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

A Book Review by Mick Murphy Title: Woodcarver's Problem Solver Tricks, Tips and Shortcuts Author: Graham R. Bull Published by: Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. 387 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016-8810 ISBN 0806958928 Price Softcover: $19.95 144 color pages Woodcarver's Problem Solver(Tricks, Tips & Shortcuts) is not your usual how-to book that delves into a subject by dividing it into various chapters, but rather its an alphabetical compilation of terms and techniques that relate to the art of woodcarving. Most entries include photographs and captions, and often a cross-reference to other related entries, allowing the reader to dig deeper into a given aspect merely by moving around from one cross-reference to another. Mr. Bull strays occasionally from this alphabetical format to deal with some of the more philosophical aspects of woodcarving. The letter "Q", for instance, is devoted to answering the 20 most asked "questions" about woodcarving. "U" touches on Understanding what to do and in what order to do it. The "X" factor is developing a mind-set and developing the confidence to successfully execute and pursue carving as an art form. Finally, "Z" is "zone of comfort". Mr . Bull contends that each carver must establish his or her own zone of comfort in which to develop and grow their skills. Not to the point of becoming bored or stagnant, but comfortable enough not to be afraid to experiment and try new things. Reading "Woodcarvers's Problem Solver" alone won't necessarily make you a better woodcarver, ( you'll have to sharpen up your chisels and gouges and practice to do that), it is however an excellent reference to the terms and techniques that are unique to the art of woodcarving. I'd like to thank Sterling Publishing for making these books available to the WWA, and would also like to thank the administrators of this site, who's unselfish efforts keep this the best woodworking site on the web. Mick Murphy Editor's Note: Sterling Publishing has graciously donated several books for review which are passed on to our members free of charge in exchange for thoughtful, honest reviews. Thank You! And you can usually find their titles at a discount from Barnes And Noble