This book covers all the basic's. Topics like Selecting, Repairing, maintaining and using a lathe (including some handy jigs). There is also chapter on sharpening techniques.It would make a handy reference for any turner, especially for people about to start in this great hobbie. The Lathe Book: A Complete Guide to the Machine and Its Accessories
I actually used this book to help me become more informed before I made a lathe purchase.
It gives a great overall overview of many sizes and options.
Quote from the book, "New entry level lathes cost from $500 to $1000 dollars. Also gives positive comments to mini lathes @ $300-$400. That would include bed extension with which you could turn countless spindles. $575 Delta/Jet 12 inch, nice start as well.
Great overall picture of turning, tools, sharpening and accesories. Speaking of pictures what's shown is fine for what's being illustrated.ie; size and content.
Hey...before I read this book I was quite uncertain which way to approach the lathe.After having read it...I consider it "The Bible of Lathe Use".I still may not LOOK like I know what I'm doing....but this book sure helps me along and safely.I am still making big sticks into little sticks on the lathe...and yet I think that with this book's guidance there may just be potential for a bowl or spindle in my future.
As an advanced woodworker I decided to try my hand at turning so I purchased this book based upon the other reviews. The book is written in a confusing, disjointed, and rather condescending manner. Conover seems to want to impress with his "expertise" at the expense of clearly disseminating information.Additionally, photos are extremely small, poorly cropped, and show no worthwhile detail. He states that a minimum entry level lathe will cost you over $1,000. That must be Canadian dollars since he recommends equipment as if he's employed by the Canadian Department of Commerce. There are numerous run-on sentences in the book that will leave you scratching you head and asking "what the hell is this guy talking about?"If you want to get started in turning, this is not your book.
This Book will teach a novice the basics of turning, while also encouraging them by showing them some of the great things it is possible to do with a lathe. Mr. Conover's immense experience make this a great book for even more experienced turners, because of his practical approach to repairs, maintenance, and modification.
This book appears to be excellent for accomplished turners. I am an absolute Green Horn. Photography is excellent, writing crisp. Lots of information on handmade accessories and sharpening tips.
I probably need a book about basics.
Ernie Conover is one of the best(if not the best) writer of books on using the Lathe in the United States. I have all of his work and could recommed any or all for the serious wood turner. The only other writers who would come close to Mr. Conover are two gentleman from Australia. My wood turning library exceeds 24 books, Ernie is the best.
I obtained this book, The LATHE Book, 2001 revision, from my county library. Thanks to Ernie Conover for a real "heads-up" about wood turning! See Chapter One (and page 5 in the book) where you learn the difference between SPINDLE TURNING and FACEPLATE TURNING - this is Extremely Important to understand - if you had just bought a new mini-lathe on sale from Harbor Freight like me ( which BTW, the author never mentioned in his favorite tools suggestions) - I had personal plans to "turn cork handles for fishing rods" but wanted to understand lathe wood-turning better . . . you would need to know which tools do what. This book is a very good start. So many other tips, you will just have to check out the book. I think you will agree with me. It's very good.
I now have to decide whether to order the hard copy or the online download . . . probably hard copy, easier to take to the reading room. JohnC - Woodworking - Woodturning'
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