Wood Carving Lathe Discount

Reviews

It is a good beginners book. All of the parts, basic tools, and basic operations are explained.

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.

If you just bought a lathe and are looking for instructions on how to turn a spindle, find another book. One of eight chapters is on technique. Cutting a cove, the most basic technique, gets two pages. Not included in this instruction is where to place the tool rest. In a "complete" guide, I expect some step by step instruction. I own at least a dozen Tauton books, and this is the first real disappointment.

Very nice format for a starter like me! Terms & Techniques I found very helpful.

Ernie Conover is one of the best(if not the best) writer of books on using the Lathe in the United States. I have all of his work and could recommed any or all for the serious wood turner. The only other writers who would come close to Mr. Conover are two gentleman from Australia. My wood turning library exceeds 24 books, Ernie is the best.