Woodland Workshop

This is the latest book by Ben Law this time exploring as the title suggests tools and devices. Yes most of this information can be found on different sources YouTube or in other publications.Why then did I buy this? As an experienced woodworker I’m always open to new ideas and the old ways of working, as a parent I want to teach my kids, I love the internet, but I prefer books. This book is tactile and the biggest of Ben’s books, I already have Roundwood Timber Framing, The Woodland Year, The Woodland House and read a copy of the Woodsman. All these books are highly recommended and hard to put down not to mention inspiring. The final chapter of the Woodsman is particularly pertinent.My son is able to look at the pictures and learn the names of tools which to me is a worthy investment, his generation will after all need to challenge the current status quo in modern construction which is so wasteful. So this book can be used to sow the seeds at an an early age, when my kids get older if they move away from the skills due to jobs, university or modern life they have the basis to return to woodwork as fulfilling trade or as a hobby.Pros and ConsProsInspiring and good value for money.A good gift for any woodsman, I’m working more and more with female woodworkers (Ben earlier explained the use of ‘man’ as in the original usage to mean hand) and female blacksmiths who mostly credit Ben Law as an inspiration.Good layout, well printed with quality paper.Superb photography my pictures don’t do it justice.Attention to detail, measurements, chainsaw sharpening, list of suppliers, toolmakers etc..Easy to follow diagrams on a variety of devices, especially good section on steaming and how to make a steamer.ConsPrinted and bound in China, disappointing when you think of the ethos behind Ben’s work however this is counterbalanced somewhat by the FSC stamp. To be fair if only 10 people read this book and start green woodworking or coppicing then the transport pollution is mitigated.The book would suit novices up to intermediate levels may not appeal to experts but I bet there’s stuff in there they’re not well versed in.ConclusionAnother fine book by Ben to add to the collection.

Bought this for my son in law as an Xmas present. Naturally read it before wrapping it up. Good read, well laid out, excellent on types of hand tools and self built working equipment. Very practical - Would recommend unreservedly.

Nicely written, gives instructions to make your own saw horses, shave horses, breaks and all manner of paraphernalia. It also chats about the tools used. I liked it, its good quality info without having to trawl though lots of Youtube

You’ll laugh, you’ll sigh, you’ll salivate. This is not the armchair read that many books of its type are. Bought for my son, wanted to keep it, agreed to share it.

If you are in to green woodwrk or outdoor craft this book is for you.Ben is a great easy to read writer and his books are all good value if you like the subject matter.