The Anarchist's Tool Chest

Great informative book.

Very good book, satisfied with purchase

The Anarchist's Tool Chest is one of the most useful books I have purchased about woodworking. That's not because it gives a lot of tips on how to do things, but because it makes one think about the craft of woodworking, and the tools that are used while practicing that craft. Most modern woodworkers think in terms of machines to do the work, while this book focuses on the mindset and the tools of a craftsman. While I see a few people using their machines to make beautiful items, I see far more thinking that the machines will make them craftsmen. The machines are tools, just like a hand plane or a chisel. The craftsman resides within the person using the tools to make something extraordinary. The difference is more about mindset than which tools are used. Christopher Schwartz presents a very thoughtful and we reasoned case for the use of good hand tools, and gives excellent advice on which ones to consider and why. He also presents his thoughts on the philosophy of woodworking, and the mindset of the craftsman. He doesn't name brands or model numbers that you should purchase, but tells what to look for, and why (in his experience) one type of tool is better. More than a book about woodworking, this is a book about the mindset of a craftsman. There is a thoughtful presentation of the tools of a craftsman, how to store them properly, and a thought provoking dissertation (delivered in small tidbits of wisdom) on what makes a craftsman, as opposed to one that slaps projects together.

Great reference book!

Complete description on hand tools to buy and how they are used.

Very nice book containing why's and why nots of all the tools you need to be a tradition wookworker. Christopher's wit and wisdom is second to none. Although I don't always agree with everything he says or all his view points, it is still a very enjoyable read, hard to put it down. Read the whole book in two evenings. The author gives great advice for the novice woodworker who is just getting his feet wet in traditional woodworking. and the only woodworking project in the whole book is,....naturally the "tool chest". Compleat with pictures and fully illustrated.