What can you make with a single plank of wood and some
imagination? This is the simple challenge that the cover of this book suggests,
though there is quite a lot more to this intriguing book from the ever popular
GMC publications stable.
The basic premise is a series of projects that are made from
a limited set of materials, in general a single plank with the occasional
fixings. The projects have a good range of skill levels and combined, produce
several really good practical and decorative pieces such as a toolbox and a
lamp base.
Early chapters give an overview of both hand and power tools
that you can use, as well as some handy tips on measuring and cutting
techniques. So is it a beginner’s guide?
Not really, in our opinion, though if you are thinking of getting into
woodworking but have yet to take the plunge (no pun intended), it’s a
reasonable starting point in terms of tools you might need and projects you
could have a go at.
The project section of the book has well set out pages with clear
instructions and excellent photography, and if you have a well-stocked workshop
quite a few of your tools will get an outing as you work your way through. The
level of skill and experience required does vary quite a lot, though not
necessarily increasing in the order the projects appear in the book, so it’s
definitely worth a thumb through to find a project that you are comfortable
with as your starting point. Also, as the book makes clear, the end point of
each project is a bare wood item that will need some finish applied to be both
practical and pleasing.
We did like this book from the standpoint of some straight
forward practice projects using the one plank limitation as the thread to join
them together. Where it could go in a second volume is to really push this
theme and explore the real design challenge implied in the title. For
established woodworkers it is real food for thought and from Triton it’s an
open challenge; just what could you make from a single plank? Contact us via
the website or leave a comment on the blog with your ideas.
One Plank Woodworking Projects by Andy Standing is available
from GMCbooks.com and other retailers on line.
ISBN-978-1-86108-898-7
