Chris Peterson (1)

As Mr. Peterson says, "A birdhouse is not an overly difficult structure to craft." And then he proceeds to give clear and comprehensive instructions on how to build them and then place them for best effect. He provides some bird feeder ideas too.

I think we all realize that different kinds of birds build different kinds of nests and care for their young in different ways. Birdhouses are designed to provide birds with optimum conditions for reproduction and the survival of the chicks. Mr. Peterson's designs include ideas for reducing access of ground predators like squirrels, racoons, and snakes to the nest, and also shielding the birdhouse from attacks by airborne predators like hawks and other birds.

The instructions are clearly written and do not require that you be an expert carpenter.

I received a review copy of " Build-It-Yourself Birdhouses: 25+ DIY Birdhouses and Bird Feeders"
by Chris Peterson from Cool Springs Press through NetGalley.com.… (más)

The Black & Decker DIY series is an excellent set of how-to books for people with a moderate skill base and access to tools appropriate to the job – carpentry and plumbing tools mostly. I enjoy the series very much.

This book especially fits my taste and interest. I sometimes design and build specialty household furniture and the items in this book are close to my own taste – spare and sometimes a bit clunky but very well made. I particularly like the overhead pan holder (which I would make out of iron pipe), the aluminum sheet lamp, and the crown molding shelf.

There are only 23 projects here, but the instructions are comprehensive and after doing a few, you will have built up skills that will be useful for your own designs or in copying ideas you find online.

Tip: From experience I will tell you to buy the best pieces of wood you can. Be sure that it is well dried. Don't overlook salvaged wood that has hardened with age.

I received a review copy of "Black & Decker Readymade Home Furniture: Easy Building Projects Made from Off-the-Shelf Items" by Chris Peterson (Quarto - Cool Springs) through NetGalley.com.… (más)

An excellent little book for beginning woodworkers and DIY'ers. Full of simple projects, like wine racks and birdhouses. Also has some more complex builds, such as a hobby center or closet home office. But even those are fairly uncomplicated, using stock cabinets and adapting them to the project.
Begins with a fairly substantial description of tools and fasteners. Easily understood step-by-step instructions. Lavishly photographed.
Would be a great resource to people wanting to test the waters in woodworking.… (más)