I am delighted to announce that the book I started writing four years ago – “Dutch Tool Chests” – is finally in the hands of our printer. I also hope to have proofs to review by the weekend. Above is a mockup of the cover (surprise, it’s gray/blue). The real thing will look a lot better, with cloth over 98 pt. boards and a platinum die stamp. The price will be $39. (As are all Lost Art Press books, it will be printed in the U.S.A.)
Inside the book is everything you need to build your own Dutch tool chest – 192 pages, from choosing materials at the home center or lumberyard to the paint. And of course, lots of hand-tool instruction in between – techniques and tool instruction that will come in handy for any number of projects. Oh – plus a brain dump on through-dovetails (the thing I teach the most), but written so that if you already feel solid in your dovetail abilities, you can skip all but the first sentence of each paragraph in that chapter. I’d hate to bore you.
My favorite parts of the book, though, are the two sections I didn’t write: the foreword from Roy Underhill (thank you, Roy!) and the gallery of Dutch chests from 43 other makers. These clever adaptations and customized interior designs show the great flexibility of the form, and how you can make it your own.
I’ll be sharing more from the book in the coming weeks. For now, I’m just so happy that it’s done. With luck and a lack of printer delays, I hope we’ll have it in house around November 1 (and I’m limbering up my hand for signing copies). And of course, I hope our international retailers will carry it, but as always, that is up to them. (Those that do will likely have it by January.)
– Fitz
Yay Megan! We have been waiting for this book. I am hoping it will finally cure my procrastination in building a Dutch tool chest.
Fantastic news on all fronts! Congratulations all around – this is book I sure look forward to!
Very excited for this book! I randomly google your name and Dutch tool chest a few times a year, and today was my lucky day 🙂 I’ll be back to order it on November 1 🙂
So excited for this one! Congrats
Well done! Looking forward to getting a copy!
I’ve been waiting four years to read it!!
Way to go Megan!
Woot! Woot! Can’t wait to pre-order this one!!!
Awesome, congratulations! Have been looking forward to this eagerly!
I hope you get a chance to relax now that it’s done 🙂
Congratulations. I’ve had a book on my agenda for half a century. You are way ahead of me. I look forward to adding the book to my library and tool chest to my shop.
Woo hoo! And Congratulations to Megan!
Woot! Woot! ‘Bout damn time! Will order within a week, after I pay my credit card for the month!
Hooray! I’ve got 3 carcasses built for dispersing tools to my kids. Have been waiting for this for lid and internal fitment options – they will not be identical!
How many historical Dutch chests have you been able to examine? Do you have many of those examples in the book?
Congratulations Megan. That’s exciting
Congrats!
Huzzah! And there was much rejoicing!
Definitely an insta-buy. Congrats, Megan, on your momentous accomplishment!
Congrats, can’t wait to have a look for myself and pester my library to get a copy (or 3! They seem to like to buy LAP books in bulk which is fine by me)
I do that too! I bet it’s because they want to save on shipping like me.
Take my money.
Congratulations Megan. I hope you’ll be signing copies purchased from LAP.
excellent!!!!
Super excited for this, I feel like I’ve asked you about how it was coming in emails now for years 😂. I know you’re happy to see it off to print!
Great stuff Megan. Shame the release date isn’t a few days earlier because you could have brought (& signed) a copy to the class I’m doing with you in London!
Btw, will there be some joining instructions, tools to bring if any etc?
Hi Andy,
I’m going to check with Derek on the tool list. I know they have tools there, but Yes, I do have a tool list, too. I’ll email it to you.
Woopee!
Getting ready to start building the Dutch Tool chest as soon as the book comes out; can you recommend both vintage and new makers of dovetail saws since I do not own one and want one for this build? Thanks.
I think what is key is to get one that feels right in your hand, and is comfortable to use for a long stretch of time. So it’s hard to recommend a brand. Out of current makers, the Lie-Nielsen is, I think, the best traditional Western non-custom saw for the price. But I have very small hands, so it doesn’t fit me well – that means I like a maker that offers custom size handles, such as Bad Axe. But they are, as a result of options, significantly more expensive.
I have found a vintage Woodrough & Mcparlin with a small handle, too – but it needs resharpening (which will usually be the case with vintage saws)
That is a great idea! I have four kids and grandkids into woodworking, and I have enough duplicate tools to fill at least four chests.
Congratulations! Got my Visa ready.
I have already built three Dutch chests. But still going to buy a copy if for no other reason than to help keep you in coffee and thereby, LAP solvent. =D
Seriously, congrats on bringing it home.
Congratulations Meagan,
When will preorders open? Will PDF versions be available with the preorder like other LAP books?
It will be available for order once it’s in the building – pre-orders cause too many headaches! But we will be offering a free PDF with the hc for the first 30 days.