Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Book for pre-novice turner.
Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida
>If a fellow were to be maybe possibly kind of considering thinking about learning to do some simple turning, and had not been near a lathe since junior high shop class 36 years ago, what books and videos should he read and view to get up to speed with all of the latest jargon, etc., for choosing a lathe and turning tools?
Re: Book for pre-novice turner. *LINK*
JL work
>Keith Rowley's book "Woodturning - a Foundation Course.
Ernie Conover's books such as "The Lathe Book: A Complete Guide to the Machine and it's Accessories"
Woodturning - a Foundation Course
Re: Book for pre-novice turner.
Lyn J. Mangiameli
>Don,
What a delight to see you over on this side! I hope you become a regular.
As has already been mentioned, the Keith Rowley book is, IMO, the best single text for beginning turners. The strenght of the book is its ability to condense techniques and practices into a few very specific sets of rules and guidelines. This is perfect for the beginning turner,who might otherwise become overloaded with details and variations in practice. If you get the Rowling essentials down, you will then be able to build on a solid foundation as you aquire other techniques and practices.
Because turning is such a complex fluid activity,no book can really do a good job imparting the rhythm and flow of tool use. Personal instruction (formal or informal) is considered by most as the much prefered method of learning to turn. Being the introvert that I am, I learned on my own from videos, and don't regret that approach for me. Whether or not you obtain instruction, I highly recommend obtaining a couple of videos. For general turning, I suggest the first Chris Stotts video (I've forgottent it's name, but it is something like First Steps in Woodturning). It is a bit dated now, but the pace and information given is excellent. For bowl turning, I recommend the video of David Ellsworth that teaches use of his Signature Gouge. It provides a wealth of information that has utility whether or not you use one of his gouges. For use of the skew chisel, it is Alan Lacers video. These three videos, plus Keith's book will not only prepare you to begin turning, but also give you a feel for what turning is like.
There are lots more recourses in both genre's, many with more flashy production or which are more entertaining, but I think these stand out as the best to begin with.
Re: Book for pre-novice turner. *LINK*
John Haylow Bracebridge Ont
>Don.
I just got the turning bug myself. I thought I would like to turn small bowls and pens to start off.
I took the advice of a few folks and ordered Bill Grumbine's new video on bowl turning. He takes you through from start to finish. If that's what you are interested in turning. I would suggest you get a copy, I found it most interesting and informative.
I also took the advice of many and purchased a Jet 1014 mini lathe. I have not had much time to use it yet but I think it will be a great little starter lathe.
Regards,
John
http://www.wonderfulwood.com/
Turning Class....
Wally Dickerman at Green Valley, Az.
>Don, The books and videos mentioned are excellent. I suggest that in addition you take a hands-on class in either spindle turning or bowl turning, or better yet, both. A local woodworkers store should be able to give you information on that. Most Woodcraft stores have classes in turning.
Wally
Re: Turning Class....
JamieDonaldson
>Another resource is a week or weekend at Arrowmont in TN or J Campbell Folk School in NC. I am partial to Folk School, not just because I teach there, but the food is better IMHO!
Re: Turning Class.... *LINK*
JL work
>Second that - the food is great. Also Nick Cook is teaching a basics class in March and June there.
JC Campbell Folk School
Re: Book for pre-novice turner.
Bob Lemon - Sacramento CA
>Don, you might consider attending an AAW turners meeting also. The South Florida Woodturners Guild meets the 1st Thursday in Miami. Contact this Email for more information: rhazel1999@aol.com. The clubs are great for hands-on lessons, most clubs have mentors who are more than happy to help you get started.
Re: Book for pre-novice turner.
Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida
>Thanks for the SFWTG info. I had heard of them years ago, but had forgotten about them.
Re: Book for pre-novice turner.
Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida
>Hello Lyn,
I keep seeing stuff over on the Hand Tools forum that folks have made with a lathe, and I was just reading reviews of small lathes in one mag or another (Vic Mark (SP?) best, Jet best affordable), and got to thinking that maybe I do have room for one in my mini workshop. Also, after Sir William's encouragement, I have been doing some urban harvesting of bits and pieces of tropical woods, much of which is really only suitable for turning.
Maybe I can get rich making pens! ;-)
Re: Turning Class....
Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida
>A class sounds like a good idea, if I can get away.
There is a new Woodcraft about 60 miles away, that should be good for a mini-class.
Ka-ching!
Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida
>Ordered:
Rowley & Conover books
Stotts, Ellsworth & Grumbine videos.
I'll be back...
