Woodworker's Central Woodworker's Gazette Gazette Archive 7/21/02

A Book Review by Sandy Altizer Title: Making Heirloom Boxes Author: Peter Lloyd Published by: Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. 387 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016-8810 ISBN 1-86108-176-6 Price Softcover: $17.95 144 color pages Making Heirloom Boxes by Peter Lloyd is an idea book. This book does not contain detailed plans and drawings. It does not contain cut lists and sheet layouts. It does contain written images of a master craftsman at work, along with pictures of finished pieces and the jigs used to make them. This book takes you from the start of Mr. Lloyd's woodworking, through the entire process of creating several of his unique boxes. This book includes sections on how to obtain the wood, tools and equipment, and techniques the author uses. In the first sections of the book the author writes about his shop. Some things that work very well for him and some things that don't. After this informative process, Mr. Lloyd describes the entire procedure for building eleven of his projects. Mr. Lloyd's projects are divided into chapters. Each chapter begins with a short bio on the project. From there the wood and the process involved to change it into a sculpted box is described in great detail. Dimensions are used but the author encourages the reader to create his/her own individual design. Initially, I enjoyed admiring each project at first glance. Then going back through the book and learning the thought process that went into each box was enlightening. After reading this book one thing is readily apparent: Mr. Lloyd really loves taking a piece of wood and turning it into a work of usable art. With a great deal of practice and even more patience, any wood worker should be able to create their own heirlooms. Sandy Altizer 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