Customer Reviews

Turning Wood with Richard Raffan

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As a skilled amateur cabinetmaker I assumed that lathe work would be easy to add to my skill set. I bought a good lathe and set of chisels a few years ago, for a specific project, but put it away after that because it was just too difficult, scary, unpredictable, and unsatisfying. I knew the problem was with me because the tools were good. I needed a good teacher. I looked at several books but they were of little help. Then I discovered Richard Raffan through a Fine Woodworking magazine article and now suddenly I have a new confidence and have made some useful things in a short time. What caused this change ? Watching Richard Raffan on video, doing real work at normal speed, close up shots, with his constant explanation of what he is doing. Most of my woodworking I learned from books (Tage Frid is very good for cabinetwork). My conclusion is that lathe work is different from most other woodworking skills. Body and tool motion are key, you can't learn much by reading, you have to watch someone in person, or on video. The Richard Raffan book is the best I have seen as far as books go. The video shows the page number of the book, where you get an expansion on the topic being shown.

Mr. Raffan is an excellent teacher of the art of wood turning. My high school technology classes watched his excellent techniques with enthusiasm and could not wait to go out to the shop to turn a bowl or other project on the lathe. I also learned several new techniques as the camera shots were outstanding with close ups, perfect sound, perfect lighting contrasting various cuts into the wood, and other enhancements such as overdubbed narration to keep the flow of information perfectly timed. He also saved me hours with how to properly sharpen tools the quickest way. Even the students feel confident about doing the job themselves. Although this is excellent material for a high school shop, it is by no means too simple for the veteran turner! I was amazed that Richard was able to condense years of skill and technique into such a well done video. I am certain that, no matter what you know about wood turning, you will enjoy Richard's fresh presentation of almost 2 hours divided into several easy to digest segments.

I was directed to this video by a salesperson at a woodworking specialty shop I was visiting, who put the video on for me to watch there at the the store. I was immediately mesmerized by the simplicity and yet extreme skill of Mr. Raffan's work. I was at the woodworking shop picking up chisels and basics tools to go with my recently acquired lathe, prepared to jump right in and pick up this skill like I had other woodworking skills; just jumping in and making a ton of mistakes. Instead, I walked out of that store with a copy of the video in my shopping bag.

I have watched the video 8 times now, and it seems that every time I pick up some new nuance as I watch Mr. Raffan work. I have successfully made several small projects on the lathe, thanks to this video, and am absolutely enthralled with the process. I recommend this video to anyone picking up lathe work. My wife calls it my "video" much like she calls the kids favorite cartoon tape their "video". I imagine I will wear it out eventually.

Richard Raffan, who is a leader in the field of woodturning with international fame, takes us the viewers through various projects while commenting all along the way. Many of his hints, tips, and tricks improved my turning skills the same week that the DVD arrived. I like his quick pace. It is energizing. His commentary gets to the point regarding how he aligns himself with the chisels, lathe, and piece of wood. This helped me to understand what is important when it comes to being fast... real fast and precise.

Some may find it all a bit abrupt because he does not coddle the viewer with encouraging words nor re-explain himself. Raffan's personality totally compensates for what some will perceive to be amateur production values. I recently watched "Turning Boxes," also by Raffan, and liked it even more. Keep it in mind.

This is one of fine Woodworkings series of companion DVD's to their many wordworking books. In this case, the source is Richard Raffan's classic text 'Turning Wood.' Raffan takes you through the exercises discussed in the book and demonstrates the hows and whys of various techniques and design decisions.

The first thing you will notice on watching is your growing sense of inferiority as you watch Raffan do everything with the speed and grace of summer lightning. Of course, he's had quite a bit more practice, but it is still daunting to watch someone do everything right. On the other hand, being able to watch someone doing it write is worth endless amounts of reading.

Woodturning is an active art. where the motion of the tool, the wood, and the turner must combine to produce good results. Static photography will never show you the turn of the wrist. Nor will it let you hear the sounds that tell you what is happening on the surface of the project. this is totally unlike cabinetry, where milling and fitting are easily described, and the skills come more easily. The book is excellent, but this is one of those cases where you may be even better off watching the movie than reading the book.

The book is far more informative. I found the pace of the DVD too fast. Also, the photography was far more distant than I would have liked.

Woodworking is not just a popular do-it-yourself pastime; it can also be an artistic means of expression, a source of lucrative income, and a successful counter to the stresses and strains of daily life. Now in a fully updated and significantly expanded third edition, "Turning Wood" by internationally acclaimed woodworker Richard Raffan draws upon his more than twenty years of experience and expertise to provide aspiring woodworkers with a superbly presented and profusely illustrated instruction manual for turning out such beautiful objects as wooden bowls, boxes in the round, lamp bases, and furniture parts. Beginning with a 'users guide' to the lathe, "Turning Wood" covers such areas as 'Fixings'; Cutting Tools; Safety, Tool Handling & Cutting; Measuring, Centerwork, Facework, Hollow Vessels, and Finishing. Of special note are the two appendices 'Troubleshooting' and 'Selecting and Seasoning Wood'. As informed and informative as it is practical and step-by-step instructive, "Turning Wood" is an invaluable and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, school wood shop, and community library woodworking reference collections.

As a learner, this book has provided answers to my many questions and is written in an easy to understand format and style. The illustrations and photographs are excellent and help to flesh out the message in the text. Full marks to the author for a well rounded, detailed and informative guide. A really useful reference for any wood turner - recommended

This is a great book and full of easy to understand information for all interested in turning wood,for both beginners and novice turners.I strongly recommend!

This book was recommended by a friend who is doing this kind of work and makes beatiful pieces. He had tried other books but said this one was special and easy to follow. Haven't gotten all the tools we need yet but are anxious to get started.