Shopsmith Forums

Hello everyone I would like to ask if anyone knows some good books on lathe turning. I just recently purchased my shopsmith so beginner books would be about speed. And also I am interested in joining a wood turning group . So if anyone could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

I have enjoyed the books by Richard Raffin. they are well writen and easy to follow. There are a number of turning books that are good but they have specific topic areas. Are you interested in spindle, bowl, pen, or ornimental turnings?

I am interested in all the above , but pen and ornamental is what I would like to do.

I'm interested in turning pens/pencils, also. What books are recommended for that? Also, what tools are necessary?

Thanks for the advice.
-Seth

I know you are looking for books, but there is a show on DIY about turning. Check your local listings for the name. The premise of the show is a man, Dave Hauk, is teaching a turning class. There are a lot of little things you won't pick up in a book, and it is also "live" info.

Good Luck!

Hi,
When it comes to books, I always start with the man I consider the master at woodworking and Shopsmith in articular, R.J. De Cristoforo. I would start with his basic text The Complete Book of Power Tools. From there, I would go to his book on lathes. He breaks everything down into very simple steps and is a very good read as well. Give him a try and then expand from there. No matter how much we think we know, there is always more. I've been in woodworking for 30yeas or so, and still find out new things and new ways of doing things. Good luck and enjoy your reading. toolguy

Yes books are all the same i have come to find out, but by reading differnt authors point of views you can gather useful info. But all the reading in the world can not compare to just doing it even if your unsure like i was.

One of the traveling academy trainers, Rick Davis, had some excellent turning books on display. He participates on the boards sometimes, but you can reach him at ricknwood@aol.com if you want to find out what he suggests. I am not all that interested in turning right now, so I didn't write them down.

One of the traveling academy trainers, Rick Davis, had some excellent turning books on display. He participates on the boards sometimes, but you can reach him at ricknwood@aol.com if you want to find out what he suggests. I am not all that interested in turning right now, so I didn't write them down.