The Woodworker Vols I – IV

Product Description

Before Lost Art Press was started, they hadstarted work on a four-volume bible covering handwork that draws on the works of legendary writer and editor Charles H. Hayward. Their goal: A set of books that will guide a woodworker from their first project to the most advanced techniques. In short, four library-grade volumes that should be the cornerstone of any woodworker interested in handwork.

It took a team of six people more than eight years to sift through thousands of pages of Hayward’s writings and illustrations. They organised, scanned and edited vintage texts from Hayward to create a series they call “The Woodworker Vols. 1-4.” These four books cover the core topics of handwork at a level of detail rarely found in woodworking texts today. There are 1,492 pages of information in the four books.

• Volume 1: Tools
• Volume 2: Techniques
• Volume 3: Joinery
• Volume 4: The Shop & Furniture

Why did theydo all this? Honestly, there has never been another woodworker like Hayward. And his work was in danger of being lost to time. Hayward (1898-1998) was the most important workshop writer and editor of the 20th century. Unlike any person before (and perhaps after) him, Hayward was a trained cabinetmaker and extraordinary illustrator, not to mention an excellent designer, writer, editor and photographer.

As editor ofThe Woodworkermagazine from 1939 to 1967, Hayward oversaw the transformation of the craft from one that was almost entirely hand-tool based to a time where machines were common, inexpensive and had displaced the handplanes, chisels and backsaws of Hayward’s training and youth.

Their massive project distilled the thousands of articles Hayward published inThe Woodworker. This is information that hasn’t been seen or read in decades. No matter where you are in the craft, from a complete novice to a professional, you will find information here you cannot get anywhere else.

This is not simply a quick reprint of old magazines. They reset all of the type. Lost Art Pressscanned and cleaned up every image (more than 2,000 drawings and photos). And theyorganised it in a logical and compelling way.

Volume I: Tools (456 pages)

Sharpening
Setting Out Tools & Chisels
Planes
Saws
Boring Tools
Carving
Turning
Veneering & Inlay

Volume II: Techniques (432 pages)

General Techniques
Miscellaneous Tools & Techniques

Volume III: Joinery (278 pages)

Panel Joints
Frame Joints
Dovetail & Carcase Joints
Miscellaneous Joints

Volume IV: Workshop & Furniture (326 pages)

Workbenches & Workholding
Tool Chests & Storage
Appliances
Furniture Styles
Furniture Projects & Drawings
Miscellaneous Details
Thoughts on the Craft (Odds & Sods)

Not convinced? You can download a complete (and searchable) list of all the articles in Volumes 1-4here.

Manufacturing Details

Like all Lost Art Press books, these 8.5”x 11”volumes are designed to last several lifetimes and survive rough use in the shop. The interior pages are printed in Michigan on #60 uncoated paper. The pages are folded into signatures. The signatures are gathered and then sewn together with thread (something rarely done in printing today). Then, the sewn signatures are glued and reinforced with fiber tape. The book block is then wrapped with thick U.S.-made cardstock. In use, the book will open flat on your bench and remain intact for decades to come.

About Charles H. Hayward

Charles H. Hayward (1898-1998) was the most important workshop writer and editor of the 20th century. Unlike any person before (and perhaps after) him, Hayward was a trained cabinetmaker and extraordinary illustrator, not to mention an excellent designer, writer, editor and photographer. As editor ofThe Woodworkermagazine from 1939 to 1967, Hayward oversaw the transformation of the craft from one that was almost entirely hand-tool based to a time where machines were common, inexpensive and had displaced the handplanes, chisels and backsaws of Hayward’s training and youth.

In addition to these four volumes, you also might be interested in “Honest Labour: The Charles H. Hayward Years” and “Woodworker’s Pocket Book,” edited by Charles H. Hayward.

You can learn about Hayward, as remembered by Robert Wearing,here.

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