Product Description

This book is considered a primer for anyone who is interested in learning how to turn wood. This revised edition includes new techniques, up-to-date information on tools, and all the basics -- from the lathe to the techniques necessary to get started.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #74476 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-17
• Released on: 2001-03-15
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

From Library Journal
It is hard to improve upon perfection, but Raffan does, bringing his classic introduction to woodturning up-to-date. Readers are introduced to the lathe, the methods of attaching wood to it, and (most importantly) turning tools and their proper care and use. Woodturning is arguably the most difficult woodworking discipline because proper technique is so important (a slip or moment of inattention and the project is gone, sometimes flying directly toward one's face). Raffan is a gifted instructor whose years as a production turner have developed a pragmatic style and an economy of motion. By mastering these techniques, one can move on to any style of woodturning. This is the standard title on the subject and an essential purchase; even libraries that own the original edition should consider this update, since many changes have occurred, especially in the area of equipment.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
In this revision of a 1983 book that sold nearly 100,000 copies, chapter one is a brief guide to the lathe that explains its standard parts. Attachments for the lathe--drives, faceplates, and chucks--are described in chapter two, and cutting tools, such as gouges, scrapers, chisels, and parting tools, in chapter three. Chapters follow on safety precautions; measuring diameters, depths, and wall thickness; centerwork and facework; and finishing surfaces. Problems, symptoms, and remedies are discussed in one appendix, and selecting and seasoning wood in another. The useful paperback contains 355 color photographs and 69 black-and-white line drawings. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

Sandman
This is a well written, well organized, wonderful book from a very gifted
author. Great for someone just getting into wood turning and has pearls for the experienced turner. Highly recommended !!

Great start!
This book is great for a novice like me. I am just getting started - returning- to wood turning and this book has helped me get up to speed. The pictures and text go together very well and the book covers lots of different types of projects.

Beginner's Best Bet
I very likely own every book and DVD Richard Raffan has put out. I admire his work, with its pure and flowing form. And I'm often astonished, when watching him, with his displays of technique that makes things I still find challenging look easy. I do have one problem with most of the books and a few of the DVDs - while there is considerable information in them the overall level is a bit beyond complete beginner. It helps a good deal, for example, if one has actually attempted several boxes under someone's tutelage before attempting to make one straight from Raffan's instructions. I don't believe that this is Raffan's fault, but rather a problem of photographing or drawing the dynamic actions of the turner. I find that I get the most out of these resources when I already understand the basics. Truth would have it, there are very few books that will turn a beginner into a turner. This is a hobby where apprenticeship really pays off.

Turning Wood is the exception to this rule. Not only is the text quite clear, but there are countless photographs and drawings that actually capture the techniques and approaches. Raffin focuses on technique, which is fine, but I wish he had spent even more time discussing design. For that I suggest you take a look at Turning Boxes, another of his best books. But from a how to viewpoint, there is not better book.

I would suggest making a point of acquiring this book. It will help you develop good habits early instead of having to unmake bad ones. From here you can branch out in any direction of the myriad the lathe has to offer and know that you have what it takes to accomplish what you want. Next to having a teacher this will be your best resource.