Amateur Books

As an amature woodworker interested in plans and methods for building Shaker style furniture, I found this book very informative. It includes precise instructions for building two Shaker style chairs, a bench, three tables, a pie safe, a clock, a step stool, oval boxes and a pegboard. It also includes directions for making jigs to simplify the the construction of several of the projects. The jig for routing dovetails for a candlestand collumn while it is still on the lathe was shown in greater detail than I have seen before. The diagrams and illustrated step-by-step instrctions are easy to understand and show construction details that mere measured drawings do not. For instance, the methods for hanging a drawer and attaching a table top were especially interesting to me since they were a little different than what I commonly see. This is a book written for amature woodworks like myself who appreciate well documented plans for interesting and usefull pieces of furniture.

I recently bought a copy of this out-of-print shortwave radio handbook, and though I've been a listener for over 25 years, there is a lot of information about the hobby that I can really use here.

If you're new to shortwave radio, the chapters on propogation and receivers will naturally be helpful, but there's much more here than the basics. From identifying languages to obtaining QSLs from stations large and small to how to arrange your listening post, everything that a SWL or DXer needs to know is discussed.

There are a few things outdated (it was published in 1986, after all), like the Russian Woodpecker Radar System. Still, if you have a shortwave receiver and really want to get the most out of it, find a copy from a used bookseller and learn from the experts!

I have carried this small gem of a reference guide in my art bag since I first came upon it in 1983. Whenever I need a stimulus on an outing, or forget a technique, this small book provides answers and suggestions. It has a wealth of information that leads to other deeper books on subjects such as paper making and crayon making.

A great book. All 12 skits are easily adaptable to more closely relate to any congregation. The one skit we've used so far produced tremendous results on the day we used it. Our ministry plans to use this book several more times and it will remain a vital part of our drama library.

This is a user's manual to the sky. It is very enjoyable reading, and guides you pleasantly through all the important sights of the night sky. Excellent - one of my favourites

This is a classic, first published in the 1930s and again after WWII. It is now out of print, but if one becomes available it is a must-have for the small boat enthusiast. My copy is the 1946 printing, but a later edition has been published. I continue to look for this book as a gift to other small boat builders and enthusiasts.

If you want to know how to find space for that home office or income-producing space such as apartments without adding on then you should consult the pages of this book for it tells you in detail how to convert unused space in your home into that office or apartment. If you think you don't have any space large enough, think again and get this book. You'd be surprised what you can do with small space with the proper guidelines for design, planning, and detailed instructions for conversion. This book pays for itself in the planning stage--keeping you from costly mistakes.

Part of the outstanding "Smart Guide" series from Creative Homeowner, Basements: Step-By-Step Projects is a no-nonsense, "user friendly" collection of step-by-step projects to insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring, eliminate moisture problems and much more in the basement of one's home. Color photographs, diagrams, and detailed instructions distinguish this excellent do-it-yourself resource which is confidently recommended for personal "do-it-yourself" and Interior Design technical reference shelf collections.

The newest title in the outstanding "Smart Guide" series from Creative Homeowner, Decks: Step-by-Step Projects is a straightforward, "user friendly", how-to guide to building, sprucing up, and properly maintaining decks of all sizes and functions for the home. Profusely illustrated from cover to cover with full-color photographs, meticulously detailed instructions, combined with an easy-to-follow instructional text and solid recommendations walk the reader through a wide variety of projects and tasks that range from applying fascia, to installing footings, to building designs for deck stairs, Decks: Step-by-Step Projects is very highly recommended to any do-it-yourself enthusiast as a truly first-rate instructional guide and reference.

This book give you all the basics that you need to start building cabinet and storage for the whole house. Danny gives you a series of projects that solve needs in each part of the house. From there you can build then as given or make modifications to fit your individual needs. I didn't realize that making cabinets could be so easy. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get started in building their own cabinets.