Synopses & Reviews
Review
Well written, prolifically illustrated ... this is a truly unique book. This superb guide will be a welcome addition to the library of any Civil War re-enactor or woodworking hobbyist. --Ralph Jordan, Civil War Monitor
Review
Ad in Fall 2014 issue of The Civil War Monitor.Ad in July 2014 issue of Civil War NewsHamler is direct and clear in his explanations ... a book woodworkers will love, reenactors will treasure, and anyone interested in the Civil War will want to peruse. --John F. Marszalek, Civil War News
Review
A hands-on resource ... especially useful to Civil War reenactors, but anyone interested in practical items that embody a little bit of America's history will enjoy the featured projects. Exhaustive, step-by-step instructions and full-color photography ... distinguish this woodworker's treasury. --Midwest Book Review
Review
Deserves a spot on the reading list of hobbyists who want to "get it right." Practical and concise ... provides detailed instructions ... both beginners and more experienced woodworkers will find projects to suit them. --Akron-Summit County Public Library
Synopsis
The sequel to A.J. Hamlers acclaimed “Civil War Woodworking,” “Civil War Woodworking, Volume II” is a unique sourcebook to create authentic reproductions of Civil War-era furniture and wooden camp gear useful to Civil War reenactors. Projects ranging from easy to moderately difficult include fully illustrated step-by-step instructions for building period reproductions in the modern workshop, including instructions on recreating period materials, workmanship, and finishes. Each project includes a wealth of information on how each item was used and made during the Civil War, including historical photographs of original items used in the field. The perfect guide for both Civil War reenactors and woodworkers who crave authenticity, “Civil War Woodworking, Volume II” is a must-have addition for every hobbyists shelf and workshop.
About the Author
A.J. Hamler is the editor of The Collins Complete Woodworker and the former editor of Woodshop News. Hamlers articles on woodworking have appeared in American Woodworker, Handy, Popular Woodworking, Wood Magazine, Woodwork Magazine, and Woodworkers Journal. An active Civil War reenactor for nearly 20 years, Hamler has written articles for Camp Chase Gazette, the leading Civil War reenactor publication, and he portrayed both Union and Confederate soldiers in the 2003 movie Gods and Generals.
Table of Contents
PART ONE - GETTING STARTED Chapter 1: Re-Creating History: An Introduction to Reproducing Period Items x Welcome to the past x The “Rules” of authenticity x Defining authenticity: What is “period-correct?” x How authentic can your project really be? x What to expect from these projects x Chapter 2: Materials and Methods x Woodworking in the 19th century x Materials and stock considerations x Tools and techniques x Glue x Construction variations x Finishing x PART TWO - THE PROJECTS Chapter 3: Shipping Crates x Perfect dressing for any living history scenario, these two crates also prove themselves practical for equipment storage and camp seating. Chapter 4: Camp Chest x A roomy camp chest with construction details “borrowed” from the camp chests of Confederate Generals William Taliaferro and Robert E. Lee. Chapter 5: Spurtle x Scottish in origin, this centuries-old cooking implement lends a helping hand fixing meals in any era. Chapter 6: Ballot Box x Whether choosing officers or holding mock elections for president, ballot boxes like this one, copied from an original, were common in many regiments. Chapter 7: Tent Slips x These accurate copies of tent rope tensioners keep any tent solid and steady. Chapter 8: Thoughts on 19th-Century Seating x A simple place to sit down is often more important today than it was during the war. Heres how to do it authentically. Chapter 9: Turned-Leg Camp Stool x One of the most common pieces of camp furniture used during the war, this oak stool is both comfortable and practical. Chapter 10: Folding Camp Chair x Folding chairs like these were a staple of homes in the 19th century, and thousands went along with officers of both sides during the war. Chapter 11 Button Polishing Board x A common tool for both military and civilians, a button board protected clothing while getting a shine on metal buttons. Chapter 12: Folding Table x Its unique locking system makes this solid oak table easy to set up for use, and to fold flat for storage or transport. Chapter 13: Field Cot x Based on an example in Capt. William Marcys 1859 “The Prairie Traveler,” this stow-away cot will have you sleeping like a baby. Chapter 14: Battle Rattle x Used by the U.S. Navy, these loud noisemakers were the tools of choice when you needed to sound the alarm on land or sea. Chapter 15: Domino Box x Copied from an original, this box is features strong joinery and a sliding lid. Chapter 16: Shaving Stand with Mirror x A small walnut vanity with a drawer to store grooming items lends a touch of home to military or civilian camps. PART THREE - RESOURCES Source list for materials and hardware x Additional reading x Websites x