Books that I STRONGLY recommend

[@MattEstlea]

Affiliate links available for US, UK and CA! Check links in description!

[@YorkshirePirate]

Do we pay more, or the same by purchasing through an affiliate link?

[@DennisEricStout]

I've been watching your videos through the pandemic and decided to pick up wood working as a hobby. Still buying books and tools, haven't made anything yet, but getting there!

[@karlpountney]

Really pleased to see the Collins's Complete Woodworker's Manual in the list. It's an essential book for me and for all the reasons you gave. But it has a section on basic furniture design and construction which I always refer to. A comprehensive list of 'standard' dimensions. For example of your designing a wardrobe it's handy to know that a standard coat hanger is 19" wide. Fantastic.

[@williamparker6649]

I am very stoked that you are recommending woodwoorking books! Two authors who completely inspired me were Sam Maloof with his book and James Krevnav with his series. Thank you for your books I have several of these! Love your channel👍

[@MattEstlea]

A few people have been mentioning books by James Krenov in the comments. All I can say is YES YES YES. I borrowed ‘The fine art of cabinetmaking’ from the library a year ago and thought it was brilliant. *Edit* I also returned it a month too late. Go figure.

[@joshualandry3160]

Perfect. Will be setting up shop soon and I'm sure some of these will come in handy. And since an affiliate link costs me nothing it is the least I can do. Actually your entire channel is a gold mine so thank you for what you do. I do realize that there is very little chance you will actually read this, but I'll feed the algorithm anyway.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Paul Sellers has some great books for beginners that I've seen. With over 50 years in cabinetry and woodworking he likely has books I haven't found yet. BTW, thanks for the list and links. I am limited in my funds, but I'll definitely look into some of them when I can. (This video saved to favorites so others, as well as myself, can find it on my channel.)

[@greggbrown0]

Just wanted say you are a very goof teacher. Your explanations are easy to understand and quite entertaining. Thanks for the videos.

[@rossmerchant1832]

G'day Matt, don't apologise for wanting to make a living. We all sell something and I definitely get value from your videos.

[@livewiya]

Right, no shame in reciprocity. If we feel indebted to you, that means you've already provided value

[@2112bm]

You don't need to apologize for plugging yourself! Like the late great Zig Ziglar said " You can get everything you want if you help enough other people get what they want" love your content! Cheers!

[@perfectworldpat7053]

Thanks so much for the video. Love your wood working, I’m also trying to make a channel like yours about my brewery, so really appreciate the books about business and camera work. Just ordered thru your link. All the best

[@matthewphillips778]

Have added my first woodworking book to my library. Collins complete Woodworkers manual. Thanks Matt.

[@mariogiotta]

Thank you Matt. You've got an excellent idea about sharing some of your sources of inspiration and learning. It is an extraordinarily useful addendum for a rookie like myself. I love your channel.

[@MattEstlea]

Thank you Mario, always happy to help. Comments like this are always a massive kick of motivation.

[@jacobporter4623]

Great topic, Nakashima, Maloof and Krenov are must haves imo! For me, it's anything that will inspire me in terms of design. I'm coming at this as a physicist so often it's hard for me to bring in the aesthetics if they come at the cost of some strength as that is really pushing against my instincts. Maloof especially shows just how strong you can make something that superficially looks almost fragile.

[@MattEstlea]

If I owned a Krenov book I would have definitely included it. Unfortunately I borrowed one from the library while making my Krenov cabinet and never got round to buying a copy myself.

[@onceagunner2955]

What a brilliant series. Only found it in 2021. I wish I had found it before. Used the affiliate link to get the Collins Book. Thank you so much!

[@MrDorodongo]

Great list of book suggestions. I love Shwarz’s “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest.” I also highly recommend Pekovich’s “The How and Why of Woodworking.” It’s a great book for beginning woodworkers, IMO.

[@labrat7357]

Two books that I found very helpful in many ways were "The Essential Woodworker" & The Resourceful Woodworker" both by Robert Wearing. They are books that I still go back to many years after buying them. They are very simply presented and not highly organised by todays standards but if I could only have half a dozen books they would be two of those half dozen. All the best and I do enjoy your videos.

[@larrylaird3576]

I really wish you could make a video about building all those nice wooden vises I see all the woodworkers use...

[@ATopDesignWoodworking]

Awesome videos man!! Definitely getting Collins Complete Woodworker's Manual

[@giorgioclavelli1757]

I'm a wood working beginner and I love books. You made my day (again)

[@marceltardif9080]

You've got good videos man! Good job

[@astrodan22]

Hi Matt, great video and an interesting list; I have two of them, and will have to rearrange my wish list now after seeing the others. Definitely going to get the Chris Schwarz. One book I'd recommend, largely because I keep going back to it since 1996 is Jim Tolpin's "The Toolbox Book: A Craftsman's Guide to Tool Chests, Cabinets and Storage Systems" It's a combination history/how-to of tool chests, boxes and storage, from the Mary Rose wreck to the NASA tools used to repair the Hubble Telescope. Stuffed full of great pics of finished projects, with a lot of well-drawn break-down diagrams showing how they were done. Stand-outs include David Sellery's absolutely gorgeous twin Arts & Crafts open shoulder tool totes, and Jerry Hillenberg's custom fitted woodworker's site van. And of course a lovely full-page pic of the H. O. Studley cabinet. FWIW I enjoy your delivery speed; you get a lot of info across clearly and quickly - and there's always the pause/rewind buttons if needed :-) Keep up the great work, Danny

[@johndcoffee632]

Do you have videos for literally everything i wanna learn? Thanks a bunch, leanring a lot

[@ThinkB4UAct]

Thank you with sharing your thoughts on the books

[@MrWoowootila]

Enjoyed the book recommendations. Great place to learn some theory and design in woodworking. I am a American interested in learning woodworking and have recently stumbled upon your videos and watched pretty much all of them. I am in the field of Aviation and have worked, lived, and attended schools in both the UK and USA. I always enjoyed the different teaching styles of both countries. I always think in learning something new and there are important areas that need to be covered. The first is Theory. Books, schools, and the internet are good source. Second, practice. I need to screw it up at least once, to learn from your mistakes. The more you practice the better your skills will get. Third, surrounding myself with mentors. These people often can show me the short cuts to improving my skills and point out areas that I might be doing wrong that I might not even be aware of. Fourth, having a mindset that I always learning. This will keep myself grounded, because once you think you know everything the learning stops. I have been in my field for 30 years and always learning and forgetting things. The process never stops.

[@southernblueblood5402]

The first book you recommended can be purchased from a company called Lost art press. They reprint old books like this, they also carry the anarchist workbench and design.

[@DoubleRhonRhon]

Hi, one of my favorite books : 'working wood' from P. Sellers. Ideal for learning the use of hand tools. Hybrid woodworking from the woodwhisperer (M Spagnolo) is also great.Hybrid for using electrical and non electrical toos.

[@sumosprojects]

G’day mate, interesting selection you’ve presented & I like the Black & Decker range of beginner project books, nice video mate 👍👍👍👍

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers mate! Haven’t heard from you in a while, hope all is fine and dandy down there!

[@sumosprojects]

Matt Estlea - Furniture All is very well thank you & I’m overwhelmed you’ve remembered me from a past comment & that’s nice mate, I won’t be a stranger from now on, cheers from DownUnder 👍

[@aaronfransz1058]

the complete woodworkers manual for me has been amazing

[@PierrePblais]

this video made me discover lost art press that publishes the anarchist tool box and a few other Christopher Schwarz, they have some really interesting read!

[@adrkta]

Thank you , very helpful

[@kashioable]

THanks, I've purchased the Collins bible from the link above :-)

[@l1verm0m]

Hi Matt.. Enjoyed the video and have some of the books you reference (two of Tom Fidgen’s). Like some of the other comments I also have books by James Krenov and Paul Sellers. I also have one by

[@luisp8999]

Funny the only one I have is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson! I would also recommend "Understanding Wood" by R. Bruce Hoadley, although it might be a bit dense. I'm buying your plans even if I can't build it just now (maybe a downsized version of it). For me it's the perfect mixture of Fine-tools/Benchcrafted project and clever ideas by David Barron. I'm sure Bertha is gonna have some twin-sisters all over the world, lol. Great channel!

[@MattEstlea]

I’ll have a look into that! I literally can’t wait to start seeing some of the Berthas that are created. I’m going to be sad when someone builds an even bigger version though! Cheers mate

[@BinManSays87]

Woodland craft/workshop by Ben Law are awesome Books if you fancy a bit of green wood work or just like camping and tinkering in general because whenever I find a fallen tree in the woods I just see fire wood and things it'd love to become

[@michaelfling7786]

You might wish to peruse the books of David Charlesworth, Bob Kingshott, Charles Hayward. These three gentlemen were my tutors in absentia. I like to think my woodworking reflects their expertise.

[@SuppressiveFire77]

I have 3 books you mentioned. I want to buy 2 that seem interesting from your recommendations. I would recommend Sam Maloof woodworker.

[@jasonchristiansen9063]

Tom fidgen also wrights and preforms the music in his videos...... thats talent

[@milliebrown5157]

This woodworking book is really detailed, *TopFineWoodworking. Com* ! With the aid of this plan, I was able to use words, drawings, real images and different diagrams. It is really an informative product. I am presently making furniture together with my brother and thanks to this product, I feel like helping him is possible.?

[@Тисо-щ4я]

great books! why are not there books Paul Sellers?

[@phillean]

A very useful list of books and descriptions of them. You mentioned how you have improved your lighting in the workshop, what video camera do you use ?

[@MattEstlea]

Yea mainly the setup of cameras and how they work. I use a Sony A58 at the moment which is starting to bug me. Looking to upgrade to a Canon 80D next but can’t afford it just yet!

[@boatrat]

A topic that doesn't always make the list, but is absolutely essential knowledge at some stage of production: Finish work *Understanding Wood Finishing* , by Bob Flexner (The most recent editions I'm seeing are from 2010 -- that along with various earlier iterations of his information, have established him as probably THE modern authority on the topic, by popular consensus.) *Brightwork: The Art of Finishing Wood* , by Rebecca Wittman (Most recent edition is the 2006 paperback, I don't know whether that contains any update in content from the original 1990 hardcover release. This Author/title is focused on varnish and other related finishes on BOATS, specifically, but... exterior marine brightwork is THE most stringent test there is for finishing technique and technology, so I figure this info. ought to be at least relevant, if not authoritative, for any other woodworking discipline.)

[@ollie1704]

I've actually got a first edition of the complete wood workers manual that I found in a bin at the charity shop I volunteer at it was free and near mint condition they just threw it in there because they thought no one would buy it.

[@omarc_br]

Hi Matt. Have recomendations on books about history and styles of furniture making?

[@theYeti1000]

Hey Matt, I would like to see more hand cut joints, if at all possible that is.

[@MattEstlea]

Just uploaded one especially for you my friend!

[@l1verm0m]

Hi Matt.. Enjoyed the video and have some of the books you recommend. Like some of the other people who have commented I also have books by Krenov and Mr Sellers. In addition I would also recommend David Charlesworth and Gary Rogowski. Keep it up mate.....

[@WoodskillsCourses]

Enjoyed your video segment on books, I always like to hear what books inspire other woodworkers. A few I have, others I have heard of. I also want to second the Krenov series of books for their inspirational value. If anything, the reader will develop an improved appreciation of wood as a medium and slow down their woodworking to focus on the process. Ok, don't want to toot my own horn but I also published a book that may be of interest to others. It is a mix of inspiration, determination in a journey of my craft over a several year period. The Wood Artist: Creating Art Through Wood

[@billtiffin8298]

Hi Matt. Just a thought. You might want to set up amazon affiliate links for other countries such as USA Canada Australia etc

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Bill! First time doing this so completely forgot.

[@nathanmitchell4839]

Thank you for adding those, I was thinking of asking if you could do this the other day then I got busy and forgot. It's great to see suggestions be considered.

[@a.g.580]

Don't forget Italy, I'm planning to buy some of these!

[@vinsanity21387]

I'll definitely be checking some of these out. Are there digital versions that you also get a cut for? I'm trying to make all my books digital but still want to support the channel. Also, since this video is a few years old now, do you have new recommendations or other sources you use to learn new things?

[@hollysmith562]

I love classic American furniture by Chris Schrawtz. He is a great teacher

[@oliviebel4868]

Hello Matt. Great video. I started follow you some weeks ago and ou make very good video with very relavant content. You make me think of you as the Gordon Ramsey of woodworking :) Seriously, the books that has meant most to me are the James Krenow's ? I have a feeling you have not read them otherwise you should have mentioned them. Cabinetmaker note book . These books evn help you to understand a lot about yourself on deeper level. Olof

[@arose460]

love this channel

[@MyVinylRips]

Fantastic breakdown of essential books! Thanks a lot! Really helpful! Missed Paul Sellers, though!

[@MultiWarrior63]

Thanks Matt great subject mate

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Ken! Thought it might be quite mundane but I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@khogg3581]

“The Nature and Art of Workmanship” by David Pye; it nourishes the soul of the woodworker.

[@jimblack2331]

Great idea Matt. Good to see a varied selection and not just about woodworking. But, if you want to be an affiliate and gain money from the books, don't advertise one that you haven't actually read. I'm not going to buy one because you say it looks nice as a coffee table book buddy.

[@liamturner6424]

I got this book a while back from a teacher and it's about the history of like modern furniture and the progress of modern and contemporary furniture, it's not strictly wood work but it has some good pictures and facts for inspiration to your own designs, if I find it ill reply to this comments with the name of it

[@torque9889]

You should give - ‘Wood by Eric Meier’ a read. A complete dictionary of different woods, helped me identify loads I couldn’t place. Even has how they smell in them when cut, very useful.

[@katzhunter4473]

Speaking of photography, more lighting is needed on the set. I can make out two large shadows. Two cents. P.S Thanks for the great video.

[@milliebrown5157]

Guys i found a good website about woodworking that is *TopFineWoodworking. Com* you can find more than 16000 woodworking projects and plans their

[@rickgoebel6724]

After reading the comments you might be tempted to do "Book Review # 2" in the future. Also, please read "The Handplane Book" so you can give it a fair assessment. I believe it is more than just a coffee table book. When it was initially published You Tube videos on planes were coming but not yet done.

[@davidsmith7657]

Informative, many thanks ans thank you for putting me on to Tom Fidgen's chanel.

[@jeffreygillham9890]

Second the Krenov comment plus "Hand Tools Their Ways and Workings by Aldren A Watson.

[@stalbanstech7396]

Have you finished colouring in all those books, must have taken some time to complete.

[@tommasoferroglio6533]

Matt, what about a video on wood finishes? Not a lot of information about European finishes out there!!

[@kieranshuttlewood1296]

Ernest Joyce the technique of furniture making by Alan Peters is very good

[@georgeclam1756]

Cutting-Edge Cabinetmaking is almost $900 in the US!

[@patrickstoddard6610]

I was just looking at that as well. Are the pages made of gold?

[@vjosullivan]

Currently £120 in the UK. Presumably out of print but in demand with wealthy hobbyists.

[@henrysworkshop7477]

Sam maloof and also hybrid woodworker 👌🏼

[@amanda.j.watson]

Hi Matt, do you have any Australian affiliate links? more than happy to buy a couple of books as well as support you! :) A win win really!

[@amanda.j.watson]

Also, i'm currently reading "The Essential Woodworker" by Robert Wearing which from what i've read at the moment is pretty great!

[@MattEstlea]

Oh man how could I forget the Aussies?! Yes I will get it done as soon as I get back tonight, thank you so much!

[@amanda.j.watson]

Weow!! Amazing, thank you! Just quickly as well, I stumbled upon your channel not too long ago but im obsessed, i love the content you put out and its really refreshing to see someone of a similar age to be going at it at full force. Thinking of pursuing the whole Youtbue thing but I don't know if i've got the balls haha. Keep it up! :)

[@MattEstlea]

Hi Amanda, just had a look and I cannot create affiliate links for Australia. Thank you for holding back though! In regards to starting your own channel, just bite the bullet and do it! People look at you weirdly for 3 weeks and then it becomes normal. One of the biggest regrets I have is not starting my channel a year earlier because I had 2 great projects that I wished I filmed. Let me know when you get started and drop me a message via my website if you want a hand. Happy to support you!

[@amanda.j.watson]

Oh no, that's okay don't stress, thanks for trying anyway! Yeah gosh, i'll definitely have to put some more thought into it, I only got into it recently actually because I did a furniture elective at uni and I'm obsessed with woodworking now 😂. I'll have to see how I go especially juggling Interior Architecture on the side, I just don't know how you do it haha, cause I know these design degrees are just so time consuming but glad you do keep the content rolling! If you are interested though I do have a design instagram account its not perfect, just a collection of my uni work and I do have my table and stool build up on there from that furniture elective, nothing as fancy as you produce but yeah if you're interested feel free to check it out: @amandawatson.iar I'll definitely shoot you a message if I ever get this youtube thing rolling though! :)

[@chadgroenhout5486]

It’s interesting you didn’t mention Paul Sellers book.

[@deezynar]

Tage Frid's book on joinery is a must have. BTW, toolchests are aweful. Shelves are much better.

[@virtualfather]

so i live in us ... if i use your link for JJRH ... will i have to pay import tax? ...

[@MattEstlea]

I’ll be getting affiliate links for US uploaded tonight! Hold off if you can!

[@tiesdevos6897]

I dont like Reading but I do like books you can put them in a hydrolic press and press it into. Mdf

[@MattEstlea]

Hahaha love it!

[@MrRichardnantel]

Excellent

[@JeepTherapy]

Books are always awesome. Read a book read a book read a book!

[@ShogunJimi]

but do you like books? LOL

[@JeepTherapy]

Shogun-Jimi if I could show you all of them I would. But I don’t have enough shelves. 1/2 if not more are stored in the closet.

[@ShogunJimi]

I think we have the same problem - Plus I have a pretty full kindle. LOL

[@kwink2121]

Best place and price ($46 & shipping ) to buy Anarchist's Tool by Christopher Schwarz - lostartpress.com/collections/books/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest

[@user-du2of3lh1g]

No James krenov!!!!?????

[@ljlatorre1943]

You're a genius Matt. I have been feeling a little indebted to you. I was thinking if you ever need a kidney I've got an extra one. All kidding aside, your strategy is unique, fresh and brilliant. I truly believe even if your only a small part of (Team Rob) you guys are going to be a great success!!!

[@Martin-yl5zb]

Matt, no need to apologize for making some money. I just ordered a book from eBay following your recommendations. Do you have PayPal? I would like to donate as you’re missing the money via the affiliate links.

[@steverochon1620]

What spokeshaves do I need?!?!? Countless requests for spokeshave info from you, and you give me bloody books! Why Matthew??? Are you an anti-shavite??? Have you tried to form a gentle radius with a book? It doesn't work!!!! Okay, seriously, I did enjoy The Anarchist's Tool Chest; a great deal, actually. I haven't looked into his workbench book, but I have one from years ago by Scott Landis that was helpful at the time of making my 1st bench. I hope to re-do such a project this winter perhaps, as the nature of my work has changed, and so have the requirements of my bench. And as for Tom Fidgen.....he makes me feel like I won't live long enough to achieve that level of woodworking skill. He's amazing and has a woodworking school in Toronto that I'd love to spend a week-long class at. And he's a hell of a musician as well (Sam Maloof and James Krenov couldn't play the guitar worth a shit, so take that, you masters of craft!!!). So there you go Matt. I'm only half kidding about the spokeshave, but I DO WANT TO SEE YOUR TAKE ON THIS TOOL!!! Round vs flat bottoms (stick to the thought of spokeshaves, dude!), sharpening, when and how to use them. I'm waiting.....

[@pdkuh2009]

I see this video is about 3 years old and you must have read a lot of other woodwork books since then. Regardless, I surest adding by Peter Korn to your list. Peter Kuh

[@gcgc2629]

The best thing about "The Anarchist's Toolchest" isn't the title, it's arguing about what he put in his tool selection.

[@2adamast]

Didn't like #1 but luckily many people do.

[@cristalclear5625]

Interested in Japanese tools and how they are used? Look up author Toshio Odate.

[@tarlx902]

When He mentioned Tom Fidgen I decided to look at his website... That guy's two blocks away from me?

[@keirfarnum6811]

Tarl X Funny how that works. Small world sometimes.

[@DragonmasterKeel]

some of the price of those books are crazy(over 200 dollars!!!???)

[@petersnelgar1524]

Don't laught but an idiot's guide to woodworking is maybe not my favourite book but defiantly the most use for simple and beginning knowledge. Thanks for vids keep an coming.

[@gl7011]

Peter Snelgar I think you meant definitely and not defiantly.😆

[@petersnelgar1524]

eric hughes thanks for my own personal spell checker Eric very kind

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

Very tack reference to the Lord

[@rosamundconnor1705]

This is by far the best wood working book I have ever read, “Bαzοmο Tdy Plαn” (Google it). The book contains appealing photos and drawings and reader-friendly text. I look at this book a "must have" since it supplies a wide range of info on pretty much everything coping with woodworking and does it very well. .

[@ldwithrow08]

All one needs to be educated is the ability to read, a library card, and an insatiable curiosity.

[@rjsaunders92]

Hey!? I charge royalties on footage containing my mug ya know! 😂

[@Kikilang60]

I had tool book that said "Norris hand planes work well too." Have you ever seen a Norris hand plane? Yeah, me neither, but I would rather buy a car.

[@mattsadventureswithart5764]

Kiki Lang I have seen one. Looked wonderful, but I'd rather buy a car, stuff for the kids and take a holiday for the money!

[@noharsayrathiyajharna7760]

DJ box sikhne ka book

[@godsmwc65]

My favorite Carpenter of all Time : Used the Torah and the complete OT books.......Check them out ( Please )

[@josephhaddakin7095]

Sllllloooooowwwww doooowwwwwnnnnn.....

[@bearwoodcarpentry]

Joseph Haddakin and sit down.

[@konmingyew7282]

I think it would be good if you don't handle any religious names so precariously

[@stephanvg]

Interesting video, and I'll get some of these books, but not through Amazon, sorry. If you ever get affiliated with a proper shop make a new video.

[@duncanmacleod7283]

I like most of what you put out Matt, but sometimes I feel you're too frantic. Slow down a tad and plan in advance what you propose to say, and not make it up as you go along. You made much of the value of building business through social media (rightly so), but then you throw in the Jesus thing which might conceivably turn off thousands of potential customers who find this offensive. I've seen it on a couple of your other videos, and It's quite unnecessary.Your skillset is good enough. A bit more , maturity and thoughtfulness will see your on-line business thrive methinks.

[@MarkRyanAB]

Jesus pen for the win!!!

[@duncanmacleod7283]

I guess alienating a high volume of potential subscribers and customers is the way to go

[@rickgoebel6724]

I think Matt brings energy and vitality to this arena. Some of the other mature and older woodworkers have a slower and calculated approach to the video production which at times can be boring. Maybe the Jesus pen will offend some but are they willing to put aside an offhand quip to move on to potentially learn something valuable?

[@gucho1051]

If you can't handle someone else's jovial display for a pen then the internet is not the place for you.

[@martinoneill7644]

Jesus mate.

[@JeepTherapy]

1st!

[@MattEstlea]

Winner winner chicken dinner

[@JeepTherapy]

Matt Estlea - Furniture I wanted turkey. LOL

[@MattEstlea]

ITS NOT CHRISTMAS YET YOU’LL HAVE TO WAIT.

[@JeepTherapy]

Matt Estlea - Furniture Darn it!

[@marciolangeani9992]

Thanks for the tips and beeing so honest!

[@petersnelgar1524]

Don't laught but an idiot's guide to woodworking is maybe not my favourite book but defiantly the most use for simple and beginning knowledge. Thanks for vids keep an coming.

[@noharsayrathiyajharna7760]

DJ box sikhne ka book