The Impractical Cabinetmaker: Krenov on Composing, Making, and Detailing

If you love woodworking you will love this book. He was a master who loved the craft and it comes through in this book. Sadly his demeanor took a turn for the grouchier in his later years from what I understand, but that has or will happen to many of us, my understanding is this was borne out of his passion for the craft, can't fault James for that.

I bought this book a few years ago and I'm still reading it...or I should say re-reading it. As I progress with my woodworking skills, build some pieces, work with a different wood, etc, I find things in this book I didn't see before. There's a little bit of how-to here, but for me that's not where the real value lies. I love the philosophies of working with wood that Mr. Krenov offers -- they are worth the price of admission, and should be the reason for reading it. So my suggestion is to acquire the books you need about joinery, shaping, cabinet construction, etc., and as you go along every now and then take this book from the shelf and re-read it. Maybe not all of it, but I'm betting that as you grow in woodcraft you will react to it in a different way than you did the last time.If all you want to do is cut out parts and fasten them together, why not get an erector set?...not so much sawdust. I agree with the reviewer who suggests that it should be required reading for every consumer as well.

My wife gave me this book for Christmas in 1985. After reading the book I wondered where I could find him. I was not the same person after reading this book. Eventually I found out where the author lived and found that he founded a school through College of The Redwoods. This book will not give shortcuts to producing a wood cutter. There are no shortcuts to quality work. This book gives details that are seldom written about. Although Krenov is no longer living his time tested principles and quality preceded him and continue on. Expect to notice more details, see poor workmanship, and woodworking principles violated in factories after reading this book. Some of the work done at the school can be seen on their website at [...]What Krenov writes about influenced how I build furniture and do home interiors. Before and after I studied at the school there is a huge difference in the quality of my work and design.

Inspirational reading for aspiring woodworkers who have no mentor. George Nakashima and Mr. James Krenov give an Impractical feel to wood and teaches us reverence.One reviewer sees this as something totally different. And it is. It is not a "how to". We learn about love of wood and the organicity of wood.Mr. Kenov is in his eighties now, and leaves behind a legacy. You may not find funcionality in his cabinits but learning the respect for wood is imprortant.I've read the other reviews. From 2 star to 5 star they say it all! What can I add? Like some of the reviewers I was looking for more of How to do it stuff. What I found was more. "Impractical Cabinetmaker" was a shocker, and a mover.I have been making things in wood since I was told by my dad, "If I show you how to use the tools and I give you your own, will you stay out of my toolshed?" With this book I became Mr. Krenov's temporary apprentice. With words he gives a feel for being "in woodworking!" For me words are important, for other woodworkers they are not. I've had the book and read it twice, about 3 years apart. It is not a book about "what we do" but "why we do it!" Other books are more factual, more practical. This one is spiritual!

Very interesting book has many good insites.

Definitely good for a seasoned carpenter. Newbies wanting to get instructions should choose another book of his or other woodworker. For the person who want to go within in order to produce fine work .. this was highly recommended.

One of the best books of all time for information needed on how to make cabinets.

This book is for my husband who already knows woodworking. It is not really for an unskilled person unless you are extremely good with power tools and saws....

I've read all of Krenov's books in this triology, and liked them all. It's one of those things, he either speaks to what you beleive or not. These are not really how to books, though there are many good insights. It's more about the mindset one should have and the things that are important if your goal is to do fine work. Krenov used many hand tools, but also advocated using machines to ease the burden, use your time and energy where it counts. These books feed your soul and should be read by all woodworkers who love wood and are interested in taking their craft to the next level.

J. Krenov a une faculté d'observation de son esprit et de l'esprit des autres travailleurs du bois qu'il partage dans ce livre:D'où nait l'inspiration? qu'est ce qui va faire que l'égo va nous mener à faire des erreurs et gaspiller notre énergie ? qu'est ce qui va nous amener à être plus au contact de ce que nous faisons ? La philosophie du " c'est le résultat qui compte " peut elle nous amener vers ce que nous désirons vraiment?L'auteur nous décrit également ses propres démarches qui l'ont amené à expérimenter et réaliser certains de ses projets.Note de 4/5 car les photos sont en n&b et de mauvaise résolution. Les dessins à main levée (J.Krenov reconnait lui même qu'il n'est pas doué pour dessiner) ne sont pas très claires.

Un texto atractivo y claro que nos inteoduce en las reflexiones de un artista y de su oficio. Es imprescindible.

This man is a true legend of the woodworking craft from a time before it was popular or cool to be a craftsman.an inspiration for so many reasons from his philosophy, design ability, woodworking skills and wooden plane making talents.

master writer and master cabinet maker who knows the subject inside out