This series represents the distilled experience and knowledge, developed over 47 years, of Woodworker and Master Craftsman, Paul Sellers. His remarkable journey saw him learn his trade as a traditional apprentice in England during in the 1960s, and then progress, many years later, to design and make furniture for American Presidents. The clarity of Paul’s teaching is quite exceptional. Founded on twenty years experience during which he has taught over 3,000 woodworkers, the series progressively introduces new skills and techniques through projects, and then reinforces and expands on these through as the reader and viewer progresses further. With over 800 color photos, diagrams and illustrations in the book and extensive use of close-ups in the videos, every stage and technique clearly is clearly explained and discussed. This comprehensive course in hand tool woodworking is perfect for beginners, just starting out, and is also invaluable resource for more advanced woodworkers to develop their skills and knowledge further. The first part of the series introduces the mantra of “sharpness, accuracy, technique”. Focusing on the three key joints and about ten hand tools, you will be introduced to the incredible speed and efficiency of hand cut joinery. Part 2 is all about truly mastering the core skills through a series of hand built projects. Focusing on each of the three joints in turn, you will learn to master dovetailed boxes, bookcase making and the principles of table making. By using a combination of these joints, you will learn how to make your own European Workbench. Central to this entire course is a very thorough and comprehensive explanation of how to sharpen your tools, simply and quickly. Most importantly, this series will teach you how, with just a few groups of basic hand tools, you will be able to make hundreds of projects, and acquire the skill and confidence of a real Artisan.
J**L
Definitely value for money.
I bought this for my wife, who works with me as an apprentice furniture and cabinet maker (as well as restorer of vintage and antique hand tools). We only use hand tools in the traditional manners, and this course is a great compliment, of which I haven't seen a rival. She absolutely loves it, being a follower of Paul's YouTube channel. She is someone who learns better by demonstration and visually, and the DVDs and book are superbly well-made, logical in progression, with an easy to follow format.Everything is practical-based, with thorough explanations, and background and further information is included in the book or on Paul's blog and YouTube channel.This is worth the money, as you learn from an experienced cabinet maker who has had decades on the business and is well regarded as one of the best alive. The animations seem superfluous, but don't detract from the lessons.All in all, a great set.
M**.
and nothing helps like watching him doing things and listening to his explanations
Paul Sellers is a real master, and nothing helps like watching him doing things and listening to his explanations. You will find yourself watching the same clips over and over and wht he daoes always seems simple and then when you get back to your workbench you realize you miss 200 details. The contents are definetely worth every penny. Just a little remark, all the parts which are NOT Paul Sellers explaining are boring and way too choreographic. The high tech intervals between clips make no sense, and the thriller like music do not match the conent. Remove all the in-between and put more Paul Sellers ! Anyway, excellent value for money, one of the few cases where "form beginner to expert" is literally the range these videos cover. If there were further DVDs I would certainly buy them.
K**L
Informative
This series of DVD is very informative but I miss machine tutorials as Paul does everything manually
D**S
Not cheap but worth it.
Paul sellers is a brilliant teacher, and these DVDs have brought me huge pleasure and new skills. You need to be aware they are not cheap. They last much less then 2 hours, and I think all of the techniques he shows canbe found on you YouTube. Because of the price I wanted to buy them second hand, but could find any out there. I shall be keeping mine.
B**N
THE FULL SET
IF YOU ARE NEW TO WORKING WITH WOOD LIKE MYSELF THEN FOLLOWING PAUL SELLERS SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR LIST OF THINGS TO DO. HE ADVISES ON TOOLS, HOW TO MAKE THEM READY AND THEN HOW TO USE THEM IN THE RIGHT WAY...i AM STILL VERY HAPPY i GOT THE FULL SET, YOU CAN VIEW PARTS FROM THE DVD ON YOU TUBE TO SEE IF THEY SUIT YOU.
W**K
Expensive? Not if you fully utilise its content.
On the face of it, expensive but if studied/used fully it's a very good investment. So perhaps not so expensive after all.I like the links to pages in the book that's regularly shown on the DVD's.
J**D
Excellent
A really great introduction to hand tool woodworking. Clearly explained and expertly filmed. A very useful guide and worth the money. Unnecessary computer graphics spoil the DVD's a little and waste time, (swirling abstract graphics and pumping music... this isn't C.S.I. guys), but overall very high production quality.
C**S
Paul is great
Handy little set for both beginner and skilled alike. Paul is great teacher
D**.
Solid woodworking techniques
All the basics of woodworking - the key woodworking joints and the essential tools - how to properly prepare them for use and how and when to use them - as taught by a master. Very solid, very practical. There are tons of videos and books out there. The key is to pick a good one and stick with it and follow it through. You can't go wrong with the Paul Sellers material!
R**D
This is a woodworkers masterpiece
I am following the series as a sort of mature age apprenticeship. Unlike a lot of stuff, it is detailed and thoughtful enough to replace formal schooling sessions. Paul is a patient, extremely well informed teacher.
J**L
Hand Tools 101
Like many of the reviewers I found the spinning graphics and slasher movie music annoying. Once into the actual project the methods used are well presented. Things like using a hand plane to round and taper square stock for stool legs or using a chisel for both rough cutting and very precise work. Really changed my outlook on the versatility of simple hand tools.Could be better with an improved cut list and list of tools needed for each project at the beginning of each project in the book. Also would have liked some finish methods presented but, I guess that will be in a future course.
A**.
Paul Sellers Introductory Course
I bought this several years ago as my introduction to Paul Sellers and hand tool woodworking. I enjoyed it and learned very much from it. Quite possibly the best investment I've made in woodworking instruction. That being said, it is overproduced with excessive graphics, menus, sound effects and animations. There was to be a part 3 also starring Paul, but he left the project due to creative differences.
A**N
You will be happy with these
This is fantastic value and probably the best woodwork dvd's and book I've ever purchased and I've been buying them for most of my life (30+years). Ignore people complaining about the fancy effects, they are not that annoying and the important thing is the woodworking you will learn from this. Who cares if its a little over produced. If it was amateur people would complain as well so you can't win. Well done Paul, I'm very happy with the book and dvd's and I enjoy your blog and YouTube videos as well.Happy woodworking everybody! Settle down on the negative comments, be grateful Paul is sharing his knowledge with you.
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1 month ago
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