Do It Yourself

This new title in the "Black & Decker" series is similar to the 2006 entry Fences, Gates & Garden Walls. Many photos and projects are repeats, but there are several new fence and wall designs. The instruction is solid, and the book features excellent project organization and technique basics. Attractive and useful, this is a worthwhile purchase even for those owning the previous book.

This update of a 2006 book adds a few more projects, but much remains unchanged. The DVD focuses specifically on concrete techniques, and the information it provides is not duplicated in the book. The sound instructions are accompanied by excellent step-by-step illustrations large enough to show important detail. An outstanding basics book, but if you have an earlier edition, you may not need this one.

This compact book is peppered with great photographs of a variety of sheds, including tree houses and green buildings, but Eckstein (curriculum director, Yestermorrow Design/Build Sch.) offers only four building projects. In an authoritative and confident tone, he covers the basics of construction; however, a beginner would need more step-by-step instruction. This inspirational guide is best for the experienced builder.

A beautiful layout and finely detailed illustrations are the hallmarks of this manual. After a lengthy review of tools, Eden-Eadon (fine woodwork, Building Crafts Coll., London; editor, F&C Magazine) offers instruction in basic woodworking techniques and pairs profiles of common and exotic woods with great photos. The 25 projects, including furnishings and household products, start from simple and build to complex. While the projects are not particularly distinctive, the supporting materials make this a key purchase for any woodworking collection. Highly recommended.

Professional cabinetmaker English (Woodworker's Guide to Sharpening) shares his love of hand tools, focusing on planes and scrapers. He covers a wide variety of hand planes by type and purpose. Scattered throughout are histories of different hand planes and their manufacturers. While this may be engrossing for the hand tool enthusiast, it is highly specialized and recommended only for comprehensive woodworking collections.

Like others in the series (e.g., The Boy Mechanic Makes Toys), this is a collection of projects from Popular Mechanics of the 1940s–60s. But nostalgia is all this book offers. Projects have mismatched illustrations, and no girls are pictured doing the tasks. There are few instructions, and diagrams are too small to be of use. A novelty book worth acquiring only where the series has been popular.

Measurements in this British import are all in metric, the sparse illustrations are poorly placed, and the British slang may seem awkward to American readers. There are a few clever fixes, but the lack of an index makes them difficult to find. Harper (Man Skills) is funny and chatty, but this casual guide is not comprehensive or particularly helpful.

The distinctive Windsor style of chair has a rounded spindle back with a supporting rail. Mursell, who teaches Windsor chair making and writes for woodworking magazines, focuses on re-creating the early Windsor designs with hand woodworking techniques. With an overview of the history and design, the building projects start by harvesting lumber and processing your own wood. There's a lot of textual instruction but not a lick of step-by-step illustration. For academics and enthusiasts.

In this extremely useful book, Ricchi, a Florida building contractor, introduces home owners to construction contracting in understandable language. She discusses how to avoid common pitfalls and survive the entire process. The purpose here is not to defame contractors but to make readers knowledgeable customers. Planning, pricing, and many other important factors are neatly explained. This specialized book is highly recommended.

Beyond gardening-specific projects, the editors also include outdoor structures and furniture. Each of the 39 projects feature exploded-view diagrams with measurements and a list of needed materials. Because of their simplicity, these structures are great for beginning DIYers. Despite some ordinary furniture, this collection is perfectly on target as home and community gardening becomes more popular.

First-time author Syner uses his working experience to present an overview of car electrical systems with an ease that belies the complexity of the topic. A number of popular add-ons include GPS, hands-free devices, and rearview cameras. Audio projects eventually require some fabrication, and Syner provides no instruction on working with fiberglass. While the projects are great, this is only for the confident car enthusiast with a fully equipped shop.

Weber covers a number of projects, from engine upgrades to drivetrain to customizing interiors and exteriors. The book's organization is good, though the quality of the photographs is inconsistent. Many of these projects are not for the faint of heart, though the maintenance sections are more easily undertaken. If you are itching to customize your off-road jeep experience, this book aims to please.

Drywall is tricky stuff, and mistakes can haunt you forever. Aimed at the confident do-it-yourselfer, this book is accompanied by lots of detailed illustrations. A distinctive section features wall textures and effects, and the shortest chapter, on repairs, may be the most useful. The DVD covers finishing. A more professional instructional book on drywall is Myron R. Ferguson's Drywall: Professional Techniques for Great Results, but this is a good place to start.