The RWS Lending Library

Reviews of New Material

New Books and DVDs

RWS Holdings - By Category

About the Library Collection

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Reviews of New Material in the Library

Rolf Maxa and Alan VanDeMoere have written some very informative reviews of new books and DVDs in the library. We also have a number of other new items you will want to borrow. Check it out!

Monster Workbench by Matt Kenney- A Fine Woodworking DVD

Matt Kenney demonstrates a step-by-step technique to building a beefy workbench. His directions are easy to follow and come with a set of detailed instructions. The DVD also includes a SketchUp drawing of the completed workbench. I would rate this as a beginner to intermediate project.

The base is put together with mortise and tenon joints using a combination of glue and bench bolts. The bench measures 28" deep by 84" wide and 34" tall. This according to the author makes this ideal for both hand tool and power tool use. What is missing from the video was how the bench top was attached to the base. For a beginner that could lead to a problem. I also believe it should have included instructions on installing a tail vise.

Overall this video had some very useful tips, and I would rate this as a video worth watching if you are looking to build a bench in the near future.

Review by Rolf Maxa

How to Build Shaker Furniture: The Completely Updated and Improved Classic by Thos. Moser

If you like Shaker furniture you simply need to read this book. Tom has built a tremendous business of making reproduction or Shaker inspired pieces for decades. There are 135 artisans who make his Shaker furniture in Mane for worldwide distribution. Written exceptionally well with superb grammar, the book describes the concepts behind the Shakers in order to give you the insight in the pieces. Tom isn't satisfied to give you the details of Shaker furniture without giving you an understanding of the origins of the movement. Additionally concepts like materials, finishes, tools, joints, and processes are covered in detail in case you care to expand the 36 original and 9 new projects that are detailed in this latest edition. So if you make Shaker furniture or Shaker inspired furniture don't miss out on this great resource.

Review by Alan VanDeMoere

Advanced Veneering and Alternative Techniques by Scott Grove

Scott is a local Rochester resource pushing the edge of high-end furniture making. He is also a tremendous supporter of Rochester Woodworking Society.

Did you know that using veneer is forty times more efficient than using solid wood? This book will lead you from basic veneering to elaborate processes that will have you "scratching your head" to understand if you don't follow Scott's illustrations carefully. You may not be ready to do his "spiral match" veneering technique, but don't you want to know how he does it? Even if you do the most rudimentary veneering, Scott discusses the tools, materials and techniques that will make you successful. Even if you don't have an elaborate vacuum bagging system you may want to clamp a unique veneer to a piece you are making.

With veneer you could be on your way of taking your furniture making to the next level. Some day you may wish to hide your seam match with Scotts "wavy contour seam" the only plane that you will get this information is in this book! At that point you may be 'hooked" on veneer. You will know what Scott means when he says "cross the line".

Review by Alan VanDeMoere

 

New Books in the Library:

  • Advanced Veneering and Alternative Techniques by Scott Grove
  • Favorite Toys You Can Make
  • How to Build Shaker Furniture: The Completely Updated and Improved Classic by Thos. Moser
  • Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Tablesaws

New Book/DVD sets in the Library:

  • The Anarchist's Tool Chest by Christopher Schwarz
  • Vacuum Pressing Made Simple by Darryl Keil

New DVDs in the Library:

  • Bowl Basics the Easy Way by Lyle Jamieson
  • Hybrid Roubo Workbench by John Tetreault
  • Line and Berry String Inlay by Router by Glen D. Huey
  • Monster Workbench by Matt Kenney

RWS Holdings - By Category

Boat Building
Boxes
Cabinetry
Carving
Finishing
Furniture Design
Furniture Making - Techniques and Projects
Furniture Styles
Gluing
Hand Tools
Intarsia  /  Marquetry
Jigs
Joinery
Laminating / Bending
Magazines
Miscellaneous
Outdoor Projects
Picture Framing
Power Tools
Routing
Sharpening
Storage
Toy Making and Children's Furniture
Turning
Veneering
Wood
Woodworking - Techniques
Woodworking - Techniques and Projects
Workshops

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The RWS Library has one of the finest collections of modern periodicals, texts, and video tapes on woodworking in upstate New York. The library items may be borrowed by RWS members free of charge.

To borrow items, e-mail Connie Gates (lib@rochesterwoodworkers.org or call 585-218-9613). If the item is in stock, you can pick it up at her home. All items are due back in one month.

In addition, you can borrow items at the Friday night lectures. An assortment of materials is available then. If you want specific items, be sure to contact the librarian in advance so the materials are available at the lecture. You may also return items on lecture nights.

We welcome suggestions for library additions as well as donations of material. Contact Connie (lib@rochesterwoodworkers.org) with your suggestions or contributions. Thank you.

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