Beginner needs help

[Fingerjoint]

Hi
I am a beginner a woodturning I have had one lesson with a professional that’s all I could afford at this time, but it was a lot to take it all in so I was wondering if anybody on here can advise me as to which book to read or DVD to watch to help me in becoming a fair woodturner I need to learn how to control the tools to create a bowl spindle etc.


Peter

 

[KimG]

Without a doubt Kieth Rowley's Book, Woodturning, a foundation course. Best book you will ever buy.

 

[condeesteso]

Agreed re K Rowley. A very easy read, and I asked the same question a few months ago here - got the same answer.
But I did get confused about how to hold the tool for different cuts - it is hard for a book to get the finer points of angles etc across.[e.g. cutting a cove with a gouge... down a bit, round a bit... hard to visualise).
My best bit of luck was Jumps (here) came by several times and gave me hands-on tutorials... nothing can beat that I think. So you might ask [here] if a turner locally would do the same.
I must say I have found the wood-turning lot on the forum to be really helpful, generous... and a bit handy with a skew too :lol:

 

[Jacob]

Little old fashioned book "Woodturning" by Percy Blandford is very good.
Too much detailed explanation can be bad - often it's better to get stuck in and spoil some wood, finding out as you go. There's a lot of hand and eye involved which you only pick up by doing it.

 

[Noggsy]

Welcome fingerjoint...+1 for Keith Rowley's book. Also, get yourself along to a turning club. I my view, that's the most cost-effective way of improving. Nt only will you get free tuition (once your membership is paid, which is generally very reasonable), but you can try out new tools before you buy. Buying the wrong tool is something everyone does, so the chance to have a play first and see what suits you is invaluable. Also, a club will help you with tool sharpening and timber selection/preparation, which will help you to progress.

Good luck!

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

I'm a relative noob myself, and the Rowley book is invaluable. I've lately borrowed a set of DVD's by Eli Avisera which are very informative. I have corrected my stance & how I address the work-piece and saw an immediate difference in my work.
The link above is for a youtube video, which shows the basics. I have also tried to copy his sharpening style, whether that makes a difference or not I'm not sure.

Practice is king though. Use any old wood you can get your hands on, just to practice all the different shapes etc. Even the white pine from the orange shop has its merits. The Rowley book mentions something along the lines, "If you can produce a good finish on pine, you can work with any wood."

 

[Hesh]

Mark Bakers, A Craftsmans Guide is also worth a look and comes with a DVD, it covers all of the basics and a couple of projects which are ideal for someone just starting out. I've got both Keith Rowleys and this one and find them both very informative so am certainly not disagreeing re the comments above.

I found the book and DVD on the net for 9.99 but unfortunately havent worked out how to post a link but I'm sure if you google the title you will find it.

Regards

Steve

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

I found the book and DVD on the net for 9.99 but unfortunately havent worked out how to post a link but I'm sure if you google the title you will find it.

Regards

Steve

Looks informative, will need to give that one a whirl I think. Amazon linky

 

[Fingerjoint]

Hi All

Thanks a lot for all the information have ordered the Keith Rowley's Book, Woodturning, a foundation course to start with will check out the rest later on

Peter

 

[bassethound]

you will never regret getting the Rowley's book !