The Anarchist's Tool Chest

The Anarchist's Tool Chest is one of the most useful books I have purchased about woodworking. That's not because it gives a lot of tips on how to do things, but because it makes one think about the craft of woodworking, and the tools that are used while practicing that craft. Most modern woodworkers think in terms of machines to do the work, while this book focuses on the mindset and the tools of a craftsman.While I see a few people using their machines to make beautiful items, I see far more thinking that the machines will make them craftsmen. The machines are tools, just like a hand plane or a chisel. The craftsman resides within the person using the tools to make something extraordinary. The difference is more about mindset than which tools are used.Christopher Schwartz presents a very thoughtful and we reasoned case for the use of good hand tools, and gives excellent advice on which ones to consider and why. He also presents his thoughts on the philosophy of woodworking, and the mindset of the craftsman. He doesn't name brands or model numbers that you should purchase, but tells what to look for, and why (in his experience) one type of tool is better.More than a book about woodworking, this is a book about the mindset of a craftsman. There is a thoughtful presentation of the tools of a craftsman, how to store them properly, and a thought provoking dissertation (delivered in small tidbits of wisdom) on what makes a craftsman, as opposed to one that slaps projects together.

Very nice book containing why's and why nots of all the tools you need to be a tradition wookworker. Christopher's wit and wisdom is second to none. Although I don't always agree with everything he says or all his view points, it is still a very enjoyable read, hard to put it down. Read the whole book in two evenings. The author gives great advice for the novice woodworker who is just getting his feet wet in traditional woodworking. and the only woodworking project in the whole book is,....naturally the "tool chest". Compleat with pictures and fully illustrated.

I looked forward to this book. It is about tools; ranging from how to identify quality from crap. An excellent resource for the browser of antique shops and garage sales.

A truly marvelous book, though not an easy read. It gives proof that the Old Testament genealogy in Genesis is true and that we all descended from Noah. I would recommend it to anyone who has questions about scripture.

Gotta say first of all that I love Chris' writing style and his sense of humor. That being said, this book would be most beneficial to the new woodworker on proper tool selection as it will save you money in the long run. I'm one of those woodworkers that bought each new thing that came onto the market provided the advertising promised whiz bang results. Only to find out that most of the tools I purchased were either junk, didn't perform well, broke or a combination thereof. Chris' book doesn't pretend to give a definitive end all list, but rather suggestions and the reasoning why. If I would have read this book sooner, I would have saved more then enough money to buy this book 10X over.

The author does a great job of explaining the how and why of many hand tools in such a way that seem more conversational and less like reading. I've been a pretty much exclusive power tool woodworker for some time and someone recommended this book to me as a primer for starting hand tool work. I'm glad I got the book and I've started to collect and use hand tools and that has opened up a whole new side of woodworking for me.

I had read a few reviews both good and bad. I'm a Chris Schwarz fan soI was inclined to read it. I think the raves and criticism are both accurate.Having read the reviews first I think my expectations were realistic. I reallyenjoyed the book and I really appreciate Mr. Schwarz humor.

Schwarz is an excellent writer and this book was both entertaining and informative. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in hand tools and woodworking.

Great informative book.