Popular Mechanics Workshop: Lathe Fundamentals: The Complete Guide [Paperback]

Rick Peters (Author)

Book Description

Series: Popular Mechanics Workshop | Publication Date: November 28, 2005

With more than 300 color photos, this fourth authoritative Popular Mechanics Workshop tool book helps woodworkers take full advantage of this most essential piece of equipment. No guide will give them a better start: do-it-yourself author extraordinare Rick Peters discusses every aspect of the lathe, from the simplest function up to the most advanced techniques. He examines the various brands and models, as well as all their features and accessories, and then puts woodworkers through their paces. Peters delves right into the details of spindle, faceplate, bowl, and embellishing turning; finishing; making jigs and fixtures; and doing maintenance and troubleshooting. With those skills honed, woodworkers can turn to fine projects, including a lidded box and 2-tier candy dish.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Hearst (November 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1588164470
• ISBN-13: 978-1588164476
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #632,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Power Tools

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Beginner Reference, April 1, 2009

By 

palealien "I'm not bad, I 'm just drawn that way" (Butte Creek Canyon, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Popular Mechanics Workshop: Lathe Fundamentals: The Complete Guide (Paperback)

In my quest of learning to turn, this seemed to be a nice addition to my lathe library, it is a very well laid out and abundantly illustrated handbook. Definitely right for the novice, if anything it is a bit broad in the range of topics.

It is plain and direct in its approach, and felt written with the garage-guy Popular Mechanics in mind, so a lot of concepts are somewhat oversimplified and the tone is comfortably Average Joe. I had already passed the entry-level by the time I read this, but if I can get even a handful of tips from a book, it is a success. There are sections on set-up and maintenance, sharpening, and even a great collection of plans for shop-built accessories. I am sure I will be referring to it when I hit a question down the road.

Not the best for an in-depth look at the serious fundamentals of the art (for that, see "Woodturning: A Foundation Course" by Keith Rowley)- but an excellent general overview for the beginner.