Tom Hintz is a woodworker and owner of the popular woodworking web resource NewWoodworker.com.

This, his first book, is a pretty good overview of woodworking that is particularly geared to the novice woodworker. If you are looking to take up woodworking as a hobby, then this book covers all of the basic things you need to know, from setting up a shop to selecting tools and wood, to joining and finishing wood. The book is written in an easy-to-read style and supplemented with copious photos and a lot of helpful tips.

You also get six nice projects that aren't overly difficult to do:

• Hinged box
• Tote box
• Bedside bookcase
• Shop wall cabinet
• Base cabinet
• Coffee table

The subtitle of the book aptly summarizes the content of the book: The Basics of Spending Wisely, Working Safely, and Having Fun in Your Workshop.

My only complaint is that many of the photos are pretty mall and appear  not to be colour corrected, having a distinct yellowish tint.

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