The Impractical Cabinetmaker

by James Krenov

Book Overview

James Krenov's delicate, lyrical cabinets have inspired a generation of wood craftsmen, as has his impassioned insistence that one do his very best work, no matter what. In this volume, first... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0442245580
• ISBN13: 9780442245580
• Release Date: January 1979
• Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.84 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Craft or Art?

I appreciate Krenov for his love of fine craft, for his love of the work and even for wood itself. Krenov's spirit comes through strongly in his writing - another indication of why he has been so influential. Most crafts have a contingent that argues from philosophy, usually with the goal of inclusion in the fine arts. Krenov can be viewed in that vein, and much of the content of this book borders on spiritual. Philosophy is not the only approach to fine craft. Sam Maloof, for example, often describes himself as a carpenter. For a variety of reasons, however, the arts community prefers craft dosed with philosophy and tends to reject work - and craftspeople - who do not exhibit it. If craft as art appeals to you, you will find strong support in this book. As time has passed, it's getting a little harder to see Krenov's impact. You see knock-offs and derivations of his designs in almost every woodworking book and magazine you pick up, and that's been going on for decades. As a result, it's easy to lose sight of Krenov himself and how unusual his designs were when introduced. In truth, very few people have their designs so widely imitated. This isn't your usual woodworking book. Buy it if you like crafts philosophy or to gain some insight into an important figure in the craft. Be forewarned, though, it's not a coffee table book or a quick read.

none like it

I bought this book a few years ago and I'm still reading it...or I should say re-reading it. As I progress with my woodworking skills, build some pieces, work with a different wood, etc, I find things in this book I didn't see before. There's a little bit of how-to here, but for me that's not where the real value lies. I love the philosophies of working with wood that Mr. Krenov offers -- they are worth the price of admission, and should be the reason for reading it. So my suggestion is to acquire the books you need about joinery, shaping, cabinet construction, etc., and as you go along every now and then take this book from the shelf and re-read it. Maybe not all of it, but I'm betting that as you grow in woodcraft you will react to it in a different way than you did the last time. If all you want to do is cut out parts and fasten them together, why not get an erector set?...not so much sawdust. I agree with the reviewer who suggests that it should be required reading for every consumer as well.

Another Krenovian Must Have

I love all of Krenov's books. One reason is their accessibility. One complaint I have with most woodworking books on technique (like Norm Abrams') is that you need so many specialized tools or machines. Krenov's books are different: he talks as much about why to do something as he talks about the how. He makes his own planes not because of cost but because he can make them better than he can buy. He encourages you to slow down, to think about what you're doing, and to enjoy the wood. I liked "The Impractical Cabinetmaker" especially for his instruction on making your own veneer, something that I've had lots of fun with over the years. His outlines of his own projects are helpful, too, to see how he goes about creating a piece. A great book that I highly recommend.

Not a step by step guide ...but maybe a self-help book

I did not know what to expect when I ordered this book I was kind of hopeing for a technical how-to guide on building cabinets.Since I was building kitchen cabinets at the time I wanted some top quality ideas and guides to build them. This book is not a step by step guide. But let me say this... this book has inspired me. Dare I say it is a spiritual guide to working with wood coupled with some solid planning and designing words of wisdom. For me it inspired me to move away from the standard straight designs and work toward more artistic and flowing furniture. Just don't buy this book thinking it is a technical how-to book on building you standard square boxes; but buy this book if you desire to build heirlooms .