Some forgotten books to look for...
Dave Thompson
>Having a desire to read what the experts of the hay day had to say about hand tool wood working techniques, I started looking at old wood working books. Actually, I didn�t make it very far, but I thought I�d share some references I found �.
Charles Hayward is author to keep an eye for, who was pretty productive (book-wise) in the 50�s+. He has a lot of comprehensive books. Some are geared towards beginners, others not. Most sell for opening bid on e-bay ($2-$5 range).
Woodwork Joints- A comprehensive book of wood working joints ~122 pages, and probably the most comprehensive on joints that I�ve run across. Covers many variation on joints and suggested applications. Some of the joints are uncommon today, (at least to me), likely because of improved glues, not suited to power tools, or just because they have special use. There are a few lesser known, like a �hammer head joint�, or fox wedged joint. Great reference for improving your craft. I�ve run across several contemporary references to this book, which likely made it sought after today. Going rate on this book in the US is close to $90. For some reason, in the UK, it�s quite a bit cheaper. I was able to find a nice copy in the UK for around ~$30 plus ~$10 shipping (9 weeks)
Staining and Polishing � 206 pages of nothing but staining and polishing, 50 pages of which are dedicated to French polishing. One of the best $4 books I ever bought. Topics covered include, glazing/filling, wax recipes, spray finish, cellulose finishes, cleaning, ebonizing, pickling, fuming, many varnish choices pros and cons, including ones that are not commonly spoken of (at least in my circles). Excellent reference book to keep on the shelf.
English Period Furniture � a very interesting discussion on the evolution of English furniture. Many photos and comparisons of details such as moldings, turnings, inlay, carvings, etc. Great reference for those into antique reproduction. Another bargain book, though more common to find in the UK. I did find one in the US and was able to get cheap shipping.. I think I paid around $5.
Wood Carving � This was reprinted as recently as last decade, so it�s a pretty easy one to find for cheap. Nice book� it has a lot of relief carving examples well suited for furniture embellishment, but also has some chapter for carving in the round. Easy to find this book in the $1.50 - $4 range.
Charles Hayward has many other books, like the Complete book of woodwork, and Practical woodwork, which are well suited as intro woodworking books. I think "complete" might be an over statement, but it probably helped sell the book ;-) I did see an interesting technique for sharpening power jointer blades with a wood jig and a sharpening stone�. A technique I�ve never heard discussion on WC or BP. I�m still on the look out for his Practical Veneering book which appears to be a harder to find book in the US, and if his polishing stainging or joint book is any indication, than I would imagine it may be pretty comprehensive.
Of course, there�s also Planecraft� Excellent value book, good for people getting into hand planes. I think Woodcraft sold (sells?) reprints of. My 1953 edition copy certainly has a slant towards Record planes, promoting Chromium Vanadium irons, and stay set caps, though still very useful. I found it�s historical information on planes gathered from studies at the British museum one of the most extensive with regards to Egyptian, Roman, 16th century etc. �.FWIW, bronze planes didn�t start with LN, rather goes back to Roman times ;-)
Enjoy,
Dave