Great-Looking 2 x 4 Furniture
Stevie Henderson & Mark Baldwin
Main Street: a division of Sterling Publishing Co. Inc

Informative Read ... Recommended ... 5 stars

‘Great-Looking 2X4 Furniture’ is another in the writers’ how-to book series. This one too is filled with step by step directions, lustrous snapshots, and a layout of a variety of furniture pieces to be made by utilizing a minimum of tools, readily accessible woods and a minimal measure of furniture making aptitude.

Catching my eye is the stunning chest showcased on the cover of the issue. The chest is sturdy and attractive.

Opening the work is a 23 page section featuring ‘Tips and Techniques,’ ‘Tools,’ including a listing of Basic Tools, Optional tools and Advanced Tools. The necessity for level working surface is explained. For the novice there are photos and simple description of hand tools, clamps, measuring tools. Line drawings indicate how to mark a rip cut and marking a crosscut. Various measuring tools; straight edge, T-bevel, Squares, and how to use level to check that edges are straight. Drills and bits, staples and staple guns and cutting tools are all shown and explanation for use is given. Photos and hand drawn illustrations are provided to explain by example good lumber and various problems to watch for when selecting woods to use for projects, warped, cupped, split and knotty planks are included.

A small two page section titled The Projects discusses things to know, things to consider and a detailed explanation of how the project schematic is set out for each project are included. The skill level code is explained: drawings of hammers are used. One hammer and the project is easy, two hammers means it is a bit more difficult and three hammers save for last. Schematics will include Special tools and Techniques, Materials and Supplies, Hardware, Cutting List, and a Final Tip.

Project plans include House Number-skill level 1 hammer, Victorian Table - skill level 1 hammer, Tiled Lamp - skill level 1 hammer, Planter for Cuttings - skill level 1 hammer, Bathroom Wall Rack - skill level 1 hammer, Upholstered Ottoman - skill level 2 hammers, Padded Headboard - skill level 1 hammer, Butler’s Chest - skill level 2 hammers, Wall Cabinet - skill level 2 hammers, Desk Organizer - skill level 2 hammers, Multiple Planter - skill level 2 hammers, Occasional Table - skill level 2 hammers, Sun Lounge with Planters skill level 2 hammers, Tiled Kitchen Table - skill level 2 hammers, Desk Cabinet - skill level 2 hammers, Buffet Table - skill level 2 hammers, Chaise Lounge - skill level 2 hammers, Rustic Armoire - skill level 3 hammers, and Corner Cabinet - skill level 3 hammers.

Written in lucid, ordinary language Writer’s Henderson and Baldwin have again put their ability to good use. The pair have created an excellent book meant for the do-it-yourselfer who may not yet have too much expertise. The copious illustrations, easily grasped directions and photos of completed projects stirs the reader to want to grab a hammer and lumber and begin a project.

‘Great-Looking 2X4 Furniture’ is a super book for looking through carefully, keeping on the work bench AND using. ‘Great-Looking 2X4 Furniture’ is meant to be used. Cover and pages sturdy keep on the work table. As with others in the series the reader, per the fine print at the front-piece of the book, is permitted to make copies of the plans if they wish. The Butler Chest and The Chaise both have caught my interest! Maybe when the weather gets a little cooler I’ll tackle one or both.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend. ‘Great-Looking 2X4 Furniture’ will be a fine addition to the home library, the do-it-yourselfer gift package, or home school library and school library as a book to stir the interest of young men who may be reluctant to read a ‘story’ book and young women who are unwilling to do only ‘girl’ things.

2 x 4 Projects for outdoor Living
Stevie Henderson & Mark Baldwin
Main Street: a division of Sterling Publishing Co. Inc

Order from Amazon

Informative Read ... Recommended ... 5 stars

The work is a how-to book filled with glossy photos, step by step directions and a layout of various objects to be made using simple tools, easily gotten wood and a minimum of building expertise.

What caught my eye first is the lovely porch swing on the cover of the publication. The swing appears usable and used in addition to being sturdy and very, very inviting.

A 23 page section describing materials in simple terms: adhesives, fasteners, together with wood and a variety of tools sets the tone for the work. Clear illustrations are provided to explain the term toenailing and how to set a wood plug over a screw for beauty’s sake. Advantages of using screws for fastening pieces rather than pounding nails is explained. Tables are provided detailing the pennyweight of nails together with their relative length as well as nominal size for wood and the actual dimensions of the wood. Illustrations provided are both hand drawn as in the good illustration of warped, cupped, split and knotty wood in addition to the photo profiling applicators, sealant, glue and finishes to use to complete projects. Good clear photos are provided showing simple, easily had tools needed for the projects along with how to use the nail sets, hammers, screwdrivers and clamps while working. A table of recommended basic tools to be assembled is a boon to those of us who may want to actually try a project but not have a lot of experience or expertise in doing so to date.

Projects for consideration include a birdhouse table for the patio, a free standing patio screen, lawn chair, an outdoor storage center. Gardeners will enjoy taking a peek at the glistening vine covered Tuteur while envisioning it in their own garden. The plans for the porch swing are ones I do intend to use come spring. Plans for each project comprise 4 to 6 pages beginning with a large full page photo of the completed project. In the case of the swing the following page begins with a table outlining materials, hardware, cutting list for the wood and a note on materials explaining why specific hardware to be used to hang the swing is not provided. The note makes good sense, lists the chain and bolts used by the author and offers suggestions to consult someone in the know at the local supply center.

A detailed explanation for building the swing seat, back and sides is accompanied by good line drawings and large photos that an even all thumbs builder (myself included) should find easily followed.

Other project plans include a portable deck made in 16 inch squares, an Adirondack Sofa to place on the deck, and a canopy to shade the deck. There is a trellis and fountain to provide soothing melody as you gaze out at the trellis arbor, outdoor bar, a table tray, hurricane lamp, mini gazebo, barbeque table, picnic table and benches, covered trash container all made by you and placed in your yard.

Written in clear, easily understood, ordinary language Handyman Writer’s Henderson and Baldwin have put their talents to good use to produce a well conceived book meant for the do-it-yourselfer wannabe who lurks beneath the surface in many of us. The numerous illustrations, clear directions and photos of finished projects hold reader interest fast from that swing on the cover to the last fountain trellis project.

This is not a nice little book to flip through, consign to the bookshelf and forget. "2 x 4 Projects for outdoor Living" is meant to be used. Cover and pages are sturdy enough to carry out to the building site, prop up and refer to often. The reader is allowed to make copies of the plans if they wish per the fine print at the front-piece of the book. I plan to tackle the moveable patio squares first and then move on to another project when my confidence builds. Perhaps that porch swing will be hanging on my porch come mid summer.

My only question would be: are there other books in a series? I can think of some indoor projects I might like to attempt.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend. A good addition to the home library, or home school library as a book to whet the interest of young men who may be reluctant to read a ‘story’ book.