Woodturning: A Foundation Course (With DVD)

This is a great book for those starting out in wood turning covering all of the fundamental aspects of the hobby including some progressive projects which will help develop your skills. The accompanying DVD is also very good, however I feel that no prizes will be won in terms of dynamic presentation, it felt like a woodworking lesson from a 1950's classroom, having said that the information is very useful, and well worth watching. What is nice is that it is a British guide unlike so many others that come from America. Highly recommended

Although a long term wood worker I have never worked on a lathe in either medium - metal or wood. So I needed a book that explained all from the very beginning. This book has lived up to its reputation in being THE book for the novice wood turner, avoiding the "idiot's guide" syndrome (although I am not adverse to being treated as such when needed) it leads you through the basics, shows you the difficult task of sharpening with the aid of well explained and drawn jigs that will help you avoid the costs of expensive commercial jigs allowing you to focus your finances on higher quality tooling. As it develops it provides for projects that will progress you skills. I obviously recommend this book for those starting out - more experienced turners, although not immune to some of the pearls may well do better to look elsewhere. The DVD is now becoming very tempting.

Good quality product

A useful and informative video presented by someone who obviously knew his craft well. Un fortunately the book itself leaves a deal to be desired, as in common with many books written by experts has many shortcomings in the presentation of vital information for the beginner. I have some 5 years experience of wood turning but even so found some of the narrative difficult to follow. As far as the video is concerned its fun looking out for the health and safety gaffes (see how many times he keeps hold of a tool whilst using another one - a big no-no!!) Its also interesting that he never seems to bother about protecting himself from wood dust and shavings.

I am a complete beginner to woodturning and I find this book invaluable. I just bought a lathe and had booked a course which I was unable to attend. The next course was a month later but I couldn't wait that long to start using my new lathe. This book gave me the confidence I needed to start turning. If you do what it says in the book you can't go wrong. It's well written and illustrated and covers all the basics a beginner needs to know. I was making pens after a few days. I will still be going on the course.

From what I can make out this is widely considered to be the best introductory book on the subject and I can see why. Very clear text, pictures and diagrams from a craftsman who speaks with absolute authority where he knows he is competent to do so and avoids voicing opinions where he knows he is not. The DVD is similarly authoritative. I haven't a bad word to say about it. It would be great if it could be brought up to date in some areas where things have moved on (eg current models of lathe) but sadly, the author no longer being with us, this wont be possible. Fortunately the foundation techniques are unlikely to change much.

Brilliant book

I bought this book to refresh my knowledge on woodturning (after a break of 50+ years!) It is a really comprehensive book which covers all the basics and allows the user to build knowledge on sound principles. In particular, Keith's 'Laws of Woodturning' are very good safety considerations; he also recommends a 5-point check list before commencing each woodturning session. He also covers tool sharpening and has the diagrams to make a sharpening jig - I have followed his instructions and it works very well. i am looking forward to starting the projects in the book. I would recommend this book to.woodturners of all abilities

As a noob, this book is full of the information you just can't find on YouTube. Very well written, well laid out, and it progresses through the necessary knowledge and skills in a well thought out manner. I recommend it for anyone new to woodturning - like me!

Très bon livre pour les autodidactes ou les apprentis tourneurs. Très bon rapport qualité-prix (livre + dvd inclus) par rapport aux ouvrages français. Le contenu du DVD est un peu vieillot par rapport a ce qui se fait maintenant mais ca peut aider. J'ai particulièrement apprécié les règles à suivre pour bien tourner et les explications schématisées des erreurs à ne pas commettre. C'est ce qui fait que ce livre restera une de mes références sur le sujet.

This is one of a couple of books I read cover to cover and over again before I bought my first lathe. The information is fantastic and easy to understand, although it would have helped if I had a lathe at the same time when he was explaining tool techniques but it was easy enough to pick up quickly once I got started. The projects are good as well giving you a place to get yourself started if you are looking at that chunk of wood with only a blank picture in your head. A month later I am going strong with my lathe, turning bowls, goblets, coasters, dibbers etc but I still constantly refer to Keith's book when I need a little help so it has been well worth every cent To all people thinking about woodturning as a new hobby, this book is an absolute must.

i liked this book so much i had to recommend it for a friend who is just starting to learn how to use a wood lathe she and her husband are enjoying it too

Dit is een uitstekend informatief lesboek voor houtdraaiers. "Goede wijn behoeft geen krans", en is zijn geld dubbel waard. Wie slim is koopt het, en krijgt er geen spijt van!. En je leert jezelf ook nog eens gratis technisch Engels. Doen dus!!