Woodturning: A Foundation Course (With DVD)

bought this when I bought a lathe and found both the book and DVD very clear and useful. It has been interesting, having tried following the instructions and also looking at various YouTube videos just how many YouTube demos are showing some really poor methods. What this book teaches is quite clearly superior.I like the DVD as I can try stuff out then go back and look at the DVD again and see what I am doing wrong and then have another try.

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.

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

I have read a few of these books by American wood turners but this one is well explained and put together, plus the detailed DVD. I have been turning for some ten years and as they say you never stop learning but this Foundation Course as ironed out at least seven bad procedures I was carrying out which resulted in poor finishes. I am extremely pleased with this purchase, well done Keith Rowley.

I was advised to read this book before buying anything for wood turning. I am very glad I did and learned so much from the book and even more from the included DVD that I saved hugely by purchasing appropriate lathe and tools that I have recently got going successfully with the turning.Can’t recommend this book enough and I keep referring back to it.

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.

You know what? All those five star reviews. They're right. This explains everything you need to know as a beginner, and it does so clearly, without being dogmatic (usually it suggests several possible ways of doing things). I was a bit frightened of the lathe to begin with, but the principles he sets out will tell you how to keep your fingers while making some beautiful things. It's the only book on the subject I've bought and I don't feel a great need for another. It's relatively old now, but the illustrations are good and most of the products he mentions are still available, even if the newer models look a little different.

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