an excellent idea about sharing some of your sources of inspiration and learning. It is an extraordinarily useful addendum for a rookie like myself. I love your channel.
Two books that I found very helpful in many ways were "The Essential Woodworker" & The Resourceful Woodworker" both by Robert Wearing. They are books that I still go back to many years after buying them. They are very simply presented and not highly organised by todays standards but if I could only have half a dozen books they would be two of those half dozen. All the best and I do enjoy your videos.
The first book you recommended can be purchased from a company called Lost art press. They reprint old books like this, they also carry the anarchist workbench and design.
I've actually got a first edition of the complete wood workers manual that I found in a bin at the charity shop I volunteer at it was free and near mint condition they just threw it in there because they thought no one would buy it.
You might wish to peruse the books of David Charlesworth, Bob Kingshott, Charles Hayward. These three gentlemen were my tutors in absentia. I like to think my woodworking reflects their expertise.
Hi Matt, great video and an interesting list; I have two of them, and will have to rearrange my wish list now after seeing the others. Definitely going to get the Chris Schwarz. One book I'd recommend, largely because I keep going back to it since 1996 is Jim Tolpin's "The Toolbox Book: A Craftsman's Guide to Tool Chests, Cabinets and Storage Systems" It's a combination history/how-to of tool chests, boxes and storage, from the Mary Rose wreck to the NASA tools used to repair the Hubble Telescope. Stuffed full of great pics of finished projects, with a lot of well-drawn break-down diagrams showing how they were done. Stand-outs include David Sellery's absolutely gorgeous twin Arts & Crafts open shoulder tool totes, and Jerry Hillenberg's custom fitted woodworker's site van. And of course a lovely full-page pic of the H. O. Studley cabinet. FWIW I enjoy your delivery speed; you get a lot of info across clearly and quickly - and there's always the pause/rewind buttons if needed :-) Keep up the great work, Danny
this video made me discover lost art press that publishes the anarchist tool box and a few other Christopher Schwarz, they have some really interesting read!
Woodland craft/workshop by Ben Law are awesome Books if you fancy a bit of green wood work or just like camping and tinkering in general because whenever I find a fallen tree in the woods I just see fire wood and things it'd love to become
Hi Matt.. Enjoyed the video and have some of the books you reference (two of Tom Fidgen’s). Like some of the other comments I also have books by James Krenov and Paul Sellers. I also have one by
Thank you for adding those, I was thinking of asking if you could do this the other day then I got busy and forgot. It's great to see suggestions be considered.
A topic that doesn't always make the list, but is absolutely essential knowledge at some stage of production: Finish work *Understanding Wood Finishing* , by Bob Flexner (The most recent editions I'm seeing are from 2010 -- that along with various earlier iterations of his information, have established him as probably THE modern authority on the topic, by popular consensus.) *Brightwork: The Art of Finishing Wood* , by Rebecca Wittman (Most recent edition is the 2006 paperback, I don't know whether that contains any update in content from the original 1990 hardcover release. This Author/title is focused on varnish and other related finishes on BOATS, specifically, but... exterior marine brightwork is THE most stringent test there is for finishing technique and technology, so I figure this info. ought to be at least relevant, if not authoritative, for any other woodworking discipline.)
Great idea Matt. Good to see a varied selection and not just about woodworking. But, if you want to be an affiliate and gain money from the books, don't advertise one that you haven't actually read. I'm not going to buy one because you say it looks nice as a coffee table book buddy.
Matt Estlea - Furniture All is very well thank you & I’m overwhelmed you’ve remembered me from a past comment & that’s nice mate, I won’t be a stranger from now on, cheers from DownUnder 👍
Enjoyed your video segment on books, I always like to hear what books inspire other woodworkers. A few I have, others I have heard of. I also want to second the Krenov series of books for their inspirational value. If anything, the reader will develop an improved appreciation of wood as a medium and slow down their woodworking to focus on the process. Ok, don't want to toot my own horn but I also published a book that may be of interest to others. It is a mix of inspiration, determination in a journey of my craft over a several year period. The Wood Artist: Creating Art Through Wood
Hi Matt.. Enjoyed the video and have some of the books you recommend. Like some of the other people who have commented I also have books by Krenov and Mr Sellers. In addition I would also recommend David Charlesworth and Gary Rogowski. Keep it up mate.....
I got this book a while back from a teacher and it's about the history of like modern furniture and the progress of modern and contemporary furniture, it's not strictly wood work but it has some good pictures and facts for inspiration to your own designs, if I find it ill reply to this comments with the name of it
Funny the only one I have is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson! I would also recommend "Understanding Wood" by R. Bruce Hoadley, although it might be a bit dense. I'm buying your plans even if I can't build it just now (maybe a downsized version of it). For me it's the perfect mixture of Fine-tools/Benchcrafted project and clever ideas by David Barron. I'm sure Bertha is gonna have some twin-sisters all over the world, lol. Great channel!
I’ll have a look into that! I literally can’t wait to start seeing some of the Berthas that are created. I’m going to be sad when someone builds an even bigger version though! Cheers mate
You should give - ‘Wood by Eric Meier’ a read. A complete dictionary of different woods, helped me identify loads I couldn’t place. Even has how they smell in them when cut, very useful.
Hello Matt. Great video. I started follow you some weeks ago and ou make very good video with very relavant content. You make me think of you as the Gordon Ramsey of woodworking :) Seriously, the books that has meant most to me are the James Krenow's ? I have a feeling you have not read them otherwise you should have mentioned them. Cabinetmaker note book . These books evn help you to understand a lot about yourself on deeper level. Olof
After reading the comments you might be tempted to do "Book Review # 2" in the future. Also, please read "The Handplane Book" so you can give it a fair assessment. I believe it is more than just a coffee table book. When it was initially published You Tube videos on planes were coming but not yet done.
I'll definitely be checking some of these out. Are there digital versions that you also get a cut for? I'm trying to make all my books digital but still want to support the channel. Also, since this video is a few years old now, do you have new recommendations or other sources you use to learn new things?
A very useful list of books and descriptions of them. You mentioned how you have improved your lighting in the workshop, what video camera do you use ?
Yea mainly the setup of cameras and how they work. I use a Sony A58 at the moment which is starting to bug me. Looking to upgrade to a Canon 80D next but can’t afford it just yet!
I see this video is about 3 years old and you must have read a lot of other woodwork books since then. Regardless, I surest adding by Peter Korn to your list. Peter Kuh
You're a genius Matt. I have been feeling a little indebted to you. I was thinking if you ever need a kidney I've got an extra one. All kidding aside, your strategy is unique, fresh and brilliant. I truly believe even if your only a small part of (Team Rob) you guys are going to be a great success!!!
Matt, no need to apologize for making some money. I just ordered a book from eBay following your recommendations. Do you have PayPal? I would like to donate as you’re missing the money via the affiliate links.
What spokeshaves do I need?!?!? Countless requests for spokeshave info from you, and you give me bloody books! Why Matthew??? Are you an anti-shavite??? Have you tried to form a gentle radius with a book? It doesn't work!!!! Okay, seriously, I did enjoy The Anarchist's Tool Chest; a great deal, actually. I haven't looked into his workbench book, but I have one from years ago by Scott Landis that was helpful at the time of making my 1st bench. I hope to re-do such a project this winter perhaps, as the nature of my work has changed, and so have the requirements of my bench. And as for Tom Fidgen.....he makes me feel like I won't live long enough to achieve that level of woodworking skill. He's amazing and has a woodworking school in Toronto that I'd love to spend a week-long class at. And he's a hell of a musician as well (Sam Maloof and James Krenov couldn't play the guitar worth a shit, so take that, you masters of craft!!!). So there you go Matt. I'm only half kidding about the spokeshave, but I DO WANT TO SEE YOUR TAKE ON THIS TOOL!!! Round vs flat bottoms (stick to the thought of spokeshaves, dude!), sharpening, when and how to use them. I'm waiting.....
Weow!! Amazing, thank you! Just quickly as well, I stumbled upon your channel not too long ago but im obsessed, i love the content you put out and its really refreshing to see someone of a similar age to be going at it at full force. Thinking of pursuing the whole Youtbue thing but I don't know if i've got the balls haha. Keep it up! :)
Hi Amanda, just had a look and I cannot create affiliate links for Australia. Thank you for holding back though! In regards to starting your own channel, just bite the bullet and do it! People look at you weirdly for 3 weeks and then it becomes normal. One of the biggest regrets I have is not starting my channel a year earlier because I had 2 great projects that I wished I filmed. Let me know when you get started and drop me a message via my website if you want a hand. Happy to support you!
Oh no, that's okay don't stress, thanks for trying anyway! Yeah gosh, i'll definitely have to put some more thought into it, I only got into it recently actually because I did a furniture elective at uni and I'm obsessed with woodworking now 😂. I'll have to see how I go especially juggling Interior Architecture on the side, I just don't know how you do it haha, cause I know these design degrees are just so time consuming but glad you do keep the content rolling! If you are interested though I do have a design instagram account its not perfect, just a collection of my uni work and I do have my table and stool build up on there from that furniture elective, nothing as fancy as you produce but yeah if you're interested feel free to check it out: @amandawatson.iar I'll definitely shoot you a message if I ever get this youtube thing rolling though! :)
Best place and price ($46 & shipping ) to buy Anarchist's Tool by Christopher Schwarz - lostartpress.com/collections/books/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest
Don't laught but an idiot's guide to woodworking is maybe not my favourite book but defiantly the most use for simple and beginning knowledge. Thanks for vids keep an coming.
This is by far the best wood working book I have ever read, “Bαzοmο Tdy Plαn” (Google it). The book contains appealing photos and drawings and reader-friendly text. I look at this book a "must have" since it supplies a wide range of info on pretty much everything coping with woodworking and does it very well. .
I like most of what you put out Matt, but sometimes I feel you're too frantic. Slow down a tad and plan in advance what you propose to say, and not make it up as you go along. You made much of the value of building business through social media (rightly so), but then you throw in the Jesus thing which might conceivably turn off thousands of potential customers who find this offensive. I've seen it on a couple of your other videos, and It's quite unnecessary.Your skillset is good enough. A bit more , maturity and thoughtfulness will see your on-line business thrive methinks.
I think Matt brings energy and vitality to this arena. Some of the other mature and older woodworkers have a slower and calculated approach to the video production which at times can be boring. Maybe the Jesus pen will offend some but are they willing to put aside an offhand quip to move on to potentially learn something valuable?
Don't laught but an idiot's guide to woodworking is maybe not my favourite book but defiantly the most use for simple and beginning knowledge. Thanks for vids keep an coming.