Woodworkers and carpenters will learn to solve virtually every geometry and layout problem with this handy guide to the steel square. Loaded with diagrams, practical advice and exercises. Learn how valuable the steel square can be. Loaded with diagrams, practical advice, and skill-building exercises.
Ideal for solving virtually every geometric and layout problem, this guide to the steel square blends practical advice with skill-building exercises designed to help readers get the most out of this amazing tool. Unlocking the secrets of this versatile device, professional advice covers a wide range of topics—including making measurements as fine as one-hundredth of an inch, finding the center of a circle, and building stairs—making this guide a must-have reference for woodworkers, carpenters, tool collectors, and anyone interested in the history of tools.
This manual includes framing square terminology, brace layout, and complete procedures for common rafter (with and without a tail), hip and valley rafter, and jack rafter layout. Roof types, board foot measure, stair layout, and other framing square applications are presented. Exercises are provided throughout the manual plus an appendix containing popular rafter tables.
"Spence brings a fresh perspective to familiar subject matter by treating it in a way that stresses professional craftsmanship... opens with sections on tools and safety before moving on to a subject-by-subject treatment of interior and exterior finish work. A whopping 650 detailed drawings and...photographs make it simple to visualize the strategies and techniques."--"Journal of Light Construction."
I have been a framer for 16 years and this book has been useful on most of the houses I build. Not only does it have all the standard rafter tables but the irregular combinations as well. It is very easy to understand and gives all the needed formulas. A MUST have for any framer.
"Plain talk for restorers, from soup to nuts (and bolts). Here's thorough, practical advice that's sensitive to both history and budget".--The Old House Journal.
Few pieces of furniture, save perhaps chairs, work as hard as doors. Building them to last, especially exterior doors, takes knowledge and experience that don’t come from making other types of furniture, such as tables and bookcases. Doormaking: Materials, Techniques and Projects for Building Your First Door by woodworker Strother Purdy gathers all the information and guidance that both beginning and intermediate woodworkers need to be successful making their first door. While covering the construction of the eight most popular doors, Doormaking: Materials, Techniques and Projects for Building Your First Door starts first by addressing the fundamentals: the basics of good design and proper construction technique, the pros-and-cons of common materials including wood and sheet goods, interior and exterior finishes, hardware and the fine points of hanging doors. Once those key elements are covered, Doormaking: Materials, Techniques and Projects for Building Your First Door offers project chapters that walk the reader step-by-step through the construction of eight essential doors, explaining design and material choices in specific contexts, tool options and other considerations. The first four projects are easily accessible to a beginner while the remaining projects offer up some more challenging details for the intermediate woodworker. Also included are sidebars containing amusing anecdotes and mistake stories – each delivering tips as well as details for hanging a door – and an inspiring gallery of doors that are sure to inspire. Doormaking: Materials, Techniques and Projects for Building Your First Door is a must for any woodworking hobbyist, professional craftsman, or DIY homeowner.