Books, Guides & Videos

About Books, Guides & Videos

Whether you're a seasoned tradesperson refining your craft or a DIY enthusiast embarking on your first major project, the right educational resources can transform your capabilities in the workshop. The comprehensive selection of books, guides and videos available from Tooled-Up.com provides essential knowledge for working with confidence and precision across carpentry, joinery, routing, metalwork and general workshop practices. From detailed routing techniques and woodworking fundamentals to quick-reference charts and step-by-step instructional DVDs, these resources complement your toolkit by helping you master techniques, understand best practices and achieve professional-quality results.

Professional trade books and instructional videos offer structured, in-depth learning that you can reference repeatedly, building a personal library of expertise that grows alongside your skills. Authored by recognised experts and experienced craftspeople who understand the real-world challenges faced on site and in the workshop, these materials provide far more comprehensive guidance than generic online tutorials. Whether you're learning advanced joinery methods, exploring router bit selection for your Makita or DeWalt router, or understanding timber properties and finishing techniques, dedicated educational resources form the foundation of continuous professional development.

Trade guides and reference charts deliver invaluable quick-access information when you're mid-project and need to verify measurements, settings or specifications. From router bit profiles and cutting speeds to wood joint types and material properties, having reliable reference materials to hand saves time, prevents costly mistakes and helps you work to the exacting standards expected by today's discerning clients and homeowners. The Tooled-Up range spans beginner-friendly introductions through to specialist advanced techniques, ensuring tradespeople at every skill level can find resources matched to their learning objectives.

Jargon Buster

Instructional DVD

A video training resource providing visual, step-by-step demonstrations of techniques and processes, allowing you to observe exactly how experienced tradespeople approach specific tasks, tool handling and project workflows.

Reference Chart

A quick-lookup guide displaying essential workshop information in an easy-to-read format, such as drill bit sizes, screw gauges, cutting speeds or material specifications, often designed for wall mounting in workshops.

Routing Guide

Specialised instructional material focused on router use, covering topics including bit selection, feed rates, jig-making, template routing and achieving specific profiles and joints with precision across various router brands like Festool, Bosch and Milwaukee.

Trade Manual

A comprehensive book covering all aspects of a particular trade or skill set, typically including theory, practical techniques, safety considerations, troubleshooting advice and regulatory compliance information relevant to UK standards.

Step-by-Step Guide

An instructional format breaking down complex projects or techniques into manageable stages, with clear instructions accompanied by photographs or illustrations at each stage to ensure successful completion.

Workshop Companion

A practical reference book designed for regular consultation whilst working, covering techniques, tips, measurements and problem-solving advice for common workshop tasks, often featuring lay-flat binding for ease of use.

Who Uses Books, Guides & Videos?

Professional trade books and instructional resources provide valuable knowledge for a diverse range of users:

• Carpenters and joiners seeking advanced joinery techniques and timber working methods
• Cabinet makers and furniture makers requiring precision routing and finishing guidance
• Apprentices and trainees building foundational knowledge alongside hands-on experience
• DIY enthusiasts undertaking home improvement projects and wanting professional results
• Woodturners and woodcarvers exploring specialised techniques and creative approaches
• Workshop owners and tutors using materials for training and skill development programmes
• Self-employed tradespeople diversifying their skill set to offer additional services
• Maintenance technicians and site workers needing quick-reference information
• Hobbyists and makers developing new skills for personal projects and creative work
• Retired tradespeople staying current with modern techniques and evolving best practices
• Tool collectors and enthusiasts deepening their understanding of equipment capabilities

How to Choose the Right Books, Guides & Videos

Selecting appropriate educational resources depends on your current skill level, specific learning objectives and preferred learning style. Beginners benefit from comprehensive introductory guides covering fundamentals, safety procedures and basic techniques with clear explanations and abundant illustrations. Experienced tradespeople typically seek specialised books focusing on advanced techniques, specific tools or niche applications that expand their professional capabilities beyond everyday site work.

Consider your preferred learning format carefully. Visual learners gain more from instructional DVDs and videos demonstrating techniques in real-time, showing hand positions, tool settings and workflow sequences. Those who prefer reading benefit from detailed written guides with photographs and diagrams that can be studied at their own pace, with the ability to revisit complex sections. Many tradespeople find combining both formats most effective—using books for theory and planning, then videos for observing techniques in action.

Evaluate the practical format and durability of resources. Workshop reference charts should be laminated or printed on robust material to withstand dusty, occasionally damp workshop conditions. Books with lay-flat bindings prove easier to reference whilst working, and spiral-bound guides offer particular practicality when positioned beside machinery. For video content, verify DVD region compatibility or whether digital downloads are available for viewing on tablets and smartphones on site.

Check the author's credentials and publication date before purchasing. Resources written by experienced tradespeople, recognised instructors or industry experts typically offer more practical, real-world advice than academic texts. Whilst classic woodworking principles remain timeless, newer publications cover modern tool technologies, updated HSE safety standards and contemporary materials. For power tool-specific guidance, resources referencing current models from brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and Bosch will be most relevant to your existing kit.

Popular Accessories

• Wall-mountable reference posters and laminated charts for quick workshop consultation
• Workshop notebooks and project planners for recording techniques and critical measurements
• Tablet holders and adjustable stands for viewing digital instructional content hands-free
• Protective book covers and document wallets for keeping guides clean in dusty environments
• USB drives and portable storage for organising digital video libraries and PDF references
• Magnifying glasses and LED reading lights for detailed diagram examination
• Bookmarks and adhesive page tabs for marking frequently referenced sections
• Tool-specific accessories complementing instructional content, such as router jigs and templates
• Whiteboard markers for annotating laminated reference charts

Frequently Asked Questions

Are instructional videos suitable for complete beginners with no prior experience?

Yes, many instructional DVDs and videos are specifically designed for beginners, starting with fundamental concepts, essential safety information and basic techniques before progressing to more advanced skills. Look for resources clearly marked as introductory, foundational or suitable for novice users. These typically explain terminology, demonstrate proper tool handling and emphasise safety procedures throughout.

Can I use routing books with any brand of router?

Absolutely. Whilst routers from different manufacturers like Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, Festool and Milwaukee may have slightly different controls and features, the fundamental routing techniques, bit selection principles, fence adjustment methods and safety practices covered in routing books apply universally across all brands and models. You may simply need to consult your specific router's manual for control locations and adjustment mechanisms.

How do trade guides remain relevant as tools and techniques evolve?

Core woodworking and trade principles remain remarkably consistent over time, making classic guides perpetually useful for fundamental techniques. However, newer editions incorporate modern tool technologies, updated HSE safety standards and contemporary materials like engineered timber products. Many publishers offer revised editions of popular titles, and some provide supplementary online resources with updates on new developments. For traditional hand tool techniques and fundamental joinery, even older guides retain significant educational value.

Are physical books better than digital resources for workshop use?

Both formats offer distinct advantages. Physical books don't require charging, won't be damaged by accidental tool contact and can be easily annotated with personal notes. Digital resources on tablets allow you to zoom into detailed diagrams, search for specific terms instantly and carry an entire reference library in one portable device. Many tradespeople find that keeping detailed books for evening study at home and laminated quick-reference charts or a tablet with key guides works best for the workshop environment.

Do these resources cover UK-specific standards and regulations?

Educational materials at Tooled-Up.com typically reference relevant British Standards (BS and BS EN), HSE guidelines and UK trade practices. However, it's worth checking publication details, particularly for imported titles, to ensure they cover UK electrical standards (240v mains supply), metric measurements and appropriate safety regulations rather than international or US-specific information. Resources published by UK authors and publishers naturally align with British building regulations and workshop practices.