Customer Reviews

The Lathe Book: A Complete Guide to the Machine and Its Accessories

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book covers all the basic's. Topics like Selecting, Repairing, maintaining and using a lathe (including some handy jigs). There is also chapter on sharpening techniques.

It would make a handy reference for any turner, especially for people about to start in this great hobbie.

I actually used this book to help me become more informed before I made a lathe purchase.
It gives a great overall overview of many sizes and options.
Quote from the book, "New entry level lathes cost from $500 to $1000 dollars. Also gives positive comments to mini lathes @ $300-$400. That would include bed extension with which you could turn countless spindles. $575 Delta/Jet 12 inch, nice start as well.
Great overall picture of turning, tools, sharpening and accesories. Speaking of pictures what's shown is fine for what's being illustrated.ie; size and content.

Hey...before I read this book I was quite uncertain which way to approach the lathe.
After having read it...I consider it "The Bible of Lathe Use".
I still may not LOOK like I know what I'm doing....but this book sure helps me along and safely.
I am still making big sticks into little sticks on the lathe...and yet I think that with this book's guidance there may just be potential for a bowl or spindle in my future.

As an advanced woodworker I decided to try my hand at turning so I purchased this book based upon the other reviews. The book is written in a confusing, disjointed, and rather condescending manner. Conover seems to want to impress with his "expertise" at the expense of clearly disseminating information.

Additionally, photos are extremely small, poorly cropped, and show no worthwhile detail. He states that a minimum entry level lathe will cost you over $1,000. That must be Canadian dollars since he recommends equipment as if he's employed by the Canadian Department of Commerce. There are numerous run-on sentences in the book that will leave you scratching you head and asking "what the hell is this guy talking about?"

If you want to get started in turning, this is not your book.

great book for the beginner, talks about everything you need to know for jumping right into your lathe, from mounting stock, to keeping your tools sharp, was a very useful book

This Book will teach a novice the basics of turning, while also encouraging them by showing them some of the great things it is possible to do with a lathe. Mr. Conover's immense experience make this a great book for even more experienced turners, because of his practical approach to repairs, maintenance, and modification.

This book appears to be excellent for accomplished turners. I am an absolute Green Horn. Photography is excellent, writing crisp. Lots of information on handmade accessories and sharpening tips.

I probably need a book about basics.

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.

If you have a Kindle with e-ink (black and white), the images are very difficult to see. The book seems OK in terms of content but the images end up with a bunch of dark indistinguishable shapes. I like to buy books on the Kindle and in general they are fine. This is the first one I've had significant issues with. I'm giving it 3 stars because it's not really the authors fault.

At the age of 65 I have learned that I am not the brightest light bulb on the planet. Having said this; I have benefited greatly from Ernie Conover's book "The Lathe Book." My experience began in High School many years ago when our shop instructor told me I could watch but not use the lathe. Only 45 years later I got my first lathe and soon after bought this book. I am NOT an expert woodturner but between this book and membership in a local woodturners club I'm improving my turning skills as time goes by. And I love it, both the turning and the book!