looking for Old woodworking encyclopedia - Woodworking Talk

Pinch Dog · 04-14-2009, 01:48 AM

Sometime in the late 40s and 50s Sears sold a woodworkers encyclopedia set. Has anyone heard of this or at least know its name. I was talking with a friend who used it and said it was the most incredible woodworking recourse he ever saw. can you help?

YouNGwOOd · 04-14-2009, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinch Dog

Sometime in the late 40s and 50s Sears sold a woodworkers encyclopedia set. Has anyone heard of this or at least know its name. I was talking with a friend who used it and said it was the most incredible woodworking recourse he ever saw. can you help?

Try this site maybe you'll find something, maybe it will mention what your looking for here........ Good luck

www.woodworkinghistory.com/appendix_15.htm

Raymond McInnis · 04-16-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YouNGwOOd

Try this site maybe you'll find something, maybe it will mention what your looking for here........ Good luck

www.woodworkinghistory.com/appendix_15.htm

either of these sets "may" be what you are looking for:

popular science do-it-yourself encyclopedia 12 vols 1955

popular mechanics do-it-yourself encyclopedia 12 vols 1955

while their similar titles might argue that they are done by the same people, there are enough differences in each set to show that different people, with different goals, worked on the sets.

you are correct: the contents of the sets have enduring values, that makes them still useful today, especially if you, as a woodworker, continue to cherish and use tools of the 1950s, especially the RAS and bench-top drill presses, etc.

i bought both sets -- for reasonable prices -- on bookfinder.com

now, as to whether sears distributed either set, that is a good question. do you have access to newspaperarchive.com? on that database you could check for ads in the 1950s. if you wish, l will check that source for you and post the results, but let me know.

best wishes

Raymond McInnis

M Sanders · 05-03-2009, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinch Dog

Sometime in the late 40s and 50s Sears sold a woodworkers encyclopedia set. Has anyone heard of this or at least know its name. I was talking with a friend who used it and said it was the most incredible woodworking recourse he ever saw. can you help?

Did you find what you are looking for?

I have a full set of Popular Mechanics Do it yourself Encyclopedia, 1955, which I am ready to sell. It belonged to my Grandfather who was a cabinet builder. I've enjoyed it for many years, and it is in great condition. I am now getting ready to downsize and retire, so can't take it with me. If you are interested, please email me at lori@nettracks.com.

Mike