Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Turning

Richard Raffan is by far one of the most recognized Master Turners in the world. This book is most likely a compilation of all of the works he has produced and presented in such a way that Turners on every level will gain something beneficial to their own turning. It is well organized and written in such plain language that every turner will have no problem understanding. The illustraions are top notch and very helpful. I would recomend this book to turners of every level. Dave Earl

This book takes you from A-Z wonderful pictures and detailed information, from selection of wood to clean up. You cannot do much better in a detailed encyclopedia of information. I fully recommend this book. On the back of the book it says: "This step-by-step pictorial reference covers all the essential techniques for turning wood. Organized for quick access, this book makes it easy to find exactly the technique you are looking for. Over 850 photos and drawings illustrated how to hold, sharpen, and use turning tools, use specialized chucks, deep hollow elegant vessels, finish at the lathe, and much more." An it really does do so. You will not loose with this book.

Excellent book covering many begining to intermediate aspects of turning. Good book for learning new techniques or technique review. Every turner should have (and use) this resource

I've avoided lathe work for a great many years, satisfying my lust for sawdust by cabinetry and furniture. But in the back of my mind there has always been a little voice that would ask me 'why not?' every time I looked at a block off wood with beautiful grain. Well I finally broke down and spent the sizeable amount of money needed to buy and equip a good lathe. "While I'm waiting for it to be shipped," I thought, "I'll read a book about it." After all this is how I've taught myself just about everything else. Let me preface the remarks I'm about to make with the fact Turning, by Richard Raffan, is an excellent introduction to the subject of turning. The book is an inexhaustible resource for learning about the lathe, its tools, wood, preparation and the main varieties of lathe work - spindle, end grain, and face. There is even a bit on sanding and finishing. Well illustrated, I don't think you could do better for starting out and shop reference. But, and this is a big but, learning to work on a lathe is not like learning to work on a table saw. The latter presents a set of basic mechanical tasks that become clear quickly. While the table saw has some esoterica about it, there is nothing actually difficult to master. The lathe, however, is a world unto itself. The possible choices of tools and techniques are large, shapes are nearly infinite, and it is all going on at high speed only inched from your fingers. No book can accurately describe the shift one makes in holding a gouge or the proper pace for cutting threads. For that you will need a human with enough patience to take you through the learning period. Indeed, by this book, read it carefully, and put it on a shelf. Then sign up for lessons, figure out what you really want to do with your lathe, and return to this book. Mastery will follow, but not without a few unnerving moments.

Richard Raffan's Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide To Turning is a woodworker's 'bible' on master techniques for turning bowls and spindles. Turning is typically covered in general woodworking guides; not afforded its own specific title: a quick access organization makes for specific tips and techniques paired with over 800 photos and drawings on using turning tools, specialty finishing techniques, and more.