Do-It-Yourself Reviews, September 1, 2010
Sept. 1, 2010Benson, Jonathan & Sherry Benson. Transforming Your Kitchen with Stock Cabinetry: Design, Select, and Install for a Custom Look at the Right Price. Fox Chapel. Oct. 2010. 160p. illus. index. ISBN 9781565233959. pap. $24.95. DIY
Professional furniture maker Jonathan Benson (Woodworker's Guide to Bending Wood) and his wife bring together their woodworking and kitchen expertise. The book begins with inspirational, beautifully shot photos of kitchens, but the construction images are less glamorous. The authors offer good instruction on modifying and installing cabinetry, with practical tips and techniques. This original book fills a niche and features great pro/con lists.
Bryant, Jefferson. How To Build a Killer Street Machine. Motorbooks: Quayside. 2010. 192p. illus. index. ISBN 9780760335499. pap. $29.99. DIY
Expert mechanic Bryant (How To Design and Install In-Car Entertainment Systems) tackles a popular topic in this logically organized guide. He includes helpful charts and detailed photos related to engine rebuilds, car systems, and bodywork but assumes access to a complete workshop, technical skills, and a supply of quality parts. The fabrication and painting sections do not offer sufficient instruction. Still, this is a nice addition to car renovation and modification collections.
Circular Saws and Jig Saws: The Tool Information You Need at Your Fingertips. 88p. ISBN 9781565234697. pap. $9.95.
Table Saw: The Information You Need at Your Fingertips. 144p. ISBN 9781565234710. pap. $12.95.
ea. vol: Skills Inst. Pr., dist. by Fox Chapel. (Missing Shop Manual). 2010. illus. index. DIY
Part of a new series, these small manuals feature clear, useful color drawings as well as photographs. The books are straightforward and focus on the basics—projects are not included. Each saw is dissected to show variations and the components, then blades, maintenance, and accessories are covered. These bare-bones guides are well done and recommended for libraries needing to stretch their dollars. [See Drills and Drill Presses, below; the series also includes Glue and Clamps and Lathe.—Ed.]
The Complete Guide to Flooring. 3d ed. Creative Pub: Quayside. (Black & Decker). 2010. 256p. illus. index. ISBN 9781589235212. pap. $24.99 with DVD. DIY
New to this third edition is the inclusion of popular flooring materials such as bamboo, wood grain vinyl, cork, and glass tile, as well as a small selection of exotic woods. The second edition, The Complete Guide to Floor Décor, features evaluations of existing floors and some repair aspects that are left out of this volume. While many of the illustrations are used in the previous versions, the updated info on flooring materials makes this desirable.
Conover, Ernie. The Frugal Woodturner: Make and Modify All the Tools and Equipment You Need. Fox Chapel. Sept. 2010. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 9781565234345. pap. $19.95. DIY
Woodworking hobbies can be costly, but this book helps take the edge off expenses. Conover (Woodworker's Guide to Dovetails) offers original advice on making better purchases, making tools or using existing tools, and finding inexpensive materials. This specialized book works well with other titles on wood turning and lathe work. Recommended.
Drills and Drill Presses: The Tool Information You Need at Your Fingertips. Skills Inst. Pr., dist. by Fox Chapel. (Missing Shop Manual). 2010. 104p. illus. index. ISBN 9781565234727. pap. $9.95. DIY
Learn how to appreciate and make the best use of your drills with this little manual. Similar to other books in the "Missing Shop Manual" series (see Circular Saws and Jig Saws and Table Saw, above), this teaches how to choose the tool and take care of its parts; unlike the titles reviewed above, this volume features basic projects. Simple but very well done.
Sanchez, Dan & Drew Phillips. Weekend Projects for Your Mustang 2005–Today. Motorbooks: Quayside. 2010. 224p. illus. index. ISBN 9780760336854. pap. $29.99. DIY
Sanchez, who's written for Mustang Enthusiast and other publications, and Phillips, former editor of Mustang Life, present 52 doable projects for fifth-generation Mustangs. Each project is headlined with skill level required, approximate cost and time, and tools needed, making it easy to pick the right projects. The photographs are large and amazingly detailed—a pleasant surprise. This is a good addition to any popular auto mechanics collection.
Schroder, Lisa & Vince Ogletree. Adobe Homes for All Climates: Simple, Affordable, and Earthquake-Resistant Natural Building Techniques. Chelsea Green. Sept. 2010. c.272p. illus. index. ISBN 9781603582575. pap. $34.95. DIY
Schroder (founder, Adobe Building Systems, Vancouver, B.C.) and Ogletree (founder, Earth Building Consultants & Contractors, New Zealand), who passed away in 2005, present the merits of adobe construction. They provide good instruction on brick making and wall construction, but the book does not offer exhaustive coverage and fails to show the possibilities for adobe. Michael Byrne and Dottie Larson's The New Adobe Home is more inspirational but covers fewer aspects of building. Purchase if there is demand.
Smart Guide: Roofing. 2d ed. Creative Homeowner. 2010. 112p. illus. index. ISBN 9781580114806. pap. $10.95. DIY
This revision of the 2003 edition features small changes and updated photos, but the instruction remains the same. Conveying basic skills, the coverage is brief and primarily focuses on specific roof installations. A major drawback is the lack of attention to repairs and fixes. The Complete Guide to Roofing, Siding & Trim in the "Black & Decker" series is more comprehensive.
Smith, Eric W. The Complete Guide to Backyard Recreation Projects. Creative Pub: Quayside. (Black & Decker). 2010. 240p. illus. index. ISBN 9781589235182. pap. $24.99. DIY
Home improvement editor Smith includes notable projects such as a large skateboard ramp, an obstacle course, and an ice-skating rink; other projects deal with packaged kits or plans. While basic tools, safety, and techniques are covered, playground safety is dangerously understated. A better choice for tree houses and forts is David Stiles and Jeanie Stiles's Treehouses & Playhouses You Can Build.
Stone, Peter F. Oriental Rug Repair: Step-by-Step Reknotting and Reconstruction, Care and Preservation. Thames & Hudson, dist. by Norton. 2010. 232p. illus. index. ISBN 9780500515211. $29.95. DIY
Stone (The Oriental Rug Lexicon) shares his expertise and includes numerous line drawings illustrating techniques; however, there is a disappointing shortage of color photos, which are particularly necessary in discussions of color matching and patterns. Despite the fine detail in this book, preservation and repair is probably best left to the professionals. This highly specialized title is for fearless do-it-yourselfers or conservationists.
Sweet, Roland. Log Home Secrets of Success: An Insider's Guide to Making Your Dream Home a Reality. PixyJack. Sept. 2010. c.224p. illus. index. ISBN 9780977372478. pap. $22.95. DIY
Sweet (editor in chief, Log Home Living magazine; 100 Best Log Home Floor Plans) shares a wealth of practical advice and tips to consider when building a log home. He includes detailed pros and cons, along with information on log home construction. This book is key for anyone considering a log home—a romantic and perfectly attainable dream. For an inspiring photo gallery, see Barbara Winfield's Dream Log Homes & Plans.
Trim & Finish Carpentry: Tips & Techniques from the Pros. Creative Pub: Quayside. (Black & Decker). 2010. 160p. illus. index. ISBN 9781589235236. pap. $19.99 with DVD. DIY
Trim work is an easy way to enhance a home. This good introduction features basic instruction and step-by-step illustrations for installation and finishing; however, projects for creating your own moldings and an overview of trim styles are lacking. Clayton DeKorne's Trim Carpentry in Taunton's "Build Like a Pro" series offers a more technical approach.
Ultimate Guide to Barns, Sheds & Outbuildings. 3d ed. Creative Homeowner. 2010. 288p. illus. index. ISBN 9781580114837. pap. $19.95. DIY
This volume addresses key construction issues better than the second, 2005 edition. Layout considerations for plumbing and electrical have been enhanced, and the updated photos are large and beautiful. While the projects remain mostly the same, the resources list is completely revised and up-to-date. This guide contains excellent construction basics and good project designs, but be aware that it promotes 82 blueprints for sale from the publisher. Despite that, this is a solid addition. Strongly recommended.
