The book begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of cabinetmaking and woodworking, how to cut, square and plane lumber, the use and care of hand tools, and then clear explanations of such processes as joinery, drawer construction, dovetailing, wood-turning methods, gluing, ball-and-claw foot carving and other wood-carving details as well as how to choose the correct stock
This clearly written how-to book by master craftsman Franklin H. Gottshall allows woodworkers to construct handsome, useful furniture in the most highly regarded antique styles. Characterized by beauty and richness of design, each of 30 different projects — all replicas of actual rare furniture — can be completed by ambitious beginners as well as skilled crafters for only a fraction of what vintage originals would cost.Woodcrafters can choose from pieces spanning a wide variety of styles — from a simple dovetailed box to an elegant Philadelphia Chippendale highboy. Included as well are directions for constructing a Dutch cupboard, refectory table, gateleg table, shelf top corner cupboard, Queen Anne hall table, Pennsylvania Dutch painted chest, and other distinctive pieces.Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions are accompanied by photographs and drawings as well as front and end views and detailed sketches of parts and procedures. Decorative skills such as woodcarving, upholstering, finishing, and wrought-iron work are also fully described and related for each piece.