Woodworker's Central Woodworker's Gazette Gazette Archive 4/28/02

A Book Review by Gordy Gonyo Title: Dining Tables Author: Kim Carleton Graves Published by: Taunton Press P.O. Box 5506 Newtown, CT 06470-5506 ISBN 1561584916 Price Softcover: $12.95 192 color pages Dining Tables gives you the plans and complete instructions for building nine different styles, but first it starts out by giving you the general essentials for achieving your own design. Table height, place settings and clearance are dealt with so you can use the included information to step outside the supplied plans. Next we move into construction: weight, wood movement, and the different materials to make the top. Leg assembly, joinery, and attaching the top are discussed along with grain orientation. I have some problems with matching grain and warping issues so I found this very useful. There are a good number of photos and tips with each table plan that will help you avoid mistakes before they happen. The proper way to mill lumber is incorporated with safety to show the reader how to get the best and safest results out of each machine. There also is a jig, or at least a helpful illustration, for every plan that leaves little to question. Anyone who has an interest in building a table with a veneered or curved top, this reading has some challenges to take on. There are different levels of skill needed in each chapter or plan, so one can start where he or she feels comfortable. In closing I would say that each table is explained very well from start to finish, and that three plans in the book catch my eye for future projects. Gordy Gonyo Editor's Note: The Taunton Press has graciously donated several books for review which are passed on to our members free of charge in exchange for thoughtful, honest reviews. Here is the link to their page on this book. And you can usually find their titles at a discount from Barnes And Noble