Step-by-step to a Classic Fireplace Mantel

I consider myself to be moderately skilled in woodworking. I ordered this book to help with design and construction methods for creating a mantel. Unfortunately, this book provided very little info on the design phase, specifically the final trim. With no blown up drawings of the whole project it is hard to make changes to suite my trim preferences. The book is 95% close-up photos of the processes used to complete the construction and 5% written material. It must have 30 photos of him applying glue to different pieces. Missing are views of the whole project during construction to help visualize where the pieces are applied. A sentence or two under each picture describes the pieces being used, but the close up photos, focused at approx. 12 - 15 inches, will just show two pieces of wood being glued together. The pictures don't show the full size of the pieces being joined, or what they should look like when completed. A few of the photos are of a hand on a chop saw handle with a piece of wood in the background. I guess if you don't know how to put your hand on a chop saw handle these photos may be helpful.If you are expecting plans and working drawings that you can modify to meet your specific dimensions this is the wrong book. The book does provide a couple of usable drawings to help with measuring your current fireplace dimensions and create a basic lumber list.I'm glad I purchased the book from one of the used booksellers on Amazon. Not a keeper for my woodworking library.

This book tells you exactly how to make the style of mantle on the cover. There is a gallery of styles in the back, but no mention of how to construct them. The authors assume that you have a full and complete workshop including a table saw and biscuit joiner, not that you are going to do-it-yourself with handtools and a circular saw on the floor in front of the fireplace as I did!All of the photographs are clear, the instructions are complete and clear at every step. I did actually build a beautiful mantle in spite of my lack of fancy power tools.

I bought this book because I obviously wanted to build a fireplace mantel and what is available commercially didn't fit my application and nor did I like them. I have almost finished now and I built it straight from the book with a few modifications to suit my application. I found that the information and pictures are spot on and I have had no problems with construction at all. Just be sure to read all the way through and understand what is written and you should have no problems.

Bought from Lowes in 8/2013, It has been reliable trouble free and has done a excellent job of washing clothes, no lint, no soap residue, etc. Because of this, I have not had to use Samsung service. I understand the unit has a grim reliability history, and a number of people have experienced poor service. It is my understanding that there was replacement pump and a tech bulletin resolving the problem mid-2013. I'm hoping I got the upgrade and don't have to cope with 15gal of water on the floor.

A little outdated and focused on just a few ideas but can help with overall assembly of a standard mantel. Wish it provided more ideas.

A good summary of models, recommendations, tips and proposals, Is a very good complement of previous books and complete my collection about mantels projects.

I bought this book to get a general idea and the going measurements. This book is a joke . I found better specs off Google PDF . I have been afinish carpenter for over 30 years . I would not recommend this book to no one even a ameature. It's a waist of $13.00

This book is basic with lots of pictures. Looks like the authors had fun over the weekend, shot some photos and published it.