Originally published by Cassel, Petter & Galpin in 1874, this enchanting and practical guide offers adept lads what its author calls, in the book's subtitle, "Practical Directions for Making Numerous Articles for Use and Ornament, Mechanical Toys, Models, &c; With Descriptions of Various Tools, and the Method of Using Them." Learn how to build a small summer-house; model bridges, tables, bookshelves, gates, desks, dog kennels, and chests, along with specific woodworking skills like veneering and lengthening timber. The book aims to enlighten and entertain even as it strives to instill virtue and industry in its young readers.
The volume offers nearly 200 illustrations, a pleasing typeface and a charming authorial tone. The projects are a pretty varied lot, ranging from the simple to the very ambitious. While there is some basic instruction on how to do things, the author expects some familiarity with tools, and some terms are dated. It is, however, a great font of ideas and a starting point for lots of projects that you might not ordinarily attempt.
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