The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking

by James Krenov

Sharing his legendary techniques for coopered doors, doweling, dovetail joints, frame-and-panel work, and other cabinetry details, master craftsman Krenov shows how to shape wood the way it was meant to be shaped. Beginning with the basics of selecting and preparing wood, he shows how first-rate execution and flawless finished surfaces are the hallmark of his work, and can be in yours, too. "James Krenov's views on craftsmanship have enlightened and inspired woodworkers around the world."--American Woodworker. 192 pages, 279 b/w illus., 8 1/2 x 11.

Genres: Woodwork, Nonfiction, Art

Hardcover

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