The Minimalist Woodworker Series
I never set out to be “The Minimalist Woodworker.” In fact, I am not a minimalist myself. I wrote these books because I kept hearing the same frustration over and over again. People felt that they needed a huge shop, expensive machinery, and a table saw the size of a small car in order to build anything. That just is not true. As I explain in the books, you can do real woodworking with a small chest of hand tools and a sturdy bench. You can build furniture without filling a garage with machines.
An unexpected and humbling outcome has been the notes I receive from readers living with PTSD who have found comfort in hand tool woodworking. Quiet tools, slower work, and the rhythm of hand skills have given many of them a way to create without the loud, triggering environment of power machinery. If these books have done anything, I hope they have shown that woodworking is for everyone—no matter the size of your shop, your budget, or your experience.
The Minimalist Woodworker
Here's the truth about woodworking: you don't need a single machine or a huge shop. All you need are a few essential tools, a little bit of space for a basic workbench, and the desire to make something with your own hands.
The Minimalist Woodworker is about making woodworking simple: from the tools and the workspace to the easy-to-follow instructions. It eliminates any fears as it demystifies the craft. This book is all about a stress-free approach to woodworking. It begins with an understanding of the minimalist mindset and quickly details how to make a small space productive while outlining the most efficient tools for a woodworker. Each piece of equipment is explained and techniques and instructions for keeping each piece sharp and well-maintained are provided.
Once space and tools are covered, six useful projects are presented: saw bench and matching saw horse, Nicholson-style workbench, shooting board/bench hook, shop mallet, and a small hanging cabinet. Each project not only develops woodworking skills, but also outfits a small shop.
With step-by-step instructions, photos, illustrations, and an easy-going tone, The Minimalist Woodworker offers an informative, stress-free point of entry into the life-long craft of woodworking.
You can find my books wherever good woodworking books are sold, at your local bookstore or online. If they’re not on the shelf, most shops can order them for you.
“If you are at the beginning of the craft or know someone who is, The Minimalist Woodworker is a great place to start”
— Christopher Schwarz, Lost Art Press
Projects from the Minimalist Woodworker
Projects from the Minimalist Woodworker teaches the basics of furniture making using step-by-step photos detailing the process of building handsome projects any woodworker will be proud to create.
A follow-up to my first book, this book is a celebration of the small tool set needed to create beautiful work and an expansion of the techniques and skills learned in the first book. This book acts like a seasoned woodworker lending a helping hand in the workshop. It also demystifies the craft of woodworking so that anyone with any skill level can dive in and do good work.
With Projects from the Minimalist Woodworker and even a modest toolset, anyone can develop their skills and enjoy unlimited hours in their shop.
You'll learn to build a variety of pieces including a handsome dovetailed box, a wall cabinet, a storage chest, and handy shop projects like a hand plane and a marking knife.
You can find my books wherever good woodworking books are sold, at your local bookstore or online. If they’re not on the shelf, most shops can order them for you.