Title: Great-Looking 2X4 Furniture

Informative Read …….. Recommended ... 5 stars

The Review
Great-Looking 2X4 Furniture is another in the writers’ how-to book series. This one too is filled with step by step directions, lustrous snapshots, and a layout of a variety of furniture pieces to be made by utilizing a minimum of tools, readily accessible woods and a minimal measure of furniture making aptitude.

Catching my eye is the stunning chest showcased on the cover of the issue. The chest is sturdy and attractive.

Opening the work is a 23 page section featuring ‘Tips and Techniques,’ ‘Tools,’ including a listing of Basic Tools, Optional tools and Advanced Tools. The necessity for level working surface is explained. For the novice there are photos and simple description of hand tools, clamps, measuring tools. Line drawings indicate how to mark a rip cut and marking a crosscut. Various measuring tools; straight edge, T-bevel, Squares, and how to use level to check that edges are straight. Drills and bits, staples and staple guns and cutting tools are all shown and explanation for use is given. Photos and hand drawn illustrations are provided to explain by example good lumber and various problems to watch for when selecting woods to use for projects, warped, cupped, split and knotty planks are included.

A small two page section titled The Projects discusses things to know, things to consider and a detailed explanation of how the project schematic is set out for each project are included. The skill level code is explained: drawings of hammers are used. One hammer and the project is easy, two hammers means it is a bit more difficult and three hammers save for last. Schematics will include Special tools and Techniques, Materials and Supplies, Hardware, Cutting List, and a Final Tip.

Project plans include House Number-skill level 1 hammer, Victorian Table - skill level 1 hammer, Tiled Lamp - skill level 1 hammer, Planter for Cuttings - skill level 1 hammer, Bathroom Wall Rack - skill level 1 hammer, Upholstered Ottoman - skill level 2 hammers, Padded Headboard - skill level 1 hammer, Butler’s Chest - skill level 2 hammers, Wall Cabinet - skill level 2 hammers, Desk Organizer - skill level 2 hammers, Multiple Planter - skill level 2 hammers, Occasional Table - skill level 2 hammers, Sun Lounge with Planters skill level 2 hammers, Tiled Kitchen Table - skill level 2 hammers, Desk Cabinet - skill level 2 hammers, Buffet Table - skill level 2 hammers, Chaise Lounge - skill level 2 hammers, Rustic Armoire - skill level 3 hammers, and Corner Cabinet - skill level 3 hammers.

Written in lucid, ordinary language Writer’s Henderson and Baldwin have again put their ability to good use. The pair have created an excellent book meant for the do-it-yourselfer who may not yet have too much expertise. The copious illustrations, easily grasped directions and photos of completed projects stirs the reader to want to grab a hammer and lumber and begin a project.

Great-Looking 2X4 Furniture is a super book for looking through carefully, keeping on the work bench AND using. Great-Looking 2X4 Furniture is meant to be used. Cover and pages sturdy keep on the work table. As with others in the series the reader, per the fine print at the front-piece of the book, is permitted to make copies of the plans if they wish. The Butler Chest and The Chaise both have caught my interest! Maybe when the weather gets a little cooler I’ll tackle one or both.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend. Great-Looking 2X4 Furniture will be a fine addition to the home library, the do-it-yourselfer gift package, or home school library and school library as a book to stir the interest of young men who may be reluctant to read a ‘story’ book and young women who are unwilling to do only ‘girl’ things.

Reviewed by: molly martin
http://www.angelfire.com/ok4/mollymartin
http://www.AuthorsDen.com/mjhollingshead

Genre: How-To
Author: Stevie Henderson & Mark Baldwin
Line/Publisher Main Street: a division of Sterling Publishing Co. Inc specialsales.sterlingpub.com
Lark Books 387 Park Avenue South, New York City, NY 10016
Available Amazon, Barnes and Noble, elsewhere $6 - $15
ISBN: 1 4027 1466 1