Free Woodworking Books

1. Wooden Lure Making 101 

If you're new to wooden lure making, this eBook is essential reading. Even with minimal tools, a novice can turn a lump of wood into a highly effective fishing lure. The book, written by internationally renowned wooden lure making authority Greg "Doc Lures" Vinall, demystifies the process in a simple, matter-of-fact way. It covers everything from choosing the right wood and basic components to hand shaping, assembling, and custom painting lures. Whether you're interested in any style of lure making, this ebook will get you started on the path to success. It's a valuable resource that will save you time and money by avoiding trial and error. 

1. A Cabinetmaker's Notebook (Woodworker's Library)  Cabinetmaking at the highest level encompasses an art, a discipline, a philosophy, and even a way of life, in addition to being a practical craft. In the pages of this book, one of the most esteemed contemporary cabinetmakers contemplates the profound significance of his craft. He also imparts valuable insights to less experienced practitioners, elucidating how the correct approach to materials, tools, and time can enhance the pleasures of this intricate pursuit. Craftspersons working in any medium will find inspiration in this narrative of initiation and the cultivation of practices that mitigate the challenges inherent in a sophisticated craft. 

2. The Handplane Book  by Garrett Hack is a comprehensive guide to the classic hand-plane, covering everything from choosing and using to tuning and repairing all types of planes, including unique, antique, and specialty planes. The book is filled with 175 photos and 152 drawings, making it a visually stunning and technically informative reference for professional woodworkers and enthusiasts alike. It helps woodworkers reclaim their woodworking heritage by presenting a treasure trove of information on this collectible hand tool 

4. The Bandsaw Book The bandsaw is a really popular tool for woodworking. It's found in most home and professional workshops. Even though it looks simple, it works best when it's set up the right way. But a lot of the manuals that come with it are hard to understand, and the pictures are not clear. In this book, a professional woodworker named Lonnie Bird gives all the information that bandsaw owners wish was in the manual, and even more - like what to look for when buying a bandsaw and how to set it up for the best performance. The book is easy to understand and has lots of pictures. It's the go-to guide for bandsaw owners.  This clearly illustrated and photographed volume will quickly become the standard reference and is a must-have title for any woodworker.

5. The Router Book There is no more complete guide to the most versatile tool in the woodworker's shop than this book. The Router Book is a comprehensive guide to the most versatile tool in a woodworker's shop, covering a wide range of uses and providing tips for maintaining the tool in the best condition. Written by router expert Pat Warner, the book offers practical advice on choosing the right router for every woodworker's needs. It is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced woodworkers, sorting through the variety of tools on the market and providing essential information on the router and its accessories 

6. Practical Mechanics for Boys J. S. Zerbe's PRACTICAL MECHANICS FOR BOYS presents a complete education in every dimension of no-nonsense, hands-on shop work that is written in approachable language appropriate to both the novice and the seasoned craftsmen. In addition to chapters exploring a variety of tools and their use, the process of designing, laying out and completing projects, fundamental devices like lacings, gears, valves and clutches, the properties of materials (elasticity, torsion, conductivity, etc.), and the basics of drafting and mechanical power, the author also shares insights on the process of becoming an inventor – turning ideas into objects, building models and prototypes, securing a patent and more. Over 100 original illustrations. Also contains 16 handy tables, dozens of formulas for making your own glues, cements, polishes, etc., and a glossary of more than 300 important mechanical terms.

7. The Toolbox Book In this guided tour of some of the world's best tool-storage solutions, you'll learn how the toolbox evolved as an essential tool and how the site boxes of today have their roots in long-ago journeyman's tool chests. But this book also provides practical advice on how to develop a tool-storage strategy of your own. Jim Tolpin guides you through creating an individual tool storage system best suited to your needs - from planning, through selection of materials, construction and finishing (including special situations like waterproofing the lid of a box intended for a job site).

8. The Complete Guide to Carpentry for Homeowners For today's homeowner, basic carpentry skills are an absolute must. Professional handymen are in rare supply these days, and if you can find them at all, they may command exorbitant rates for work that takes just an hour or two to do. Best of all, modern tools are inexpensive and easy to use, making most home carpentry tasks a breeze to do-it-yourself. Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Carpentry for Homeowners is a down-to-earth guide to help readers solve everyday problems using the most basic of tools—hammers, saws, sanders, clamps, and screw guns.

9. Measuring, Marking and Layout: A Builder's Guide Provides simple techniques for accurate measuring using a number of basic tools.  The success or failure of a building project is often decided before the first nail is driven. Good habits of measuring and marking and a thorough understanding of the way the job should be laid out not only ensure high quality but also save materials and increase productivity.

In this comprehensive reference, John Carroll explains ways to produce precise, correct layouts for everything from the foundation to the roof covering. His forte is his clarity. He breaks down the process into manageable parts and takes you methodically through such daunting tasks as the layouts of stairs and roof rafters.

10. The Complete Guide to Sharpening should be a valuable addition to any woodworker's library due to its comprehensive coverage of a fundamental and often controversial aspect of woodworking. Written by professional cabinetmakers and tool experts, such as Leonard Lee, the book provides a thorough examination of sharpening methods, techniques, and devices, making it a practical reference for woodworkers. It offers practical and technical information on sharpening tools, including chisels, plane irons, and other woodworking tools, with clear instructions and descriptive photos to illustrate the process. Additionally, the book delves into the physics of cutting wood fibers, which can help woodworkers better understand the sharpening process and its impact on tool performance. Therefore, "The Complete Guide to Sharpening" is highly recommended for woodworkers who are learning this critical skill and seeking to improve the performance and safety of their cutting tools