CLASSIC HAND TOOLS by GARRETT HACK - 1999

This is a first edition of Classic Hand Tools, by the American cabinetmaker Garrett Hack.

From a review: "Garrett Hack feels that his hand tools have become extensions of himself and are linked with what he makes and how he makes it. He also believes that learning about hand tools and how to use them is part of the pleasure to be gotten from working with wood.

Hack's presentation of hand tools is organized according to their normal purposes: boring, sawing, planing, marking and measuring, striking and chiseling and he provides historical insights into the development of the more common hand tools. For example, "Striking Tools" starts with axes and hatchets and moves through twybills and throes to mallets and hammers.

Each major section surveys numerous variants of the class of tools being dealt with, and covers use, maintenance, sharpening and tuning. As a bonus, most sections contain informative sidebars providing advice and tips from the master. He includes explanations and discussion of tools and explains what's involved in making your own tools, buying used tools and strategies for restoring old ones. There's even a section on workshops, benches and clamps. This handsome work is illustrated by more than 300 photographs and 40 drawings and features an introduction, bibliography and index."

This is an expensive book but, long ago, a can of paint thinner was spilled on the top of it. The pages have long dried, but every one has a wave at the top. That's why it's priced the way it is.