The Lathe Book: A Complete Guide to the Machine and Its Accessories

It arrived faster than I thought it would and the book looked like it had just been purchased! Very happy with this order!

Despite what "the most critical review" asserts (and, consequently, mistates) is that Conover "states that a minimum entry level lathe will cost you over $1,000." Page 29 of the book states that "a new entry-level lathe costs from $500 to $1000." Conover also provides tips on purchasing used-lathes. Also, the same reviewer implies that Conover is pushing Canadian products (which, as an aside, are frequently quite good). However, the cover pictures a Nova lathe, from a New Zealand-based company. Conover also describes Jet, Delta, and many other lathes from non-Canadian companies. The reviewer seems to have a problem with actual facts. My impression, Conover has written a good, easy-to-read book with a good overview of the subject. Although many topics are not covered in great detail, there simply is not enough room in one book for the myriad of topics possible under the broad heading of wood turning.

I bought this book before getting into the rest of the hobby just to get a feel for what I'd need and what it's all about. Ernie does a good job of educating you about all the essentials including lathe features, types of chisels, shaping & sharpening, chucks, and a few techniques. Some areas do feel opinionated and could have been better written to include more viewpoints but those are minor quibbles. For example on skew sharpening he strictly talks about not doing a hollow grind on them and instead advocates sharpening them on the side of your wheel. I've given my skews a hollow grind on an 8" wheel and they work fine. I'd give the book a 7.5/10.

I'm a novice, as such I want to know terrms and methods and maybe even step by step of basics, how to center uneven wood, how to mount on the lather, how to rough a rough piece to a round piece. Common problems of newbies to address.And most importantly, how to sharpen your tools.It's valuable information about lathes, but not the right vehicle to discuss the pros and cons of different manufacturers and sizes..

I bought this used for ~$6 dollrs which I would recommend. This is not the most comprehensive book on woodturning and lathes although it does briefly cover the many different topics which will arise to a beginner at woodturning. This is a good resource if you haven’t done any homework on lathes and turning but if you have, there will be very limited new information you’ll pull from here.

I've just began reading this book as I'm researching before getting into woodturning. I've given it 5 stars until there is a reason not to. So far some really interesting information. The book is well written and in depth....So far.

I have just ordered a small wood-working lathe and wanted a reference on how to set it up, sharpen tools and the basics of using the lathe. This book covers that and a good deal more. The author describes different types of lathes and some pluses and minuses of each style for specific uses. Several approaches to sharpening tools and even making your own are covered. The use of chucks, faceplates and other workholding devices and examples of shop made versions of many of them are included. I am looking forward to starting to turn some wood when my new lathe arrives!

This book is just the thing for anyone interested in learning how to run or lathe or in sharpening lathe operation skills. The illustrations are good and clear. It has served to help me correct some bad habits picked up during a period of self-instruction. It's a progressive instruction and very easy to follow. Highly recommended for the hobbyist and the amateur. I think the professionals could use it to a degree, but they probably know it already.

This book is American and of no use to me whatsoever living in the UK. All the advice is sourced in America. I have nothing against Americans but this book is a fat lot of good to me personally.

It's certainly interesting and there are some good tips, but don't expect to learn to be a super turner from it.

Very good liked it very much

Great book !! Not had time to look all through it yet !! cheers 😃

海外と日本国内での木工旋盤の人口が如何に違うのか、この手の洋書はかなり持っていますが初心者ですでに木工旋盤を持っている人、持っていない人でもわかる目線で書かれています。　木工旋盤の機種は様々ですが「ワークを回転させて刃物を当てて削る」が基本です。　この本でイメージをつかんでから木工旋盤を購入または自作すれば良いかなと思いました。