Shopwork on the Farm

I’m a sucker for any book about vanishing skills. Shopwork is loaded with such lore. For example, the section on harness repair reminds us “thread should be torn instead of cut, in order to give a long tapered end.” Why? The better to thread a needle. The “Ropework” chapter has detailed options for making splices and loop ends—and enough knots to challenge any sailor. How many books offer on steps on knife whetting or how to set the teeth of a crosscut saw?

This book can brighten a winter’s evening with things you can be glad have vanished, like spooning… show more.