The Complete Handbook of Power Tools

OK, so this is an old book and you can buy it for 1 cent. That said, I really liked it, especially since I've got a bunch of old tools residing in my shop. Drake's effort is meant for those new to power tool woodworking, but it is also a useful reference for the more experienced woodworker. And if you enjoy any of the many RJ De Cristoforo offerings (which I do), you'll also like this one as they have a similar feel.

Simply put, Drake wrote his handbook with the purpose of demonstrating to woodworkers "the know how in the use of power tools." Drake declares that "You will take an idea, expand on it, and then turn a few pieces of rough lumber into a beautiful creation." "You really won't save any money -- not if you count your time and your investment in tools in addition to the cost of the material. Your creation will cost about as much as if you had gone to the store and bought it, but it will be completely designed, constructed, and hand tailored by you." Wise and refreshingly honest words, indeed!

Drake's handbook provides a complete overview of power tools from the mid-1970s and how they're used with text, drawings, and photographs. Appendixes are very helpful in supplying a decent glossary, cross references, and information dealing with pesky shop math issues...which I've never been good or patient about. As I've said, this is an old book; however it still works even when you consider how power tools have changed in the past 40 years. Many of the tools he discusses are still around and happily in use.