The Illustrated Handbook of Furniture Restoration

George Buchanan

Reviewed by:

Charlie Driggs

I acquired this book recently. While I've only gone through it once and need to read it again in more detail as specific challenges arise, it may well be of interest to other Galoots who strive for good repairs to otherwise well made furniture. This book provides explanations and tips on how to effect good repairs consistent with other fine references and guidance I've had previously, but this book seems to cover nearly every conceivable situation. Plus chapters on workshop organization, types and use of tools, and tool safety. That's unusual and enough to recommend it. I personally would have preferred photos instead of line drawings to illustrate the points, but with "nearly 1000 illustrations and photographs" covering a wide range of situations, and good drawings at that, numerous drawings is probably about as much as anyone could expect. Seems to me it would take many years of both dealing with problems and photographing them with the intent of writing this book to ever be able to provide an all-photo approach to its illustration. This book appears to be well worth the price of admission, and admission was pleasantly reasonable from the on-line used & remaindering booksellers. And it is very clear the author is heavily into hand tools, right from the cover photo onwards.