Carpentry, 5th Edition

If you're looking for a comprehensive reference book on carpentry, then look no further than ATP's 5th edition of Carpentry. At almost 900 pages long it covers just about every skill that a carpenter requires - and it covers them well.

This is the book that is required reading for many post secondary carpentry training programs, and no wonder - it's like having a Norm Abram or Mike Holmes standing over your shoulder - but not so disquieting.

The book is divided into sixteen sections, and organized in a sequential building order. The author begins with an overview of the trade and then moves into building materials, followed by the hand and power tools specific to the trade, construction equipment safety and personal protective equipment, print reading, and the fundamentals of survey equipment. The remaining nine sections cover every aspect of construction techniques, from laying foundations to rough framing, roofing, insulation, stair construction, and exterior and interior finishing.

The text is written in a sparse, easy to understand format, and supplemented with almost 1,400 detailed illustrations. Additionally there is a CD-ROM that contains a variety of learning resources resources, three dozen short video clips of various an techniques, and an illustrated glossary (the same as found at the back of the book).
 
There are two things that really stand out for me in this book. The first is the breath of coverage - virtually everything that an aspiring carpenter needs to know is contained in the book. 

Second is the extensive use of detailed illustrations - just about every topic is illustrated. These illustrations are top notch, and really help to amplify the text.
 
While the book will provide a good reference for those who have recently joined the fraternity (and for seasoned carpenters as well), it's realy value will be for anyone new to carpentry - students, apprentices, or avid DIYers.

Whiule written for an American audience, the author has included a maple leaf icon next to selected headings, figures and appendix tables that refers readers to a 72 page Canadian Resource Supplement booklet. The Supplement can be ordered with the main book at no extra cost. It provides important information specific to Canadian codes and standards, construction techniques, equipment, and materials. 

While there are some very good carpentry books on the market, none come close to the comprehensiveness of Carpentry.

Reviewed January 2012