Great, 10 Jun 2007
This truly is a exceptional book, weather you are a competent smith or just starting in the craft. It explains various projects ranging from easy hooks and the like to more complex items. Shows how to build a forge and tools, gives everything you need for starting out or to pick up some more knowledge. Filled with humorous quotations and knowledgeable advice from McRaven's own experience. Plenty of pictures showing step-by-step processes from each task. A great read for what ever your purpose.

Great, 10 Jun 2007
This truly is a exceptional book, weather you are a competent smith or just starting in the craft. It explains various projects ranging from easy hooks and the like to more complex items. Shows how to build a forge and tools, gives everything you need for starting out or to pick up some more knowledge. Filled with humorous quotations and knowledgeable advice from McRaven's own experience. Plenty of pictures showing step-by-step processes from each task. A great read for what ever your purpose.

Every model engineer should have a copy, 27 Sep 2000
Written by one of the great names of model engineering, this publication contains a wealth of information relating to accessories for the workshop. The content includes jigs and fixtures, purpose-made tools, crankshaft machining aids, and a whole lot more. While skimming through the book, I found myself thinking a number of times, "That would be useful".

The constructional information is presented clearly and concisely, in both textual and pictorial form. This means that any model engineer with a modicum of expertise can make useful additions to his/her workshop.

Where mathematical formulae are required in marking out, etc., Mr. Cain makes them useable, understandable and painless.

One minor criticism is that, while the book has a comprehensive table of contents, it does not have a detailed index. This does not, however, detract from being a thoroughly useful book.

Great, 10 Jun 2007
This truly is a exceptional book, weather you are a competent smith or just starting in the craft. It explains various projects ranging from easy hooks and the like to more complex items. Shows how to build a forge and tools, gives everything you need for starting out or to pick up some more knowledge. Filled with humorous quotations and knowledgeable advice from McRaven's own experience. Plenty of pictures showing step-by-step processes from each task. A great read for what ever your purpose.

Every model engineer should have a copy, 27 Sep 2000
Written by one of the great names of model engineering, this publication contains a wealth of information relating to accessories for the workshop. The content includes jigs and fixtures, purpose-made tools, crankshaft machining aids, and a whole lot more. While skimming through the book, I found myself thinking a number of times, "That would be useful".

The constructional information is presented clearly and concisely, in both textual and pictorial form. This means that any model engineer with a modicum of expertise can make useful additions to his/her workshop.

Where mathematical formulae are required in marking out, etc., Mr. Cain makes them useable, understandable and painless.

One minor criticism is that, while the book has a comprehensive table of contents, it does not have a detailed index. This does not, however, detract from being a thoroughly useful book.

tools price guide, 20 Aug 2006
nice book full of pictures and information, but it is based on the American market for both products and prices, so not much use in the UK

Great, 10 Jun 2007
This truly is a exceptional book, weather you are a competent smith or just starting in the craft. It explains various projects ranging from easy hooks and the like to more complex items. Shows how to build a forge and tools, gives everything you need for starting out or to pick up some more knowledge. Filled with humorous quotations and knowledgeable advice from McRaven's own experience. Plenty of pictures showing step-by-step processes from each task. A great read for what ever your purpose.

Every model engineer should have a copy, 27 Sep 2000
Written by one of the great names of model engineering, this publication contains a wealth of information relating to accessories for the workshop. The content includes jigs and fixtures, purpose-made tools, crankshaft machining aids, and a whole lot more. While skimming through the book, I found myself thinking a number of times, "That would be useful".

The constructional information is presented clearly and concisely, in both textual and pictorial form. This means that any model engineer with a modicum of expertise can make useful additions to his/her workshop.

Where mathematical formulae are required in marking out, etc., Mr. Cain makes them useable, understandable and painless.

One minor criticism is that, while the book has a comprehensive table of contents, it does not have a detailed index. This does not, however, detract from being a thoroughly useful book.

tools price guide, 20 Aug 2006
nice book full of pictures and information, but it is based on the American market for both products and prices, so not much use in the UK

Keep sharp, 28 Feb 2005
This book did not meet my expectations, but having bought it and read through, it is clear that its scope doesn't set out to meet my needs. Having said that I learned a lot in reading it so hence the 4 out of 5 score.
I got this book with a particular purpose in mind, namely to keep my garden tools, hedge clippers and lawn mower blades sharp.
The book is solely centered on looking after the wood workers hand tools such as chisels and planes. It does not cover every day items like kitchen knifes or scissors.
The book describes itself as "a general introduction to the subject, covering all the main points and looking as specific issues like the therory and mechanics of sharpening." It does this clearly, and I was able to follow its advice through the good use of photographs.
Overall a good how too book for the woodworker, but I was disapointed that scope of the book was not opened up beyond woodwork hand tools