The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking

by James Krenov

Learn to elevate and perfect your cabinetmaking skills! Sharing his legendary techniques for coopered doors, dowelling, dovetail joints, frame-and-panel work, latches, hinges, fittings, and other cabinetry details, in The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking , master woodworker James Krenov elevates cabinetry to a true art.
With continual themes of perfection of technique and building to the limits of one's skill, this authoritative resource provides in-depth instruction for mastering the craft of cabinetmaking. A bevy of topics, including the proper way to sharpen and hone tools, hollow grinding methodology, and obtaining proper grinding angles, are detailed in this comprehensive cabinet-making sourcebook. Lessons devoted to using and understanding various woods, including common or exotic pieces, learning how to read grain, and the pros and cons in working with air-dried wood versus kiln-dried wood, will educate any level of woodworker. Chapters devoted to resawing as well as problems and concerns due to moisture content and wood movement are also included.
Beginning with the most essential part of cabinetry—selecting and preparing wood—Krenov shares his beliefs about the integrity of the material being the first priority so that the subtle use of figure and color will enhance the design. He shows how first-rate execution and flawless finished surfaces are the hallmarks of his work and can be in yours when you discover his secrets. In the end, true inspiration and masterful skill have never come together so exquisitely as in Krenov’s work.

Genres: Woodwork, Nonfiction, Art

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1977

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Krenov is a beloved woodworker and cabinetmaker, this book is look into the his mind and philosophy both with design and tools.

[Kyle Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was worth the read but could be summed in a sentence or two. The integrity of the process and the final piece are more important than anything. So slow down and focus on the details. Some good tips on methods and tools that hold up today too.

[Ray Savarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Philosophy of fine woodworking in details, carefulness, precision.
1/64" makes a difference (!).
Good aspirational book, also a walkthru on how to build a wooden plane, and thoughts on sharpening, joints, proper construction, many others.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This includes instructions on hand tool usage, with some notes on repairing wooden planes as well along notes on wood and coopered doors. The illustrations in my edition or a kinda muddy black and white photos on matte paper.

[Timothy Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just over my head. The guy is a cabinet genius and I enjoyed the sections on wood types and learned about working with grains so they work together.

[Matt Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tough read but informative

[Celestin Büche · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a few gold nuggets buried within these pages that make the read well worth the effort.

[David Hallard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art Establishment raids cabinet making.

[Christopher Hachet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krenov's work is gorgeous. I want to try building some of the pieces illustrated.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wrote the review below after the first chapter (of three), when I was considering not even finishing the book. My view of the next two improved, but I still feel the book is very random. He was a real artist in wood, and there are a lot of very insightful ideas here, but it is too much work to find them amidst the other musings.

This book is written by a master craftsman waxing philosophical about wood and making furniture. And like all philosophy, if you don't have the correct frame of reference when you start, it is totally meaningless.

I'm basically not impressed. Maybe in a few years this would mean more to me, but right now it is of very little value. Yes there are a few veins of gold, but they are buried under tons of rock.

For instance, he spends the last few pages of chapter one, "Wood", bemoaning the state of crafts education in Sweden in the mid seventies. (the book was first published in 1977.) However insightful at the time, it's now just ancient history.

[Smellsofbikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krenov's personality comes through as strongly as the technique he teaches. It's an amazing book full of incredible technique and design suggestions. Also philosophy, lots and lots of philosophy. He rarely comes out and says "there is a right way and a million wrong ways and I'm going to tell you the right way" but the implication is often pretty clear. It's a great book, just a little overwhelming sometimes.

[Bob Shadel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very nice run through of Krenov's approach to cabinet making. His personal approach and relationship to wood; the careful selection and care of wood; his use of machine tools and some pretty good recommendations; a thorough description of making his famous wood plane...
enough to go forth and make some cabinets with a personal delicate touch.

[Traveller · Rating 5 out of 5]

An artist in wood