(Dutton)
By Nick Offerman
This friend is a proper woodworker’s book. If
you are deep into craft with many years of experience, you will appreciate the
subtext of the writing and some of the fine details. If you have just been
bitten by the woodworking bug and are still at the dreaming stage of setting up
your shop, this will fire you up with enthusiasm to get on with it without
delay.
What’s more, on days when
you just can’t get into the shop (does that actually ever happen?) this
book will fill the void with tales of daring do and sawdust from some of the
coolest woodworkers in America. Nick’s style of writing is easy going and straight to the
point with a satisfying seasoning of well-timed humour throughout.
After an initial and very readable
introduction to essential tools and workshop set-up, there is a really good
section on the properties of wood and how boards are cut. Doesn’t sound like much, but
if you are new to the ways of the saw; this is devilishly useful info when you
want to sound convincing at the lumber yard.
Now the main event of this very
readable volume is an introduction to a cast of fine woodworking folks who
share an absolute passion for making stuff; and have crossed paths with Nick
and his studio over time. Firstly, each of these twenty characters is
introduced in a very readable preamble which gives you a flavour of their own
particular brand of wood fever. Secondly,
you get some delightful projects presented by their makers and some pretty
detailed instructions; some accompanied with great illustrations to help you
make them if you choose to take up the challenge. Some are complex and require
serious time and skill, but you can start with a small but beautifully detailed
kazoo, and who wouldn’t want one of those?
Throughout the book are some
beautiful images. ‘Wood Porn’ is a fair description as well as some original pop
art and illustrations. There is a smattering of side articles on subjects as
diverse as beard culture and workshop fashion; all presented with the level of
irreverence and smart humour that are the hallmarks of this really great book.
Undoubtedly this is a terrific
book with some great original projects to pick up, either to do or to dream
about making in your own fashion. But more than that, it sets out in print what
the modern world of woodworking or making with wood is about. It’s a kick back at
conformity and the mass produced in favour of creativity and rediscovery of
craft skills. Not just for those lucky enough to make their living from working
with wood, but for the millions of us who enjoy freedom of expression made real
by our own hands.
Good
Clean Fun, Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop by Nick Offerman is available from thegmcgroup.com, and
other retailers online. ISBN-978-1-101-98465-9.
