Choosing between these woodworking furniture plan books means weighing how complete a guide you want against how much you plan to build. Trev Nolan's 'The Easy Guide to Woodworking Plans and Projects' leads with a complete framework for designing and making furniture. Bernard C. Cooper's '40 More Woodworking Plans & Projects' is designed as a follow-up, delivering additional plans for people who already have a first volume. Both are paperbacks, but their listed prices are set far apart.
Quick verdict: If you want a design-first reference in fresh condition, go with 'The Easy Guide.' If you want more ready-to-build plans for less money, go with '40 More Woodworking Plans & Projects.'
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Format | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Easy Guide to Woodworking Plans and Projects | USD 31.54 | Paperback | Brand New | |
| 40 More Woodworking Plans & Projects | USD 14.36 | Trade Paperback | Very Good |
Where each wins:
The Easy Guide wins when your project list starts with a thorough design phase. It's positioned as a complete guide, making it a better fit for a first furniture-making book. The higher listed price reflects that comprehensive approach.
40 More wins when you already have a plans collection and want additional projects without a major investment. The lower listed price keeps this within an easy budget.
The Easy Guide to Woodworking Plans and Projects
Trev Nolan's guide is a Brand New copy, so you get a clean book with no previous owner's marks. The price is USD 31.54. For that, you get a comprehensive design reference that walks through furniture creation step by step. The description emphasizes reducing stress, boosting mood, and improving creativity-useful benefits when you're spending long hours in the shop. The limitation is the cost: it's the higher-priced option in this pair, so if your budget is tight, it may be hard to justify. If you're starting from zero and want a single book that covers the whole furniture-making process, this one is worth the larger listed price.
40 More Woodworking Plans & Projects
This is a Very Good used copy, meaning the pages are intact and the book is clean, though the spine may show signs of handling. At USD 14.36, it's the more affordable pick. The title promises 40 additional plans, which is perfect for expanding your library without starting over. Because it's a follow-up collection, it makes the most sense if you already own a previous plans book or have some experience working from plans. The limitation is that it's not brand new; if you prefer a completely fresh reference, this used condition might give you pause. But for a cost-conscious shopper, the lower listed price makes it an easy choice.
Final choice by use case: If you're planning to build multiple pieces of furniture and want a complete design guide that walks you through the process, Trev Nolan's 'The Easy Guide' is the right buy. If you already have a plans book and simply want 40 more projects without stretching your wallet, Bernard C. Cooper's '40 More Woodworking Plans & Projects' is the practical pick.
