This inspiring book provides a wealth of fascinating projects for woodturners. It will extend their skills and give them a chance to try more unusual, challenging pieces. The book reflects the author's fascination with complex geometrical shapes, puzzles and mathematical curiosities. It gives woodturners the chance to try their hand at making twisted polygons, gravity-defying clocks and much more. A wealth of close-up photographs guide the reader through each project and a gallery section provides further inspiration, showing how a range of artists have decorated the author's work. David Springett's interest in woodturning began when he was a woodwork teacher - by reading each of the few books available, experimenting and persevering, he improved his skills. Since leaving teaching nearly 20 years ago, he has earned his living doing what he enjoys most. David and his wife Christine live in Rugby, Warwickshire.

If you do not own a milling machine (and even if you do) what you can achieve in your workshop is greatly enhanced if you own a spindle or two for use with your lathe. Spindles come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from 19mm (0.75 in) to 57 mm (2.25 in) in diameter, depending on the uses envisaged for them. This book describes the design, construction and use of a variety of spindles that will be of interest to the amateur engineer. Milling, grinding and drilling spindles are covered along with a unique light gear-cutting frame for clockmakers. The emphasis is on spindles that are easy to make and have as few parts as possible; all but one for example use sealed ball bearings (the exception uses tapered collar bearings and thus needs to have seals installed to protect the bearings.) The basic spindle described uses the same spindle nose as the Myford Super 7 lathe; this allows all chucks, plates, collets and closers designed for the lathe to be used with this spindle. It can also be modified for other lathe nose standards.

The centre-lathe is by far the most versatile machine tool in the workshop, but as soon as you depart from plain turning between centres, the question arises 'how to hold the work'. This book explains the methods and techniques required. A fundamental requirement of lathe operation, for accuracy and safety, is the ability to hold any workpiece securely and, preferably, repeatedly on the machine. While few problems arise with straightforward work on a properly aligned lathe, the variety of jobs undertaken by small workshops and model engineers is bound to give rise to occasions when how to hold work requires consideration. When great accuracy is essential, working methods and lathe set-up are vital for an acceptable result. In this book Tubal Cain discusses in his inimitable, practical style all aspects of the subject with the whys and hows, including basic lathe alignment.

Completely revised and updated, The Lathe Book, 3rd Edition is the definitive guide to this essential turning machine written by legendary woodturning author, teacher, and lathe designer Ernie Conover. In the 17 years since the 2nd edition came out, there have been tremendous advances in lathes, accessories, and sharpening equipment. Conover brings this classic reference book up-to-date, incorporating the many recent innovations in the lathe and its accessories. Introduces the novice or professional woodturner to the expanded range of lathes now available, including invaluable information on choosing a lathe. Features many new chucks for holding work. Offers comprehensive advice on selecting turning tools, including the popular carbide-insert tools. Outlines the groundbreaking developments in sharpening equipment. Emphasizes the importance of full-face shield protection, hearing protection, and dust collection. Includes information on basic lathe maintenance. --Ernie Conover