Dictionary of Tools used in the Woodworking and Allied Trade

[Dovetaildave]

Hey guys,

I know its a big book but what's the division of woodworking tools vs all the other trades tools?

How many pages given over to woodworking tools specifically?

I have often considered buying a copy and have always been hesitant as it may be the final step before the slippery slope.

A question to those whom have a copy, are you sliding, have you bought more tools other than "Users only"?

Should I avoid it, what's your experience or advice?

Regards,
Dave

 

[bugbear]

Hey guys,

I know its a big book but what's the division of woodworking tools vs all the other trades tools?

How many pages given over to woodworking tools specifically?

I have often considered buying a copy and have always been hesitant as it may be the final step before the slippery slope.

A question to those whom have a copy, are you sliding, have you bought more tools other than "Users only"?

Should I avoid it, what's your experience or advice?

Regards,
Dave

Buy it. Essential.

BugBear

 

[Dovetaildave]

Hey guys,

I know its a big book but what's the division of woodworking tools vs all the other trades tools?

How many pages given over to woodworking tools specifically?

I have often considered buying a copy and have always been hesitant as it may be the final step before the slippery slope.

A question to those whom have a copy, are you sliding, have you bought more tools other than "Users only"?

Should I avoid it, what's your experience or advice?

Regards,
Dave

Buy it. Essential.

BugBear

Hi BB,
Ive been reading your posts for years....can you expand?

 

[Cheshirechappie]

If you mean 'Dictionary of Woodworking Tools' by R.A.Salaman, then I agree with Bugbear - it's a goldmine of information. The 'allied trades' are such as coopering, wheelwrighting, timber framing, shipwrighting and so on, so strongly wood-related.

 

[JimB]

Buy it.

 

[AndyT]

As well as agreeing with the others on all they have said, I have a copy right here and will give a few details.

My copy is 546 pages overall. It's hard to say what proportion is non-woodworking as the whole arrangement is alphabetical.

The list of 'other trades' fills two pages but most of those are specialist wood trades such as carver, gunstocker, ladder maker, pattern maker, window maker.

There is no coverage of engineering or metalwork, except for common tools such as a file or hammer. No power tools.
The section on Planes fills 79 pages.

The great thing about it is that entries don't just name and illustrate the tools, they explain their use so you will pick up loads of practical information. It's ideal for dipping into at random.

Go on!

Edited to add: There is a bit of a slippery slope effect - I was so impressed I also bought his dictionary of Leatherworking Tools!

 

[Fromey]

Thanks for bringing this book to my attention. The 1997 edition (revised) seems to have dropped the "and allied trades" from the title;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dictionary-Wood ... 030&sr=1-2

Now sitting in my basket waiting for my next Amazon purchase.

 

[Dovetaildave]

The 'allied trades' are such as coopering, wheelwrighting, timber framing, shipwrighting and so on, so strongly wood-related.

That's really good to know , its all woodie based

My copy is 546 pages overall.

..........

The list of 'other trades' fills two pages

..........

The great thing about it is that entries don't just name and illustrate the tools, they explain their use so you will pick up loads of practical information. It's ideal for dipping into at random.

The section on Planes fills 79 pages.

Thanks Andy, that's really useful info, would it cover any particular woodie makers i.e. Moseley and sons, or is it strictly type of plane/use?


I'm surprised neither this or the BPM is available as a PDF/digital format, I'd be able to project it up onto the board for my students, as well as viewing on my tablet/or kindle whilst travelling.
I've been putting off buying paper versions for years in the knowledge that the format options would eventually be expanded to encompass the "digital age".

I've searched in my London boroughs Library catalogue and there are paper based reference only copies.

Does anyone know where eBook/digital/eletronic/versions are available, if anyone has scanned for their own use when travelling or on holiday?

Regards,
Dave

 

[AndyT]

Dave - there are no e-book editions of either Salaman's Dictionaries or of BPM.
Ralph Salaman died some time ago so won't be pressing his UK or US publishers for one.

The same is true for a whole lot of pioneering works on Tools from the 70s and later. Many were short print runs which sold out and have since become scarce, expensive or just plain unavailable.

There's a glimmer of light in that Simon Barley's new work on Saws - BSSM to sit alongside BPM - was published as a print on demand title so we can at least be confident that it won't become unavailable in the same way.
I hope BPM IV will be similar when it comes out next year.