The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking Paperback – May 28, 2007

I was more interested in Krenov’s design, and wanted to see more than this book offered. For that I’m taking a star off if you are building a Woodworking library then this book is required reading. If however, you are looking for more focus on design, keep looking.

This is one of the best books I have ever used in woodworking. Remarkably clear illustrations of many standard techniques made it possible for me to try much more complicated projects that I had worked on before. After the basic techniques sections there are a large number of standard designs for all classes of furniture—tables, beds, side tables, etc. Each design has a basic structure shown with several ways to vary the basic style. I’m building case pieces and cherry tables and others I would not have had the courage to try before. And results have been great. See the photos.

I find this book to be insightful and informative. James Kernov has an understanding of wood unlike any other. He feels and sees things in wood that others just pass over.. I loved the way he draws you into each piece as he explains how it spoke to him. there is great time spent on tools and machinery, how it should be used and how to safely use it. there is also great emphases on hand tools and how to create some of the tools that you will need to create fine works in wood. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in working with wood or who just wants a better understanding of one of the great woodworkers of the last 100 years.. James is a one of a kind worker of wood, and one who we should always remember for what he brought to cabinetry and the wood arts..

Very philosophical - not a 'how to' publication.

It was not what I was expecting but is good reading about woods selections

Mr. Krenov's work speaks for itself. What is great about this book is he shares with us his feel for wood , and it's spirit. He is a wood fanatic. He is excited by its touch, look and feel. How long should I keep a piece of wood before I use it? Moisture content? Integrating the wood and the piece I am making?Each persons experience of wood and woodworking is different. I have technical books, written well, and some poorly.This could be called "Zen and the art of woodworking."When I need inspiration I look to the masters. Mr. Kenov connects me to the wood.

This is a great book for someone who appreciates the art of furniture making. The process of turning a piece of wood into something desirable and useful is what is important. The journey of discovery of both the wood and the artist is what this book is really about. If you are looking for quick tricks and how the master made things, you won't find that in his books. Instead you will find the journey of someone who loves and appreciates wood, the look, feel, color, and shape of wood. If you are one who falls in love with a pretty grain pattern and enjoys the discovery of the journey to create a piece of furniture, this is for you.

The book is inspiring if you are looking for something to motivate you in a purist woodworking way. It is not necessarily a how to book, but more of a how to approach woodworking, written in the "old school" philosophy of a master crafstman. Hence the title... "The Fine Art of... " The version of the book I have is from the 70's complete with all black and white pictures. I probably got more out of this book than others in my woodworking libray of the more expensive glossy fluff books put out by many of the current publishers looking to catch your pocket book with eye candy. There is substance to this book and not fluff. It is not a step by step guide (for the most part).

I like this book and I did refer to the book when I made a shooting plane. It’s not a how to book though. It’s the musings of Mr Krenov, he touches upon many things and he does include some of the techniques he uses. It’s nice, if slightly different to most of my books, which include more technique instruction, projects etc

If you are a Cabinet Maker then this book is incredibly helpful and very interesting and full of imaginative ideas sand tips.

This man is a true legend of the woodworking craft from a time before it was popular or cool to be a craftsman.an inspiration for so many reasons from his philosophy, design ability, woodworking skills and wooden plane making talents.

Ho tanti libri di falegnameria, molti sono tecnici, divisi per argomenti specifici ma di difficile lettura, questo e un libro che affronta il modo di Krenov di lavorare il legno, partendo dalla materia prima, magari anche presa in forma di tronco, spiega come selezionare in base alla venatura.Poi gli incastri, senza le complicazioni dei giapponesi, un articolo su come costruire le famose pialle in stile krenov, con il baricentro molto basso, come affilare le lame, il perché evitare la carta vetrata.E un libro si fa leggere e che invoglia ad entrare piu in contatto con il pezzo che si lavora.Speravo in qualche foto a colori dei suoi bei lavori, ma a colori c'e solo la copertina, ma il contenuto è più importante

Ein großartiges Buch!Krenov teilt darin sehr tiefgründige Gedanken zu seinem Handwerk, und macht dabei auch wichtige Aussagen zu unserem Blick auf die Welt.Z. B. Wie die Veränderungen der Moderne zu unsagbar vielen Verlusten geführt haben, an schöpferischen und erfüllenden Arbeitsprozessen ebenso, wie an Biodiversität; viele wunderbare Hölzer sind inzwischen durch zügellosen Raubbau verloren.Vernichtet nicht für kostbare Möbelstücke von zeitlosem Wert, sondern für kurzlebige Ausstattungsgegenstände, die ebenso schnell das zeitliche gesegnet haben, wie die Moden, die zu ihrer Entstehung führten.All das kommt nicht aus intellektuellen Überlegungen heraus, sondern es sind Reflexionen aus der Tiefe der Lebenspraxis eines außergewöhnlichen Handwerkers.Das soll nicht den Eindruck entstehen lassen, Krenov hätte nichts zu den handwerkspraktischen Aspekten des Möbelbaus zu sagen; ganz im Gegenteil, auch hier gibt es wertvolle praktische Ratschläge aus einem großen Erfahrungsschatz.Zweifellos ein wertvolles Buch über die Handwerkskunst des Möbelbaus, aber zugleich auch ein wichtiger Beitrag zu einer Diskussion über die Werte, die unser Leben ausmachen.