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#1
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Best Book on Finishing?
Lot's of books to choose from! I've listed some I found from Amazon
below. I want one that covers mixing finishes like wax topcoats on Danish oil, or shellac as a top coat, etc. I also want a chart (that I've seen somewhere but don't recall) that compares various finishes in terms of durability, repairability, water resistence, shine, etc. I don't care about spraying techniques, I'm only doing hand finishing.... BTW, I'd welcome a recommendation from Jeff Jewitt, a sometimes contributor to this group and the author of many of the books listed below. Jeff, are you out there reading this? Here's the list I found: Tauton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing by Jeff and Susan Jewitt Great Wood Finishes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Consistent and Beautiful Results by Jeff Jewitt Hand-Applied Finishes by Jeff Jewitt Finishes and Finishing Techniques: Professional Secrets for Simple and Beautiful Finishes in Fine Woodworking by Tauton Press Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner More Finishes and Finishing Techniques: The Best of Fine Woodworking by Fine Woodworking The New Wood Finishing Book by Michael Dresdner |
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#2
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On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 06:31:55 -0700, Never Enough Money wrote:
Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner ^__ my vote I read one of the Jewitt books (GWF) at the same time I first read the Flexner. I found the Flexner to be better. Jewitt does have a lot of info regarding UK enviro/safety regs, so it might be a good choice for UK readers. Here's a sideways generalization for you: I just read the Taunton sharpening book by Lie-Nielsen. If I didn't already own Lee's sharpening book, I'd consider buying about the L-N book. So, with a sample size of 1, I find the Taunton books to be well-done. -- "Keep your ass behind you" |
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#3
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On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 09:51:37 -0500, Australopithecus scobis
calmly ranted: On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 06:31:55 -0700, Never Enough Money wrote: Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner ^__ my vote I read one of the Jewitt books (GWF) at the same time I first read the Flexner. I found the Flexner to be better. Jewitt does have a lot of info regarding UK enviro/safety regs, so it might be a good choice for UK readers. Here's a sideways generalization for you: I just read the Taunton sharpening book by Lie-Nielsen. If I didn't already own Lee's sharpening book, I'd consider buying about the L-N book. So, with a sample size of 1, I find the Taunton books to be well-done. I own a dozen Taunton books and have read a dozen more. I found that nearly all of them, despite the topic or subject, are very well done. (But I still call 'em the Taunt Me Press) I found Flexner's book to be dry, limp, & lifeless (like my hair) but good in content. I wasn't dippy about the photography. My favorite wood discoloration book is Jewitt's "Hand Applied Finishes", followed by the Flexner and Dresdner books, in that order. I read Flexner's "Understanding Wood Finishing", Jewitt's "Hand Applied Finishes", and Dresdner's "The Woodfinishing Book" in that order in a period of a couple months a few years ago. Flexner concerned himself more with theory and science, Jewitt with hands-on work/appraisals/experience, and Dresdner with his experiences (with which I often found myself disagreeing.) I'd recommend the first two for inclusion in any WW's library. - Yea, though I walk through the valley of Minwax, I shall stain no Cherry. http://diversify.com |
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#4
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"Australopithecus scobis" wrote in message news  On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 06:31:55 -0700, Never Enough Money wrote: Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner ^__ my vote I whole heartedly agree. This book's title describes its mission perfectly. It gives you an education about what's available, strengths and weaknesses, compabilities, and application. It spends a lot of effort devoted to debunking so-called myths of wood finishing and gives some insight into what commercial finishes actually contain. I think its really increased my awareness of paying attention to how a finish will hold up. Bob |
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#5
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I found this one at the library and I agree with Bob. It is one of
the top finishing books. Thunder On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 17:34:55 GMT, "Bob" wrote: "Australopithecus scobis" wrote in message news On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 06:31:55 -0700, Never Enough Money wrote: Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner ^__ my vote I whole heartedly agree. This book's title describes its mission perfectly. It gives you an education about what's available, strengths and weaknesses, compabilities, and application. It spends a lot of effort devoted to debunking so-called myths of wood finishing and gives some insight into what commercial finishes actually contain. I think its really increased my awareness of paying attention to how a finish will hold up. Bob |
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#7
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"Rolling Thunder" wrote in message ... The best book is the one you can find at the library. You'll likely find one on your list at the library. Why? |
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#8
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Because it is free. Especially important for those who are on fixed
income. On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 17:14:06 GMT, "Bob" wrote: "Rolling Thunder" wrote in message .. . The best book is the one you can find at the library. You'll likely find one on your list at the library. Why? |
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#9
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On Fri, 15 Oct 2004 12:47:21 GMT, Rolling Thunder
wrote: Because it is free. Especially important for those who are on fixed income. There's no such thing as a free lunch. On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 17:14:06 GMT, "Bob" wrote: "Rolling Thunder" wrote in message . .. The best book is the one you can find at the library. You'll likely find one on your list at the library. Why? |
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#10
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On Fri, 15 Oct 2004 23:15:24 -0500, Prometheus
wrote: On Fri, 15 Oct 2004 12:47:21 GMT, Rolling Thunder wrote: Because it is free. Especially important for those who are on fixed income. There's no such thing as a free lunch. It's as free as anything can get. Thunder |
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#11
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"Rolling Thunder" wrote in message ... Because it is free. Especially important for those who are on fixed income. Gotcha. Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so challenging. Bob |
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#12
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The library is not a good option if you want the book on your
nightstand to peruse at any time for the next, say, 10 years. Rolling Thunder wrote in message . .. The best book is the one you can find at the library. You'll likely find one on your list at the library. Thunder On 14 Oct 2004 06:31:55 -0700, (Never Enough Money) wrote: Lot's of books to choose from! I've listed some I found from Amazon below. I want one that covers mixing finishes like wax topcoats on Danish oil, or shellac as a top coat, etc. I also want a chart (that I've seen somewhere but don't recall) that compares various finishes in terms of durability, repairability, water resistence, shine, etc. I don't care about spraying techniques, I'm only doing hand finishing.... BTW, I'd welcome a recommendation from Jeff Jewitt, a sometimes contributor to this group and the author of many of the books listed below. Jeff, are you out there reading this? Here's the list I found: Tauton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing by Jeff and Susan Jewitt Great Wood Finishes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Consistent and Beautiful Results by Jeff Jewitt Hand-Applied Finishes by Jeff Jewitt Finishes and Finishing Techniques: Professional Secrets for Simple and Beautiful Finishes in Fine Woodworking by Tauton Press Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner More Finishes and Finishing Techniques: The Best of Fine Woodworking by Fine Woodworking The New Wood Finishing Book by Michael Dresdner |
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#13
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#14
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Good point, maybe....
The book was $11 plus shipping. The tools I lust for are much more. E.g. I still need a bandsaw -- 1.5 HP Delta plus a good fence will clock in around $1100. That's the sort of thing I never have enough money for. I've been hoping to find a used one -- it's been two months now. Anyway, my logic is that $15 for a book will save numerous trips to the library since I will consult the book any times over the next umpteen years. At 32 cents per miile (including wear and tear) a trip to the library would cost me approximately $1.60. So I'd break even after ten saved trips. In this case (a reference book), buying could easily be cheaper than the library... I do about two finishing jobs a year so I might consult the book twice ayear. So we're talking five years. Although there maybe other reasons to go to the library and it'd be unfair to book those trips at $1.60. Ah heck, having the book is just so much more convenient. Plus, I'm a book junkie as much as I am a tool junkie. Perhaps that's why I never have enough money! So far my buddies on rec.woodowrking have steered me right on both tools and books and finishes. The only thing rec.woodworking does poorly at is steering one's politics. However, I see you and I might admire the same bumper stickers.... (J T) wrote in message ... Thu, Oct 14, 2004, 12:13pm (EDT-3) (Never Enough Money) says: The library is not a good option if you want the book on your nightstand to peruse at any time for the next, say, 10 years. For someone who posts as Never Enough Money, you sure aren't thinking. The library is an EXCELLENT option. It's one Hell of a lot cheaper to go to the library, read the books there, then decide which one(s) you want to purchase. There's a good chance the libray has the ones on your list. And, if they don't, they can borrow them. Or, you can just go ahead and buy the books first, and maybe wind up unhappy with your choice. Up to you. JOAT Flush the Johns. - seen on a bumper sticker |
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#16
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On 14 Oct 2004 21:07:23 -0700, (Never Enough
Money) wrote: Good point, maybe.... The book was $11 plus shipping. The tools I lust for are much more. E.g. I still need a bandsaw -- 1.5 HP Delta plus a good fence will clock in around $1100. That's the sort of thing I never have enough money for. I've been hoping to find a used one -- it's been two months now. I'm sure it's a beauty of a saw, but those grizzlys are awful nice, too. For a third of the price you could get a 13" and put a riser block in it- my voc. ed. instructor was telling me fine woodworking (IIRC) just ran an article on that very topic. Then you'd have enough for a jointer or something besides! Anyway, my logic is that $15 for a book will save numerous trips to the library since I will consult the book any times over the next umpteen years. At 32 cents per miile (including wear and tear) a trip to the library would cost me approximately $1.60. So I'd break even after ten saved trips. In this case (a reference book), buying could easily be cheaper than the library... I do about two finishing jobs a year so I might consult the book twice ayear. So we're talking five years. Although there maybe other reasons to go to the library and it'd be unfair to book those trips at $1.60. Ah heck, having the book is just so much more convenient. Plus, I'm a book junkie as much as I am a tool junkie. Perhaps that's why I never have enough money! I wonder how many folks get into woodworking as a result of book addiction? I could easily post under the handle (never enough bookshelves) myself. So far my buddies on rec.woodowrking have steered me right on both tools and books and finishes. The only thing rec.woodworking does poorly at is steering one's politics. However, I see you and I might admire the same bumper stickers.... (J T) wrote in message ... Thu, Oct 14, 2004, 12:13pm (EDT-3) (Never Enough Money) says: The library is not a good option if you want the book on your nightstand to peruse at any time for the next, say, 10 years. For someone who posts as Never Enough Money, you sure aren't thinking. The library is an EXCELLENT option. It's one Hell of a lot cheaper to go to the library, read the books there, then decide which one(s) you want to purchase. There's a good chance the libray has the ones on your list. And, if they don't, they can borrow them. Or, you can just go ahead and buy the books first, and maybe wind up unhappy with your choice. Up to you. JOAT Flush the Johns. - seen on a bumper sticker |
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#18
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On Fri, 15 Oct 2004 12:49:44 GMT, Rolling Thunder
wrote: On 14 Oct 2004 12:13:04 -0700, (Never Enough Money) wrote: The library is not a good option if you want the book on your nightstand to peruse at any time for the next, say, 10 years. Odds are after 10 years the termites have gotten it or there is something better to read. *Shudder* So that's why my local library no longer carries Euclid's Elements... Guess "Geometry for Dummies" is better to read. Yuck. |
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#19
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On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 15:01:19 GMT, Rolling Thunder
wrote: The best book is the one you can find at the library. You'll likely find one on your list at the library. I agree it's a good idea to support your local library, but this is one of those things that it's nice to have down in your shop whenever you need it. Thunder On 14 Oct 2004 06:31:55 -0700, (Never Enough Money) wrote: Lot's of books to choose from! I've listed some I found from Amazon below. I want one that covers mixing finishes like wax topcoats on Danish oil, or shellac as a top coat, etc. I also want a chart (that I've seen somewhere but don't recall) that compares various finishes in terms of durability, repairability, water resistence, shine, etc. I don't care about spraying techniques, I'm only doing hand finishing.... BTW, I'd welcome a recommendation from Jeff Jewitt, a sometimes contributor to this group and the author of many of the books listed below. Jeff, are you out there reading this? Here's the list I found: Tauton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing by Jeff and Susan Jewitt Great Wood Finishes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Consistent and Beautiful Results by Jeff Jewitt Hand-Applied Finishes by Jeff Jewitt Finishes and Finishing Techniques: Professional Secrets for Simple and Beautiful Finishes in Fine Woodworking by Tauton Press Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner More Finishes and Finishing Techniques: The Best of Fine Woodworking by Fine Woodworking The New Wood Finishing Book by Michael Dresdner |
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#21
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#22
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If you live close to a Barnes & Nobles or any good franchise bookstore
just do what I did, I gathered an arm load of books and proceeded to the nearest sofa chair and read through each until I setteled on the book or books that included the knowledge base I was requiring then bought them. By the way our local B&N has all the books that other responders have identified as good sources. |
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#23
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#24
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On Fri, 15 Oct 2004 09:27:21 -0400, (J T)
wrote: Fri, Oct 15, 2004, 7:59am (EDT-1) (Seeker) says: If you live close to a Barnes & Nobles or any good franchise bookstore just do what I did, I gathered an arm load of books and proceeded to the nearest sofa chair and read through each until I setteled on the book or books that included the knowledge base I was requiring then bought them. By the way our local B&N has all the books that other responders have identified as good sources. Not a bad idea. However. Once you've found the one(s) you like, if you look around a bit on the web, you can probably get them cheaper then B&N - even including postage. Recenty got a book listed at $25, plus postage, for less than $20, including postage. New. Another going for $35 new, plus postage, got for around $25, new, including postage. It's not hard, just takes about 10 minutes to check prices. IF you look. I still prefer used bookstores. I find the newer woodworking books have only one or two projects that interest me, and I'm not about to pay $30 for a book like that. I've gone to B&N and found books like that, I wouldn't mind having, but wasn't about to part with that much, for so little. Then stopped at the used bookstore, and more than once found the same book, for $5-$7, in as-new condition. Borders usually has one or two woodworking books on the discount shelf, as well. I've gotten a couple marked down from $40+ for $5.99. JOAT Flush the Johns. - seen on a bumper sticker |
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#25
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Adding to books are on-line forums on finishing. First one I go to
daily is www.homesteadfinishing.com On 14 Oct 2004 06:31:55 -0700, (Never Enough Money) wrote: Lot's of books to choose from! I've listed some I found from Amazon below. I want one that covers mixing finishes like wax topcoats on Danish oil, or shellac as a top coat, etc. I also want a chart (that I've seen somewhere but don't recall) that compares various finishes in terms of durability, repairability, water resistence, shine, etc. I don't care about spraying techniques, I'm only doing hand finishing.... BTW, I'd welcome a recommendation from Jeff Jewitt, a sometimes contributor to this group and the author of many of the books listed below. Jeff, are you out there reading this? Here's the list I found: Tauton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing by Jeff and Susan Jewitt Great Wood Finishes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Consistent and Beautiful Results by Jeff Jewitt Hand-Applied Finishes by Jeff Jewitt Finishes and Finishing Techniques: Professional Secrets for Simple and Beautiful Finishes in Fine Woodworking by Tauton Press Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish by Bob Flexner More Finishes and Finishing Techniques: The Best of Fine Woodworking by Fine Woodworking The New Wood Finishing Book by Michael Dresdner |
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#26
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