Chairmaking & Design Paperback – September 1, 1997

I looked all over the Internet for this book a while back and couldn't find it. Used sellers are charging way too much (over $100), so I finally just checked it out of the library (very available and no cost).This is a good book, and is the only one I know of with general chairmaking info that covers different chair types. The other chairmaking books I've seen seem to be specific to Windsor chairs. I would like to see more books like this ... until then get this one from the library.

If I didn't know that this was a used book I wouldn't know the difference. The covers aren't dog-eared, the binding is tight and the paper is flat and clean. This is the book that for the price will help me refurnish my home and maybe help build some furniture for the family.

There are several books on Windsor and country chair design but this is the only one that will let you produce, say, a set of elegant dining chairs. Miller takes great pains to de-mystify the what is a daunting project for many woodworkers. His projects start basic with each one indroducing principles of design and construction that build throughout the text. The discussion clear and thorough.

Great book to learn different techniques and jigs to make chairs.The chairs are a little poor from the design point of view.There is a video that covers the construction of chairs. The book addresses you to the video most of the time, what makes you think of the book as a mean to sell the tape as well.I think the book explains very well by itself and no tape is necessary. On the opposite, the video is not very valuable without the book.

Right from the opening sentence you will know that you have purchased a well written book by a very experienced chairmaker. Jeff Miller's book is not just filled with terrific plans, instead an emphasis is placed on design. Design decisions, pitfalls, and compromises are all covered in detail. Great for the intermediate or advanced woodworker.

Finally...a book written about how to build something, for people that don't know how to build it!!! Awsome!!! Takes the fear out of building chairs...well NOT all the fear, but at least most of it.This is a must have book for first time chair builders!!

I have attended several of Jeff's woodworking classes. He is not only a first rate woodworker, he is a first rate instructor. Even if you don't feel ready to try chair making, this book is worth having for the techniques you can learn.