Woodworking with Plastics is a well written and accessible tutorial guide with projects by Ralph Bagnall. Released 11th Aug 2026 by Fox Chapel, it's 128 pages and is available in paperback (softbound) and ebook formats.
This book grew out of a number of classes and seminars the author has done at woodworking fairs and through other venues, and it shows. The book has a logical layout and reads like class materials delivered at a very well organized workshop. He covers safety and PPE in depth, materials, tools and other equipment, and suitability of various types of plastic alone or in combination with other materials (wood).
The tutorial projects are written with a bullet list of materials, tools, and supplies, and followed by a step-by-step guide to finishing. The book is very well photographed throughout with clear process photos (without hands or tools in the way of the "action"). Safety is emphasized throughout the book. The author presupposes familiarity with, and access to, a number of woodworking and crafting power tools. It would be -possible- for a keen beginner to do these projects, but for actual beginners a mentor (and access to a well equipped woodworking shop) would be necessary.
Very well photographed throughout, with precisely engineered projects and lots of inspiration.
Five stars, it would be an excellent choice for public, school, or home library, for shared studio and maker-spaces, or for gift giving.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
