Essential Joinery

A great way to learn the basic joint types, or to review.

Excellent beginners guide to joinery. Good shop reference.

I love this book! It’s a “smorgasbord” of how to put together “useful” and “practical” joints – the bigger picture is up to you e.g. what will you make with them. There is no list of “redundant” projects that fill pages (padding) etc.I really liked this book. It’s very clear and it shows many ways to do the same thing, so it’s not (too) tool intensive. I found myself reading the book and it was as if Marc Spagnuolo was doing a voice over because he is so familiar...Mark’s workshop (YouTube) has a myriad of expensive "Powermatic" equipment. With a big budget, you could probably achieve a lot too! This book is however much more modest (down to earth) – there is no denying that you have to buy/beg/borrow some “essential” tools to get the job done. Given choices, this expense can be minimised. I like the way the book doesn’t exactly prescribe which tool is used, only that a particular type of tool is useful – choice (and budget) is up to you.It’s about the basics – you can probably find a book with 100+ joints and then only need half a dozen – as described in the book. It will give you confidence to either try something again or progress to something that's a bit more challenging. Pictures plus clear instruction that''s helpful is clearly evident!It should come with a money back coupon. I doubt you could read it and not save money – either by only buying the tools you really need (as demonstrated) or by making savings (do you really have to buy the best) or is there a trade-off/compromise to be had? Is there another way etc.

I have to admit that in my 6 years as a woodworker I’ve not gone beyond using butt joints with my Kreg for my work. I’ve decided to start using other types of jointery, even if it takes longer to complete my projects. So far I’m happy with this book. It’s an easy read and the step by steps instructions make it easier to attempt new joints. I just need more time to practice and I’m sure I’ll become a better craftsman.

Easy to follow, must have!!!