Information for a beginner

[WoodChuck1]

Are there any good books, videos, articles etc. that you could suggest for someone who is interested in learning Woodturning?

It definitely does not look like something you want to just jump in and try without some basic knowledge at least.

 

[Woodyoumind?]

I'm sure there are. I would just go on some of the sites advertised at the top of the page and start looking. Browsing tool catalogs is not the most unpleasant thing I've ever done. The only problem is the drool tends to stick the pages together.

 

[WoodChuck1]

LOL. That was a great mental image.

I browsed a few of the sites and there are a lot of different books. I am just concerned about picking up the wrong one. I tend to get frustrated a little too easy sometimes so I want to make sure I get one that really covers at least the basics and is not just some fluff book someone is using to pad their pocket and that sends me back to find something else.

Although at this stage I guess it would not hurt to just grab something to get started. We'll see.

 

[oldnamvet]

Check out your local library. They can surprise you sometimes with the books they have gathering dust. Looking through the local book store (B&N if you have one local) is also sometimes helpful. At least you can look it over a bunch before buying.

 

[Wood Gnome]

The ... For Dummies books are my favorite. They are loaded no only with tons of instructions but lots of general information. I have Woodworking For Dummies. It touches on woodturning but does not focus on it.

 

[Mike Davis]

Turning Wood by Richard Raffan is a great video for beginners or experienced turners. He covers the basics and moves on to a few simple projects. His techniques are solid and easy to learn if you follow his instructions.

All of the work is shown from a couple different angles at normal speed and at very slow speed so you can really see what is happening.

If I could only have one wood turning DVD... Oh wait, I only have one turning DVD and this is it!

 

[oldnamvet]

Equally important with the turning is the sharpening of turning tools. If your tools are not sharp, you will not like turning. You'll just gouge and chip the wood making a mess leading to major frustration. A properly sharpened tool will allow you to learn the techniques of turning much more quickly.

 

[Mike Davis]

Good point Brother.

Raffan touches on sharpening in this DVD, not a full tutorial but enough to get you started. He really makes it all simple and easy to understand.

 

[old logger]

There are a few sharpening jigs on the market like the wolverine and tormek but they are expensive.google jean micheal vari grind.I made a jig that puts a quality edge on every time and it cost about a dollar to make from scraps.Any sharp tool makes learning a lot easier and enjoyable.Also google chest of books woodturning.There are a lot of old books there for free reading.The only real difference between turning then and now are the materials used today and the availability of chucking systems.You can get sucked into the vortex of spending a lot of money really fast.I make most of my own tools and jigs and it is not that difficult.Google is one of the best tools in my shop.Be safe and have fun.Ed

 

[Travis]

Are there any good books, videos, articles etc. that you could suggest for someone who is interested in learning Woodturning?

It definitely does not look like something you want to just jump in and try without some basic knowledge at least.

I took a week long spindle turning class at North Bennet Street School in Boston.

http://www.nbss.org/Workshops/index.asp?pageaction=ViewSinglePublic&LinkID=81&ModuleID=18

You might want to look into Woodturner University at SmartFlix.

http://smartflix.com/store/video/6215/Woodturner-University

I also found the Richard Raffan books quite helpful as a novice turner. The three books share some common material, so you'll suffer through a bit of duplication, but the descriptions and illustrations are great.

http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Raffa...=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247515277&sr=8-6

(Disclosure: I am not affiliated with NBS, Richard Raffan, or Amazon.com, but I am affiliated with SmartFlix)

Travis Corcoran