Foundations of Woodworking - 2nd Edition by Michael Pekovich (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Foundations of Woodworking gets to the very core of the craft of woodworking: laying out, cutting, and assembling joinery for furniture and other treasured wood objects. After an introductory chapter on the basic woodworking strategies that apply to anything you might build, Pekovich dives into a step-by-step, project-by-project description of the essential wood joints, from rabbets and dadoes through mortise and tenons to dovetails and miters. Master these joints--with a combination of hand tools and power tools--and the door is open to create just about any design you can think of"--

Book Synopsis

Foundations of Woodworking is a comprehensive guide that takes you through the core techniques of joinery and construction, providing the skills necessary to craft furniture and treasured wood objects with confidence and precision.

Whether you're just starting your woodworking journey or looking to refine your skills, Foundations of Woodworking equips you with the knowledge and inspiration to tackle any woodworking project with confidence.

Key Features:

• Master Essential Techniques: Starting with an introductory chapter that covers fundamental woodworking strategies applicable to any project, Pekovich guides you through a step-by-step exploration of essential wood joints. From rabbets and dadoes to mortise and tenons, dovetails, and miters, you'll learn how to create strong, beautiful joints using both hand and power tools.

• Hands-On Projects: Foundations of Woodworking concludes with a selection of inspiring projects designed to challenge and enhance your skills. Build stunning pieces such as a wall cabinet, chimney cupboard, arched entry table, desk divider, and dining chair, ensuring you apply what you've learned in a practical setting.

• Expert Guidance: Michael Pekovich, known for his bestselling book The Why and How of Woodworking, continues to inspire woodworkers worldwide with clear instructions, expert tips, and a wealth of experience. His approachable style makes complex techniques accessible to beginners while still offering insights for seasoned woodworkers.

• Visual Learning: Featuring detailed illustrations and photographs, this guide provides visual clarity that complements the written instructions, making it easier to grasp intricate techniques and design principles.

Review Quotes

"....a book that will continue to shape and better our craft"

"....the best woodworking book, on processes, that I have ever read--and I have read them all."

-- "Marc Adams, founder Marc Adams School of Woodworking"

With what should be considered a sequel to woodworking expert Michael Pekovich's first book "The Why and How of Woodworking" (Published in 2018), "Foundations of Woodworking" is beautifully illustrated and thoroughly "user frendly" in organization, presentation and instruction. Simply stated, this coffee-table style book is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional and library DIY woodworking instruction guide and how-to manual collections.

-- "Midwest Book Review"

I've dedicated my entire adult life to the craft of working with wood and have concluded that woodworking is a skill and not a talent--anyone can do it. But what separates the quality of work from one skillful person to another is understanding. Understanding the entire journey. From learning how to see wood differently by understanding the grain, color and texture. Understanding the process of rough to square then creating a building strategy of how parts will be joined before picking up a tool. Understand tool choices and how hand tools can work in harmony with power tools. Understanding that often exact measurements can get in the way of precision work. And most importantly, understanding that woodworking is not a straight line to the finish, rather there are many ways to accomplish the same task. Michael takes all these concepts, along with beautiful photos, careful illustrations and incredible wisdom, then folds them into one indispensable resource. Foundations of Woodworking is a comprehensive guide that EVERY woodworker, regardless of skill, will refer to again and again. Woodworking can be both rewarding and challenging, but with guidance and understanding--anyone can do it.

-- "Marc Adams, founder Marc Adams School of Woodworking"

In Foundations of Woodworking, Mike builds upon the abundance of knowledge he gave us in The Why and How of Woodworking. In this second work, he presents and explains his strategies and techniques in a clear, pragmatic manner that will take all practitioners of the craft, myself included, further down the road. His passion for the work is obvious but not loud, and shared in a most satisfying way. Reminiscent of both Tage Frid and James Krenov, I pray a third book will follow.

-- "Steve Latta, professional furniture and cabinetmaker"

With his typical combination of extraordinary talent, humility, wisdom, and efficiency Michael Pekovich has delivered another achingly gorgeous book on how to work with wood. Pekovich's timeless designs and common-sense approach convey not only a love of the craft but a rare sensibility in the writing and photography. Pekovich generously shares his decades of knowledge to join the ranks of teachers, builders and writers like Tage Frid and James Krenov to inspire creativity and problem solving in the ancient craft of woodworking.

-- "Anissa Kapsales, senior editor Fine Woodworking"