Amateur Books

This book helps you to define and set up a complete home automation system. It is obviously based on the Linux operating system, and presumes that you have at least some idea about getting a Linus distribution, getting it installed and have a few development tools. The applications he discusses fit into several different categories: Entertainment, X10 controller, Weather, and of course in today's world - security.

There is a CD included with the book. It does not contain a Linux distribution, but instead several shareware programs that the home automater should find useful. These applications are all designed around Linux of course. If you should choose to automate your house using that other operating system, you don't want to use this book but instead 'Smart Homes For Dummies.'

Setting up a home system like this one is just about the ultimate in geek-dom, and very educational. Have Fun!

THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN BY G.A.BRIGGS, A FOUNDER OF WHARFEDALE (ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS BRAND NAME LOUDSPEAKER IN UK). THIS BOOK IS COVER ALL THE FUNDAMENTAL THEORIES OF LOUDSPEAKER DESIGN. A VERY GOOD INTRODUCTION BOOKS FOR THE BEGINNER, VERY EASY TO READ BUT ALSO INSERTED LOTS OF VINTAGE LOUDSPEAKERS' INFORMATIONS AND PICTURES! THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN IN 1950'S, AS YOU CAN FOUND THE TECHNOLOGY IN 1950 CAN ALSO APPLY IN TODAY'S LOUDSPEAKER DESIGN.

G.A.BRIGGS' APPROCH FROM THE MUSICAL ANGLE AS FROM THE TECHNICAL!

While I've never reviewed books put out by the ARRL, and Jim Kearman-kr1s before, the only thing I can say is this, "It's About Time" this very excellent book was done justice. Like most "League" publications, it makes a very excellent book for a beginning ham, or a veteran of the tubes and wires, over fancy circuits. Whatever the case, I can say as a very proud ham, myself, that if you're on a budget, READ THIS BOOK FIRST! Not only will you enjoy reading this book, (it's plain fun) it will also give you ideas. Certainly,as far as reference books go, a copy belongs in everyone's library!

I love this book and am always referring to it when I am deciding to do a DIY project in my home. I love color and this book explains all the different ways you can use paint - not only to add color, but patterns and texture as well. Paint has come a long way! It's still of the most inexpensive ways to change the look of your home and now with all the new faux techniques, the possibilities are endless.

I will tell you the title will throw you off. But this book shows you how to Tromple L'oeil, Stencil, Faux finish, & Paint effects.There are about 20 projects & with about 3 to 4 pictures showing how to do each step from start to finish.They have motifts(tracings) you can enlarge to use as a stencil.I'm using the darling cat looking out the window in my kitchen.

They also tell you about supplies ,& the paint colors you need. If you want to try your hand in the finishes. I think all you would need, would be your tools,paint and this book. This book has projects from walls, floors & furniture. This is in all-in-one book in Decorative finishes!

Excellent, as have been all of the Make issues I have read. A terrific way to get your creative juices flowing. Make can satisfy your need to build and tinker for a while, in the reading of it, but ultimately sends you straight to the workshop, full of ideas.

Country wood furniture is for this writer the epitome of form following function. This formula is presented by Mr. Buchannan in a beautiful and straight forward mannner. As a beginner in wood furniture construction, plans and techniques that can be understood and immediately applied are enabling and appreciated. Even the seemingly grand projects such as the Kneehole Desk are largely simple cuts for the structural pieces and a repeated simple creation for the drawers combined in a most elegant design. The photograhy by Mr Buchanan, Tony Boase and Jennie Brech present the pieces as well as leaving one feeling as if the portal into the centering world of country living has been opened.
The average do it yourself reader of this book will likely use power tools more than Mr. Buchanan has in his projects but as the plans are simple and well illustrated this difference will be easily handled and leave one feeling that a piece of truely unique furniture has been wrought from the earth.

This book had very creative and unique ideas. It's just what I was looking for! The pictures were a great help and gave a good visual aid on how to use the projects. The instructions were very clear and having the per centages on how to enlarge patterns was great.

While I was thumbing through my new book, a good friend was looking over my shoulder, and asked if I would buy her a copy. We were both very impressed with the color pictures and great ideas. Instead of ordering through her book club we decided to look at Amazon.com. There is was.

As one who has had the pleasure of knowing Robert and Gertrude Metcalf while they were professors at Antioch College, and of having seen their beautiful work, I can see in this superb handbook the artistry of design and the love of their craft that distinguished the work and the teaching of these fine artists.

The book is well-illustrated with photographs (including 8 pages of color plates), and drawings. It covers all aspects of making stained glass in a manner that even inexperienced hobbyists can follow. Divided into four sections, the book covers the origin and history of stained glass, including a classification of the periods, styles and the various types of windows; a comprehensive list of materials and tools; how to set up one's own shop; and what the authors have called the Evocative Technique, which guides the craftsperson on how to work one's own designs into glass. Projects are included that increase in complexity, so that there is much here for those who have already covered the basics.

Anyone interested in the history of stained glass making, or wanting to either improve upon or begin developing this fine art, will find this work indispensible. It is clear that this book was for Gertrude and Robert a work of art in itself. I recommend it highly.