How to Build Anything: With 3 Tools, 3 Boards, and 3 Steps Paperback – December 5, 2012

I've been building for more years than most of you have been alive. (I'm old.) I wish I had had a copy of this about 35 years ago (no, 40). As a friend says, "This (whatever) is not rocket surgery." But, Andy does a real nice job of putting a lot of needed info -- that many of us taught ourselves over years of doing and watching others -- into a very concise package. I actually bought it for my 20-something who has his first house and is eagerly attacking its many projects. But I found it very useful. There are numerous references (EZ Match Chart: Bit & Screw, for example) that take the guesswork or 'experience needed' out of the list of things needed to complete a project correctly. The pages on pocket screw joinery are very helpful -- particularly if you have never used pocket screws before. (I bought my first pocket screw jig just a few weeks ago. A friend suggested I get one 20 years ago but I've been blissfully using biscuits and dowels and taking 4 times as long to build something basic than I needed to.) Too lengthy here but maybe I'm an idiot. I have never used a store-bought rip guide. If a plywood sheet was too big to get on my table saw, I always used a chalk line and/or figured out the spacing for a 1X4 rip fence against the plate of my circular saw. Andy's explanation of how to build a permanent and inexpensive rip fence is almost worth the price of the book. It's certainly a 'duh, why didn't I know that?' moment but it's further evidence that the book is long on great tips and thankfully short on needless verbiage. Very simple book on what can be a very complex subject. If you're just starting -- like my son -- get it (or get one for your son or daughter) and go ahead and order one for yourself even if you know what you're doing. It's a good (perhaps 'great') reference. I don't think you'll be disappointed. (Nice screw placement templates in the back as a bonus.)

I was thinking with this books descriptionWhich tools to buy - and how to use them.How to buy lumber - and get the best boards for the money.How to measure accurately - and avoid costly mistakes.Which fasteners to use - for making easy wood joints.How to build a box - the foundation of all furniture.what the heck! $15 how could I go wrong.My Dad and his Dad were carpenters - however - their skills were not passed on to me - in other words, I was 'not' born with their carpenter skills. So, using the Authors Website (ezwoodshop.com) and receiving regular emails from the Website, I purchased the book not really knowing what I was really paying for!Wow! - not mentioned above - this book tells you what length screw to use when you are using E.G. a 1" x 3/4" board attaching to a 1" x 3/4 inch board. This may not mean anything to some of you reading this, but, if you are not a craftsman like my Dad or my Grandpa was, that information was great!Now, what length screw to use as I described in the above example does not even start to tell you what else this book tells you. As described in the Books Description, "Which tools to buy - and how to use them", their are examples of how to set your Drill to what speed and torque in different situations. The book also describes what mistakes you could make in using a Drill and other tools.The examples go on and on and on, like describing 'Rip Cut Tips & Tricks'.OK! Enough is Enough - purchase this book and you will not be sorry! Over 150 pages, less than 11 cents a page.This book is worth $15 and more (OK $14.95 with free shipping if you have 'Prime' shipping with Amazon).

I love the book and the information offered on it but I hate that is black and white. There are photos that would show better if there where in color. Information is very interesting and the way it is presented is fun and easy to follow.

Five stars from my perspective. As a long time builder of quick and dirty woodworking projects, I was frustrated by the poor appearance and lack of sophistication in my projects. Andy's book gives no nonsense insight on what tools to use, how to use them, which fasteners work and how to have a great looking finished product. I'll be using the information in it a lot.Recommended for anyone starting out making items from wood to use in their daily lives. College students, apartment dwellers, new home owners can all take the information in this book and save money while making satisfying things to use in their daily lives. The insights on what tools to have and how to use them will save the cost of the book on your first project. Wood and a few fasteners are a lot less costly than any plastic gimmick from the big box store, and better looking too.This book cuts to the chase and doesn't waste your time. A great place to start.

I've always been one who habitually dove into things while simultaneously picking up info about it, sort of dragging the horse with the cart. Well, as it turns out, I did the same with woodworking. I am relatively new at it although not new to shop trades. That being said, I saw this book along with others I will swear by later, and knew I had a serious boost to help me move forward. But it would have been that much more had I bought it before starting. Very simply stated guidelines on the use of just three major tools(two of which by now just about any handyperson anywhere has in his or her possession), the application of various fasteners and the most effective use of each and the types of materials to build with. I'd say portions of this book is worth studying, even memorizing for referencing many times over. For those just beginning, as I've said before, this is the perfect boost for getting started!!