Comments on: Black & Decker Complete Guide to Carpentry for Homeowners: Basic Carpentry Skills & Everyday Home Repairs

By: Karolin Rapp

Karolin Rapp — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:04:29 +0000

This book wasn’t what I thought it would be. It was informative in some aspects but not so in other areas that I expected. Perhaps I expected too much.
Rating: 3 / 5

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:13:49 +0000

Excellent book and a must have for handyman’s and homeowners. Well worth it!
Rating: 5 / 5

By: C. Hepburn

C. Hepburn — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:48:17 +0000

This book doesn’t include any text about stairs. I guess most complete homes don’t need stairs. I find this book more of a coffee table book than a book I can count on for howto information.
Rating: 2 / 5

By: aquatic

aquatic — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:02:54 +0000

received book in a timely manner and in excellent condition
Rating: 5 / 5

By: malcolmsdcali

malcolmsdcali — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:59:09 +0000

Had to give 1 star to off set the other reviews. My problem with most of these carpentry books is their lack of conviction to a topic. I have been a carpenter for way longer than 4 years (the accepted journeyman level). In truth it takes a lifetime to keep up with new practices and master traditional techniques. If you need to read 93 PAGES OF 277 on what a particular tool is or how to set up a saw then you really are not ready for complete carpentry. You need to develop your understanding of the tools.

Taunton Press is my recommendation for high quality information. Most of their publications assume you know how to use your tools. I would like to see quality books on specific skills. The complete all in one would have to be text book size and come in volumes. One good example is Lewis Vogt Carpentry 3rd edition. Used in construction management courses.

This book is just fluff. A weekend warrior might find some good info to improve his garage or better use his tools. Rating: 1 / 5