Your essential hand woodworking book - whether you've never picked up a plane before or want to improve on basic skills, The Stanley Book of Woodworking: Tools, Techniques, Projects, is the handbook you need. It explains clearly how to use the mains tools, from saws, planes, chisels and hammers to braces and vices; then explains with step-by-step instructions, diagrams and colour photos all the key techniques, including planing, cutting and fitting joints, assembling and gluing up and finishing. To try out these techniques, the book provides projects to make six pieces of furniture. Illustrated throughout to accompany straight-talking text, the book is arranged as follows:

Introduction: How to Use this book * Safety in the Workshop

Materials: Softwood * Hardwood * Man-made BoardsTools: Measuring and layout tools * Saws * Planes * Hammers and mallets * Chisels * Hand drills and braces * Screwdrivers * Tools used for holding * Caring for your tools

Techniques: Layout * Planing * Cutting and fitting joints * Assembling and gluing up * Finishing

Projects: Workbench * Bookcase * Child's desk * Chest * Bedside cabinet * Small table with drawer