A better book ?

[Cello girl]

Hi there !
Where I am there is very little wood turners close buy and even less so that have too much time to spare to show me tricks...
That said, it looks like I might be offered a wood turning course by my dear hubby, but in the meantime, I found books and videos a good help to get started.
The same hubby offered me last year Keith Rowley book "A Foundation Course" and I don't really like it that much (and this is my only wood turning book)
I do appreciate that some info in it are useful and well detailed, but (and this is personal) I also find it scaremongering (and now I'm pretty scared of my machine) and some crucial details seem to be missing (such as determining the chuck that fits your lathe and your needs; the height of the tool rest for each tool,... and so on...)
Anyway, cutting short, I need a friendly, confidence-building, motivating book that is clearly laid out and serious about safety without being scaremongering. In short I'd like to feel guided and feel like I want to turn rather than apprehend...
Cheers ;-)

[wheelinround]

Here's a guide to clubs all over UK. :B Oopps seems I didn't put the link up Association of Woodturners (http://www.woodturners.co.uk/branches_atoz.php)

Books try Mike Darlow's (http://www.mikedarlow.com/MJD%20pages/Introbookspage.html)

Video's Cap'n Eddie (https://www.youtube.com/user/capneddie/videos)

Mike Waldt Videos (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCymruBoy?feature=watch)

[Sturdee]

Anyway, cutting short, I need a friendly, confidence-building, motivating book that is clearly laid out and serious about safety without being scaremongering. In short I'd like to feel guided and feel like I want to turn rather than apprehend...
Cheers ;-)

Not a book but you might like to read these threads on turning tips collected from forum members being the best 100 turning tips (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/best-100-turning-tips-105455/) and the sequel to it (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/top-100-turning-tips-mk-2-a-107727/)


Also the YouTube videos of and Brendan Stemp are good to watch.


Peter.

[Mobyturns]

Try Glenn Lucas' web site, very good instructional videos from an exceptional turner.

DVD1 is about Tools in woodturning. DVD2 is all about Bowls | Glenn Lucas Master Woodturner (http://glennlucaswoodturning.com/mastering-woodturning-dvd-series/)

Also freebies on YouTube

Glenn Lucas - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/GlennLucasWoodTurner)

Take care ... & safe turning.

[Kidbee]

Have a look at "the Wood Turning bible" by Phil Irons a UK turner. Lathe turning is explained in fairly plain terms and some simple and practical items are shown how to be turned, step by step. It may well be available in your local library.

[Cello girl]

Thanks all of you !!
And thanks also about videos cause on YouTube you can easily browse for hours on end and not get the basics ! Rather amazing inspiration ;-)

[Mobyturns]

Thanks all of you !!
And thanks also about videos cause on YouTube you can easily browse for hours on end and not get the basics ! Rather amazing inspiration ;-)

If you get a chance to watch Glenn demo - jump at it! Would be worth the trip to Ireland to do a class or two in his workshop as it would be money very well spent and will cut years of the "self taught" learning curve.
He is a very nice guy to boot.

[dr4g0nfly]

CG,

You've found the best Woodturning site on the net so stick around, but I am also in the UK (Bristol) and a member of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWBG). We have our own forum, you can find it from Wheelinround's link. Come say hello and we'll see if we can find some turners near you to help you out.

Dr4g0nfly (aka Bryan)

[ticklingmedusa]

This one didn't get mentioned.
It can be found at Amazon UK
I like mine :2tsup:


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ellsworth-Woodturning-Master-Creates-Vessels/dp/1565233778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385078431&sr=8-1&keywords=david+ellsworth

[Paul39]

Cello Girl,

Have a look here, posted by .

https://archive.org/search.php?query=woodturning%20AND%20mediatype%3Atexts

I looked at this one:

https://archive.org/details/laboratorycourse00goldrich

Lots of good information.

I found a 1970s edition of: The craftsman woodturner: Peter Child: 9780713516685: Amazon.com: Books (http://www.amazon.com/The-craftsman-woodturner-Peter-Child/dp/0713516682/ref=sr_tc_2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385170051&sr=1-2-ent)

This is before scroll chucks and just at the beginning of high speed steel tools. The instruction is quite straightforward and at times amusing.

Richard Raffan has some nice books and DVDs. I'm a reader and not crazy about watching a video while trying to turn something.

[chuck1]

hi there, also woodturning on the treadle lathe is a good book I got it on eBay it's a reprint from 1922. it's simular to my Tafe books where spindle turning is concerned it even has designs!.
it's relative easy read

[astrid]

Have you tried your local main branch library?
Most good libraries have a selection of good woodturning books. If there are non on the shelf, check their calalogue, They will also usually order anything you want from another library service within the UK.

[Mobyturns]

Hi there !
.....
I do appreciate that some info in it are useful and well detailed, but (and this is personal) I also find it scaremongering (and now I'm pretty scared of my machine) and some crucial details seem to be missing (such as determining the chuck that fits your lathe and your needs; the height of the tool rest for each tool,... and so on...)
....

Cheers ;-)

CG,
I have thought quite a deal about your comments as I have recommended Keith Rowleys "A Foundation Course" over the years because of its fairly conscise coverage of the important stuff to wood turners. Unfortunately & regretably many beginner & even quite experienced turners never learn about; become complacent with or do not realise the power of the lathe and the potential consequences of using it "unsafely".

My feelings are that Rowley gave sufficient emphasis to the safety aspects without being scaremongering. My point - turners do get injured and usually because they either do not understand the fundamentals of the materials, tools, machinery & turning or they become complacent. Usually an injury is the result of a number of things they normally would "get away with" combining to cause a very significant incident & injury.

Having a healthy respect for your machines and tools is advisable but don't be scared of them. If you are starting to feel scared then get assistance because its your own self protection mechanism saying something is not right about what you are doing. Learn to trust that sense as it will serve you well. ( use the force Luke :; )

[rsser]

A contrarian view: you can't learn to turn from books or vids. Don't waste your money.

Be patient and go with hubby's offer.

Once you've learned the basics books and vids can help to problem solve/tweak technique/show diff. ways.

[Osbojo]

This any good to you

STRATHCLYDE WOODTURNERS (Scotland)
Secretary: Jim Pearson.
Telephone: 01417 762798
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.strathclydewoodturners.co.uk (http://www.strathclydewoodturners.co.uk)
Meetings: 2nd Monday of each Month at 7.00pm
Venue: 6 Auchinloch Road, Lenzie, Glasgow G66 5ER