Dennis Zongker - Wooden Boxes (Rating: 5)

Fellow LJ Dennis Zongker has produced a really fine book that will be valuable to furniture makers and box makers alike. At 240 photo filled pages he explains how to make several of his masterpieces that we Lumberjocks have marveled at when he first posted them. Dennis is really good at what he does, and it certainly shows up here. All done up in a rich, Taunton-quality publication.

The book is structured around seven stunning projects, each covered in its own section. The reader can cover the gamut, from a straightforward rectangular box, to the elegant and complex masterpiece at the end.

Each box chapter is a treasure trove of information, in itself, with detailed instructions showing how he made each piece. In addition, he includes information on specific techniques like carving, marquetry, inlaying, segmented turning, veneering, and decorative banding. And he does it all with tools common to many home workshops.

In addition to the boxes posted on LJ, there are several new ones as well. All are spectacular, and Dennis "tells all" about how he made them so others can apply the methods to their own boxes and projects.

For instance, my personal favorite, his "Serpentine Coin Box", is laid bare, as he walks the reader through forming the carcase and serpenting front. Veneering the curved and flat surfaces is explained clearly. Each of the finely crafted details like the ebony edging becomes clear as Dennis explains just how each is created. He even provides a complete cut list of the materials required for each of the projects in the book.

The "Traditional Jewelry Box" that awed so many members when it was first posted is here too. Along with a materials list, 8 drawings, 75 photos and 45 pages with detailed text. The Cameo Music Box is also included.

As a serious hobby box maker, I have accumulated over thirty box making books, but until now, only three that I would actually recommend. And two of those have been out of print for a decade! Now there's a fourth and I enthusiastically recommend it for every box maker's bookshelf. A really good book can cut years off the learning curve, and avoid immeasurable frustration. Personally, I read the good ones many times, as I'm sure I will this one.

It's available now from www.taunton.com for a very reasonable $24.95.