I Can Do That! Woodworking Projects

by David Thiel (Editor)

A detailed guide to woodworking shows do-it-yourself enthusiasts how to create seventeen quality furniture projects with a modest kit of tools in less than two days of shop time while using only materials that are available at local home center stores. Original. 20,000 first printing.

Genres: Woodwork, Nonfiction, Crafts

127 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Alex]

has good designs for bench trunk, side table with shelf, pallet coffee table, storage bench (basket cubbies), wall shelving, stacking bookcase, small bookcase, corner coat rack/shelf, step stool/bench, fish trivet.

[Mark Trenier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only a couple of projects I want to build

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked is that it starts from the assumption that you don't know anything about woodworking (which is not too far off the mark). So it is a very gentle introduction to the tools, then each project includes discussion on the techniques being used. Which is refreshing compared to plans that say do X, and I may not know how to do X.

What is very helpful is that that it starts out by defining a minimum tool set, then every plan is based on the fact that you only have that set, so you will not get caught looking at plans that assume you have a equipment that reflected serious investment in money and space in your house. (to find the list, look for the "I can do that" section on the Popular Woodworking website. the "Free, online manual" is the tools chapter of this book.)

The plans are basic compared to many woodworking plans available. But this is because it purposely limits the equipment required and the plans are not chosen for the complexity, but as objects to teach techniques on how to use tools (such as how to measure, drill, join, hammer, etc.) and more tricks of the trade. And the authors explain why each technique works and the problems the technique avoids. Which is helpful when you are like me and don't even have the minimal list of tools they list.

Highly recommended as a starting point.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on Sarahsbookshelf.com:

I’m a little on the fence about this particular edition of this book, edited by David Thiel. While it’s a relatively easy step-by-step guide to making some basic wood projects, I think this book falls into a common trap. The projects look like homemade projects, instead of looking like plans for things you might purchase in a furniture store. Not to say that all the plans are bad–I don’t think they are. I think, especially as a woman, I when I think about projects that I want to make for my home, I want them to be things that are similar to items that I might purchase at Pottery Barn or another furniture store. Maybe I’ve drunk too much of the Ana White Kool-Aid, but I don’t these things are mutually exclusive.

This book is OK if you want a little more guidance on how to set up your woodshop or how to select tools, but as far as plans go I would either get a different book or check out another edition of this series. I borrowed this from my public library, so I didn’t have the option of a different edition.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had some pretty good ideas in it. If you're brand new to woodworking and what to get your feet wet, this would be a good place to start. Nothing too intimidating, but it's not all butt joints and pocket screws either. I found the pictures and illustrations to be clear and easily understood. The descriptions of the building process, I thought, were very easy to follow and didn't leave out any important information.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for someone just starting out in woodworking. Has an excellent introduction which describes a basic tool set for a beginner, and how to use those tools. Then there are 17 project plans, which though suitable for a beginner still look pretty good.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool projects--look doable.