Modern Practical Joinery

Originally published in 1902, Modern Practical Joinery is perhaps one of the best books ever published on the subject. This version is a reprint of the enlarged 1908 edition. I�ve owned the book since for over 25 years and consider it a landmark work on architectural woodworking. Ellis was a lecturer on the subjects of carpentry and joinery at London County Council School of Building and strove to give a comprehensive overview of the craft. He ended up with a very detailed volume - 27 chapters and 486 page - covering the tools of the day; stair building; hand railing; doors and paneling; windows and shutters; showcase work; shaped, curved and beveled work; moldings; architraves and skirting; machine practices; and much more. This book was written at the turn of the 20th century as a textbook to train apprentices on pretty much all aspects of design and construction of architectural woodworking. An apprentice at the time would have been expected to be able to saw straight and do accurate work, so this book deals with the details: how an architectural detail is assembled, how it is laid out, and the process of construction. When you get into some of the more complicated items like windows and wainscoting, you start getting a real appreciation of what mastery of the craft meant in those days. This is a vital book for anyone doing period house or building restoration, and an interesting book even if you are not and could help you approach your own construction projects more efficiently and at a higher level.

Table of Contents
• Hand Tools
• Workshop Appliances
• Workshop Practice
• The Steel Square In Joinery
• Joinery Machines
• Machine Shop Practice And Methods Of Using Machines
• Preparation Of Work For Machining Joints
• Doors And Panelling
• Door Frames, Linings And Finishings
• Windows, Fittings And Finishings Shutters, Blinds And Finishings
• Shop Fronts And Shop Fittings
• Air-Tight Case Work
• Fittings For Banks, Museums, Libraries And Churches
• Shaped, Curved And Bevelled Work
• Miscellaneous Fittings And Fitments
• Stairbuilding
• The Theory Of Handrailing
• Handrailing-Practical Work
• Mouldings
• Foreman's Work
• Fixing Joiners' Work
• Notes On Timber
• Description Of Woods Used In Joinery
• Glossary