The
Art of Fine Tools
by
Sandor Nagyszalanczy
Softcover
255 x 255mm
231pp
Published by The Taunton Press, Connecticut, USA.
R.R.P.$29.90
ISBN 1-56158-361-8
Extract from back cover of book:
The Art of Fine Tools is a rich visual feast celebrating the world's most amazing tools. This collection of more than 250 masterpieces features unique tools built with sumptuous materials, lavished with artistic decoration, or made for remarkable precision. Locked away in the vaults of private collectors, many of these exquisite tools have never before appeared in publication. Included in this beautifully photographed book are measuring instruments, handplanes, saws and other cutting tools, striking and drilling tools, Asian treasures, incredible miniatures, ingenious foot-powered machines, and improbable combination tools. Each photo is accompanied by detailed notes that provide intriguing historical and technical details about the tool. The Art of Fine Tools will delight anyone who works with tools. For collectors there is a wealth of historical and technical information. But this is also a book for anyone who appreciates practical objects imbued with beauty and crafted with care.
Photos: Colour
Contents
Introduction
Marking
and Measuring Instruments
Folding rules and rulers
Squares
Marking
gauges
Calipers
Travelers
Trammel points
Levels and inclinometers
Plumb bobs
Handplanes
of Fancy
Early planes
Plow planes
Combination planes
Specialty
planes
Spokeshaves, beaders and scrapers
Tools
for Hammering and Drilling
Decorative hammers
Bow drills
Bit braces
Geared drills
Archimedean drills
Push drills
Tools
for Sawing and Slicing
Fancy ripsaws and crosscut saws
Backsaws and
dovetail saws
Bowsaws
Axes and hatchets
Adzes
Chisels
Tool
Treasures of the Orient
Japanese planes, chisels, and saws
Asian marrking
tools
Tools from China, Indonesia, and Bali
Ingenious
Mechanisms and Machines
Mechanical marvels
Clever adjustment chanisms
Unusual inventions
Multi-purpose tools
Ornamental lathes
Tools
with the Decorative Touch
User made and decorated tools
Carved and
engraved scenes
Dates and monograms
Ornate manufactured tools
Painted
tools and machines
Miniature
Marvels
Small-scale hand tools
Instrument maker's planes
Intricate
models and miniatures
The
Art of the Tool, and Tools as Art
Designs of simplicity and elegance
Period
styles
The ergonomics of handle design
Tools as sculpture
Tool forms
used for other objects