Tim's Reading Room

Reading Room 2

Reading Room 3

Tim's Reading Room
Some Books and Other Resources You Might Enjoy

Inman Historic Interiors, Inc.

Here are some links to Amazon.com books I have on my own library shelf or have reviewed and find helpful. If you're like me - always looking for a new book on the topic - check these out.

And, let's not be coy with each other. If you click these links and make a purchase from Amazon.com, I get a little credit from them. Not enough to make me recommend a book I don't believe in, but hey! Every little bit helps, and if you're going to buy a book anyway. . . . Thanks!

I met George Frank through my association with the Dakota County Technical College WoodFinishing Program, where I've been an advisory committee member since the early 1980's. Learn firsthand what it was to be a finisher in the pre-WW II days. George was the real thing - a truly unique 'character' in the world of wood finishing. His stories are wonderful. Like a true Master, he never tells you the secrets directly. He spoons them out in between the anecdotes as he rolls along. He was just like his book; always a story - and you never quite saw him 'work' to achieve brilliant finishes. Get to know George through this book first, then read his others.

These two books are more like 'formulary' books by George Frank. He includes many more recipes, formulae and technical tips than in Adventures. Not as much fun to read, but at least as valuable in the workshop. George's attitude still shines through, though.

This book is a reprint of articles that originally appeared in Fine Woodworking Magazine - back when it really was about fine woodworking! My original article about finish testing techniques, Evaluating Wood Finishes, is in this book - which of course makes it worth every penny it costs! Actually, my article is a condensation of a program I developed for use by the students at DCTC for their final finish testing units. I believe they still use this program, in some form or another. The unedited, unabridged program is available from our own bookstore at this link: Evaluating Wood Finishes. It is unfortunately not currently available from Amazon.com.

Here's a book for those wanting to make 'new' hardware look 'old.' This is a beautifully illustrated book showing the effects of various patination chemicals and the formulae so you can make them yourself. It was always one of my Minuteman Hidden Secrets books back when I was under pressure to constantly come up with new and improved products to sell. Buy this book and make 'em yourself.

There aren't a lot of finishing books available that are written by authors actually knowledgable in the trade. This is a rare exception. It is not for a beginner, but it isn't just for stuffy professionals, either. Anyone actively interested in the world of fine furniture finishing should read this. I have had a copy for many years, and mine is pretty well worn - that's how useful this book is to me. Some of the terms are a bit difficult for American readers. Mineral spirits are 'white' spirits, for example. Alcohol is simply 'spirits.' A great book for a serious finisher.

I got to know Don Williams at a Smithsonian class entitled 'Coatings and Colorants for Furniture Conservators' back when we were both skinny and I still had hair. That's a story for another time and place, but it involves me, Jerry TerHark, Eli Rios, and the beautiful Prince George Motor Hotel. But in spite of that, Don is a very knowledgable and talented guy when it comes to conservation and preservation. Especially in the finishing world. He ought to be. He is one of the Smithsonian's best at wood and furniture finishes, and their identification, preservation and restoration. Buy the book and enjoy it, but don't ever let him book motel reservations for you, though.