Woodturning: A Foundation Course

The book provided for me, as a novice wood turner, all of the answers that I sought as I started to do some wood turning. Specifically, safety practices (clearly spelled out in the "Laws of Wood Turning"), tool sharpening, and use of each tool. It included a video the author's wood turning, which was helpful in actually seeing it done properly and safely. The author's writing style was a little too wordy at times. I should have consulted the book before purchasing the wood lathe, and tools

I had hoped for a good foundation, but am rather disappointed. While the author may be a good woodturner, he is not a good teacher.- Feathering cut: I still don't know what that means. I read the section on p. 64 multiple times, but cannot figure it out. Googling term does not help either. It is used several times later in the book, but still does not tell me what is meant.- Riding the bevel. Given that movement of tools in in 3D, the contact point of bevel can be from parallel to toolset to at right angle to tool rest. I still don't know in which direction it should be, or whether it changes. This is a critical point I tried to get clarity, but not from this book.- Terms not defined. That is a key omission. For instance, what is heel and toe of a skew? The terms are not used on p. 28 where the tools are illustrated, but suddenly appear in the text. (where was the editor?)- Seems pretty out of date as well. Wolverine sharpening jigs and raptor tool are nowhere mentioned. Maybe that is a US vs UK difference.- I had also been hoping for a bit more practical information, for instance on wood stabilization and how to avoid splitting (alcohol and soap water techniques). No information on that anywhere. I am glad I did not spend the money on the hard cover.

A very good book on my first skim through of the pages. I will normal flip through the pages of a new book to become familiar with it. IMHO it's designed for the beginners crown, which I a proud member. The author keeps my interests. The chapter on sharpening was informative. IMHO we (woodturners) must get good at sharpening your tools in order to make high quality wood products. The video was a little dry. There's no fancy setup here, expect no bells and whistles. The author is a true Englishman, but I didn't find his writing or speaking difficult to understand. Personally after reading this book and taking from it the most important points, I will be a better wood turner. Hopefully this helps.

Perhaps I simply don't understand the material, but I find some of the information in the book to be conflicting. For example, Chapter 4 "On Sharpening" pictures a parting tool on page 35 that is described as "unsuitable" due to the fact that its bevel is far too acute. Then, in suggesting sharpening equipment, the author writes "My grinder is equipped with two 7in-diameter ... wheels ...". I have never been able to grind an edge on a parting tool, except perhaps for miniature tools, that does not develop an accute bevel using a wheel with a diameter as small as 7 inches. I built the sharpening jig described in the book and find it to be a very useful tool.

This course covers different types of lathes and contains projects. Good video shows how to do the projects

This is one of a couple of books I read cover to cover and over again before I bought my first lathe. The information is fantastic and easy to understand, although it would have helped if I had a lathe at the same time when he was explaining tool techniques but it was easy enough to pick up quickly once I got started.The projects are good as well giving you a place to get yourself started if you are looking at that chunk of wood with only a blank picture in your head.A month later I am going strong with my lathe, turning bowls, goblets, coasters, dibbers etc but I still constantly refer to Keith's book when I need a little help so it has been well worth every centTo all people thinking about woodturning as a new hobby, this book is an absolute must.

When I teach woodturning, this book is my primary educational tool. I was fortunate enough to meet the author before he passed on. Keith Rowley was my woodturning idol. His book taught me more and showed it in a way that was so easy to follow and understand. He speaks of the "6 Laws of Wood Turning" ... without them you will suffer the consequences should you break one of these laws ... I promise ... it will be an experience you will not forget, but it will be a learning tool for you. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning woodturning. It was a required read for all my students.Bill ~ Kansas City, Ks.

This is an excellent woodturning book and contained exactly what I was looking for - this book had a heavy focus on the precise tool movements required to safely and confidently perform the various turning features one will commonly use. As a beginner at woodturning, catches are my biggest fear and this book provided me the confidence to safely perform all of the turning techniques I wanted for my projects. Included various good project ideas. Even came with a DVD, although I have yet to watch it.

This is a great book for those starting out in wood turning covering all of the fundamental aspects of the hobby including some progressive projects which will help develop your skills. The accompanying DVD is also very good, however I feel that no prizes will be won in terms of dynamic presentation, it felt like a woodworking lesson from a 1950's classroom, having said that the information is very useful, and well worth watching. What is nice is that it is a British guide unlike so many others that come from America. Highly recommended

Très bon livre pour les autodidactes ou les apprentis tourneurs.Très bon rapport qualité-prix (livre + dvd inclus) par rapport aux ouvrages français. Le contenu du DVD est un peu vieillot par rapport a ce qui se fait maintenant mais ca peut aider.J'ai particulièrement apprécié les règles à suivre pour bien tourner et les explications schématisées des erreurs à ne pas commettre. C'est ce qui fait que ce livre restera une de mes références sur le sujet.

i liked this book so much i had to recommend it for a friend who is just starting to learn how to use a wood lathe she and her husband are enjoying it too

This is a fantastic book. The DVD that is with it. Is very good, giving excellent knowledge for beginners. Lots of tips and good safety information. Well worth buying.

Although a long term wood worker I have never worked on a lathe in either medium - metal or wood. So I needed a book that explained all from the very beginning. This book has lived up to its reputation in being THE book for the novice wood turner, avoiding the "idiot's guide" syndrome (although I am not adverse to being treated as such when needed) it leads you through the basics, shows you the difficult task of sharpening with the aid of well explained and drawn jigs that will help you avoid the costs of expensive commercial jigs allowing you to focus your finances on higher quality tooling. As it develops it provides for projects that will progress you skills. I obviously recommend this book for those starting out - more experienced turners, although not immune to some of the pearls may well do better to look elsewhere. The DVD is now becoming very tempting.