Early European Decorated Tools
By Jonathan Green-Plumb
£30.00

Due February

This publication is a survey of European hand tools, from various woodworking and other trades, dating from the 16th century to the 19th century. The tools that are illustrated and analysed were either made decoratively or received surface decoration, often incorporating ancient symbols, dates and owners initials. Although all the tools featured were made to be primarily functional, the focus of the book is on the aesthetic qualities that transform such tools into examples of genuine folk art. Planes, braces, axes, compasses, saws and chisels, etc, are featured, including many that have not been previously recorded or published. The tools presented, via photographs, drawings and paintings have been sourced from various national museums across Europe and from private collections too.

French Polishing
By Philippa Barstow &
Alan Waterhouse
£30.00

Due April

This is the definitive guide to French polishing. It covers every aspect of polishing and repolishing all types of furniture and woodwork, both antique and newly made. It gives practical guidance on all materials and techniques, going right back to basics. Unlike any book before it shows how to tackle several individual pieces of furniture and the different problems they pose. And it is full of before-and-after photographs that really show the outstanding results you can achieve. The aim is to demystify the art of French polishing and bring its practice into the realm of all interested people. It aims to help absolute beginners through to experienced polishers with problems.

Router and Router Cutter Handbook
By Eric Stephenson
£30.00

Due September

The book details the development and use of routers – from hand routers to machine routers and workstations. It covers timber and timber-based materials, HSS, tungsten and diamond tools, grinding wheels and grinding, router tool geometry, and safe operation of machines. It includes the basics of digital setting and computer programmes for work centres, as well as the huge variety of operations they undertake. A hand router section includes the many types, the use of guides, templates and jigs for sizing, shaping, jointing, mortising and tenoning, panel and frame making, stairmaking, worktops, dovetailing and corner locking, etc. The book is both an introduction to the world of routers, and an update on the huge range of current equipment and newer practices. Contains roughly 1500 illustrations, drawings and graphs.

A Woodturner's Wealth
By Bob Chapman
£18.00

Due February

This is a book primarily about woodturning. It takes the reader, step by step, through a number of projects varying in difficulty from a simple apple to rather more difficult bowls, hollow forms and boxes, culminating in quite complex sculptural pieces. Whatever the reader’s level of expertise, there is something here for everyone. One of the aims of the book is to bring some awareness of the tree back into the woodturning consciousness and each project features a common British timber. Throughout the projects Bob Chapman teaches principles of good tool control and usage, explaining, sometimes in quite some detail, how to hold and manipulate the tool to get the desired effect. Also included are discussions of workshop layout, choosing a lathe, safety and design.

Spoon Carving
By Robin Wood
£15.00

Due March

What could be more appealing than taking a small branch from a tree in your garden and, with a few
simple tools, making a wooden spoon to use in your kitchen or give to a friend? Carving this way is a very
accessible hobby. The tools are reasonably priced, the raw material is everywhere (yes, it grows on trees!)
and there is no need for a dedicated workspace.
This book is an introduction to a set of knife and axe cuts that will help you use spoon carving tools
effectively and safely. The teaching method is unusual in that it initially focuses on the skills needed to use
the tools, rather than what you are making.

The Ups & Downs of the Property Ladder
What to do when times are tough
£7.99

Managing Your Build
Extend, Restore, Renovate, and New Build
£15.00