 [Larger view] | The Table Saw Book
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| The Table Saw Book | |
| Kelly Mehler has a clear, concise writing style that is both informative and easy to understand. The book covers a fair amount of territory in word and uses pictures well. Topics range from table saw anatomy to jigs and fixtures for expanding the utility of this tool that has become the center of many a workshop. Now that I've read the book and used it's advice on setting up my new table saw it will become a valued reference for the future. | |
| If you read only one book on table saws, this should be it! | |
| Kelly Mehler is a master builder of fine, museum quality furniture. He has been working wood for 27 years, and his one-of-a-kind pieces are collectors items. As a teacher, he is remendously generous with his talents and his help to the amateur woodworker, and this book is a classic example of his style: no-frills, easy-to understand, and non-threatening. This book gives a sense that you can do the task, no matter how daunted you are by it. It is as thorough and well-produced as his two videos, which I am constantly reviewing for technique and procedural questions. I'm telling you, this is the book to buy if you want THE handbook on table saw use, and the videos will become your touchtones for reference and encouragement. Above all else, Mehler respects and loves wood and woodworking, and it comes through in his work, the pieces he builds, the classes he teaches, the videos, and this book. YOU CAN'T MISS WITH THIS ONE. | |
| Clear and to the point, but enough about the Euro saws! | |
| Several important points to note: Positives: 1) Lots of pictures. Every concept has a clear picture and/or supplemental drawing. Much better than most books I've read that explain the technique, but don't show an example. 2) Serious about the basics. It's an exhaustive study of all the basics, it assumes you know nothing, but is written using novice wording. 3) Breadth. It covers many different examples of saws and attachments, rather than focusing on one saw in particular. Gives a good feel of what is out there, from basic stuff to pro tools. Negatives: Continually calls out how much better European saws are, from dust collection to riving knives to sliding table layout. Every other paragraph contains something like: "American saws do ____ poorly, but they are catching up to Euro saws, which have had this feature for years." Granted, he makes some great points, but it gets tedious. Overall: a fantastic reference book. |
