This week I was excited to receive a complimentary copy of “Turning Basics for Furniture Makers” from Popular Woodworking. With my shop currently out of commission, a woodworking DVD really hits the spot! Now most of you know I consider myself a utilitarian turner, meaning, I usually only turn when a project calls for it. So when I watch a typical turning DVD, my attention usually starts to drift pretty quickly. Most of these titles are produced by amazingly talented wood turners who present the content from a turner’s perspective. So most of the lessons focus on bowls or some of the other amazing creations you can make on a lathe. And that’s where Steve’s DVD really stands out from the pack. It stays true to the title and presents information that would be useful to any furniture-maker looking to get into turning. So whether you need to make chair legs, turned feet, spindles, or tool handles, this DVD will expose you to all the things you need to know to successfully incorporate turnings into your work.
So with a cold glass of citrus green tea, I sat down to 104 minutes of turning school, Popular Woodworking style. After hitting play, I was pleasantly surprised to see Steve immediately jump into turning a chisel handle. Instead of spending 20 minutes filling our heads with terminology and rules, Steve skips the foreplay and gets right down to business. I love this approach because it gives you time to think of questions. “What is that?” “Why did he do that?” “What do you call that tool?” By the time the chisel handle is finished, you are ready to have these questions answered and Steve does exactly that, from turning techniques to sharpening to tool terminology, its all here.
As a self-taught turner, I basically figured out what each tool does and I use it in the way I think it would work best. I don’t always know the how’s and why’s of what I am doing but I know it works. Well, with Steve’s descriptions and demonstrations of the cutting action of each tool, I can safely say that I’ve filled that gap in my knowledge. If I had this information when I did my first turning, I would have saved myself a lot of trial and error. If you are new to turning, there is really no substitute for getting in there and trying it yourself. But if you watch a DVD like this first, you will have a much more satisfying, safe and productive first experience.
Steve’s calm demeanor will guide you through just about everything you need to know to jump into the shop, chuck up a stick and start making shavings. I am giving this DVD a strong recommendation for anyone new to turning, or for those who are self-taught and feel like there may be gaps in their understanding of the fundamentals (like me). Experienced turners may want to take a pass, unless you just can’t get enough turning content.
And please enjoy this short trailer provided by the folks over at Popular Woodworking:
Bill Hall was the lucky winner of our free DVD giveaway! Congrats Bill!
Neat trailer. Makes me want to get a small, inexpensive lathe. I could make some nice dowels, plugs and other accent and utility pieces from scraps I have laying around. Hmmm. Do I feel a Craig’s List search coming on??
Cool! Thanks for the update! As a relatively new turner I need all the help I can get and this video looks like it will fit the bill as a crossover between blending both woodworking and turning!
Looks like I need to add this dvd to my wishlist. Thanks for the heads-up!
I have only recently started turning and I absolutly love it. This video looks great. I am always looking for more knowledge of turning. Count me in on the drawing.
Thanks for a great review of what looks to be a great DVD! I have been looking for something that walks you through each tool, and explains how each works. This looks to do that in spades.
I bought this DVD as soon as I heard it was available. I too was happy (even a bit startled) when Steve got right to work on the tool handle – that was a good thing. I was even more startled with the extreme facial close-ups. Those were a surprise. I got the impression from Steve that he was going to do more than one of the projects on the mini-lathe. I wished he had done more on it – though like any woodworker, I’d love to have the One Way lathe he uses. I thought the videography was very good and I think I learned more from watching his tools on the lathe than I did from listening to Steve. I would have loved to see Steve add a Finial and/or a split turning on the DVD. All in all, I’d say this was a good DVD – well worth the money, but I would not characterize it as a great DVD. Perhaps will see more of Steve in future turning DVD’s.
Very cool trailer. Thanks for the drawing Marc.
I wish I had space for a lathe. I have always loved turning. This looks like a neat start.
I haven’t started turning yet, but it is something I’d like to do someday.
Mike
Looks like just what I need. Now to make room in my shop for a lathe…
Still don’t have a lathe, still want one! I think I’ll buy this DVD for motivation :)
This would be perfect for the average woodworker. I saw spindle work as well as other key techniques that I am missing in my skill set.
Marc,
I am in the same boat – shop on hiatus do to the move – I need a fix! help!
Hank
I just inherited a lathe, along with the tools, but have only turned baseball bats so far. This DVD looks perfect, I’m also glad there is a section on sharpening, something I’m no too familiar with. Thanks PW and Marc for the review!
I have always wanted to try turning and this video sounds like a good safe place to start. Now if I can just get shop space for a nice used lathe…
I’ve always been interested in trying out turning. But I need another big tool like a hole in the head :)
Would a mini-lathe just frustrate me, or is it a good way to get started?
-John
Winning this DVD will give me the perfect excuse for getting my lathe back from my neighbor!
Looks good from the trailer. I’ll have to check it out. (that is, if I don’t win the drawing). :)
Marc : fyi .. thanks to your recommendation, I am $42 poorer as I bought the DVD this morning plus Chris’ book on Handplane Essentials. It just occurred to me that if you are on the same track as the Schwarz in terms of recommending stuff to the community, you should be included as one of the hated individuals in the WAS association – WAS being Wives Against Schwarz and Wives Against Spagnuolo. Watch your back, buddy :-)
Tim
Thanks for the review. Good to know the scoop these videos. I’d probably never have considered it without your input.
Thanks for the review. I have never tried turning but have thought about it for the quick “start to finish” projects it offers for someone with limited time. This seems like a good resource, thanks for sharing your recommendation.
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!
If I win, I’ll even go to your place to pick it up and give you a hand putting your bench on its feet so you can get busy again. :)
Marc,
I’m thinking,
Drag that Powermatic Lathe you have out to the driveway and treat your new neighbors to a lathe class & get to know you BBQ.
They would either be intrigued or disturbed by this (weed out the good neighbors) at least stick around for the food.
I have done some projects Pens/Bottle Stoppers and the like. I just graduated from mini lathe to full size lathe a while back… My Son 15 and Daughter 11 are starting to get into wood working and show interest in turning. So the little lathe might be for them.
I also have a friend that has requested me to turn a few chair spindles for a chair… Sounds like this is a DVD I can sink my gouge into….
Thanks for the Review.
and Pick us Pick us……………..
I am aiming to get a lathe in the next year (maybe a Christmas prezzie to myself), and this would be a cool starting point
Cheers.
saw this on the popular woodworking site. have carved a few bowls, but always wanted to try turning, maybe this will be the push i need to buy some more tools…. like i need that..
great site. hope you get the new shop sorted out soon…. (we are missing our weekly woodwhisperer soap, just kidding good luck!)
Just turning a few pens and stoppers, Waiting on new shop to get finished !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was wondering about this DVD. I’ve been really impressed & happy with any of the Popular Woodworking stuff I’ve bought, and less and less impressed with the Taunton (sorry to say) Less “reuse” from pop woodworking I guess…
think I’ll buy it if I don’t win it :-)
I don’t have a lathe.(I want one.) Don’t have a shop yet. Just moved, my shop is pretty low on the honey-do list. Can always learn new things in the process.
Just got my first lathe the other day and I think this DVD might help me quite a lot.
Great looking video. It is like having a shop teacher with you to guide you along. Hmmm, so there is a use for all those different chisels? Gotta get this one.
When I saw your review of this, I felt tears come to my eyes. Finally! Something that does not feel like it’s so far out of my league that I can pick up! It makes me want to get a credit card, even a prepaid one, to go get this DVD.
That’s one of the reasons why I’m such a fan of this site, and of the services rendered. Like many, I grew up watching The Bearded One provide in depth information on Ye Antique Domicile, and started thinking I too could be just like him. Then I discovered there are entire channels dedicated to Do It Yourselfers, and sub-channels on those interested in wood working. And now this site, I feel that there are many, the host included, who tolerate those of “beginner” status: those with more questions and fears than skills and experience (which I include myself in.) It has been very intimidating, but enlightening, posting, reading, and watching the content of this site.
And as someone who thinks the lathe is the easiest place to start (For me, at least), this is a welcome product. Anything to help me get better acquainted with the magic and lore that is wood working.
To clarify, I include myself in the beginner group, as my experience has been woefully inadequate to do most of what I have seen posted to the galleries.
I’m new to turning and am really enjoying it. I’d love to see The Wood Whisperer do some video podcasts on turning!
Nice demo,
Looks like they go thru all necessary steps from a beginer point of view. I’ve been woodworking for a while, would be a natural progression to try turning.
Thanks Marc!
Thanks again for the review, Marc. I normally tend to dive right in when learning a new technique but this has led to a lot of trial and error problems. I am sure that getting this DVD firt would short circuit a lot of these problems.
Marc,
Thanks for the review, I like yourself am a self taught turner that “Gets by” and while I enjoy turning…..I know there is several “Holes” in my turning abilitys. I think this would be a GREAT addition to my collection. Thanks again for the review.
Fellow Lumberjock
Don K
sounds like a great vid! put me in the drawing too… been too long since I’ve had someone “correct” my skew work.
Marc,
Enter me in on the copy… I’ve always wanted a Lathe so i could make some stuff and even learn how to use it and the likes…
This could work for me as a starter to my collection of DVD’s and stuff!
Handi
Great trailer… don’t think I can wait to see if I won the drawing… going to order it now!!
This video would be great for me. I am restoring an old cast iron mini lathe I picked up at a swap meet, minus the motor, for 10 bucks. I have no earthly idea how to turn wood (Had a metal lathe for years, though).
I especially Love the Banjo Music. Marc Change your Guitar for a banjo…..
This might just be the ticket for me – I have been “trying” to turn on my own for a little while, and have had limited success. I read a couple of books, but there is a big jump from reading about it and actually seeing the techniques in action.
Thanks for the trailer!
Dan
It’s funny … My wife has alwyas wanted to try turning so finally I purchased her a small lathe and a set of tools just 2 days ago! She tried her first turnings yesterday and today and absolutely fell in love with it. ..and today , you show us this DVD that looks like a great learning “tool” to start the turning adventure with… Thanks for this blog post :) (as always!!!)
Just bought a small lathe that would be a great video to get me started thanks for the review Marc.
After reading these reviews I want a copy.
Dang……..now I gotta find a place to put a lathe!
I have a lathe, and do not use it very often.
Add me to the list.
I have a lathe…now I just need to win this DVD. Thanks for the opportunity.
Well, I guess this is yet something else I must buy. Really looks great. Thanks for the heads up Marc.
Entry
I’ve been thinking about getting the Steel City Mini Granite Lathe. Can any body here recommend it or should I search for another one. I seems to hold longer stock than the others priced around the same amount.
This seems like exactly the kind of instruction I could use in turning. I’ve done the typical pens, pencils, a couple of wands for Halloween costumes, but I’d like to do some table legs and may be a small bowl.
Thanks for the drawing Marc, this one looks interesting.
One can never have too much reference material, especially on a subject with turning. Thanks Marc!
John
Thanks for the review.
I purchased an older Jet 10-20 blue on craigslist for $200. Runs beautiful. I am still learning.
Great review and this is just what I have been looking for. I just bought a Jet lathe and have turned a few small things by trial and error, but would really like to get into turning some legs and other furniture pieces. This DVD looks like it could really ease the transition from small projects to nice furniture pieces. Thanks Marc!
Thanks for pointing out this DVD to us. Looks like a useful addition to any turner’s library.
Thanks for the review! I saw this DVD on PWW’s site, and was wondering if it was as good as it looks. You just bumped it up a notch on my wish list!
Thanks. I’ve viewed the preview before at Popular Woodworking but had no way to know how useful it was for a novice like me until now.
Wow, Marc, great timing…I just got my first lathe and was asking in the Lumberjocks forum about books/videos on learning. Seems our timing is right on [grin]. I like the idea of showing and then talking, that format seems easier for me to follow. Put me in coach for that free copy :>) and thanks Scott Bryan for letting me know about Marc’s post. This sounds just like what I am looking for.
Looks like something I could use. I need a lot of help with the lathe.
dw
With little self-time my garage “fold-up-shop” is in need of use, I have a Craftsman Pro Lathe (went all out) for my Christmas present to myself last december. When we moved, it was the first thing in the garage, still on it’s pallet. I spent a weekend putting it together while we were moving in and the poor thing has been sitting in the corner un-used ever since. I want so bad to learn how to use it, but with moving into a fixer upper; the self imposed Honey-Do’s keep piling up. First, closet shelving, then a small DVD Case for all the extra DVD’s and Games we didn’t know we had. Now shelving for the office. I keep tormenting myself looking at my lathe as I pull into the garage each afternoon and as aI leave in the morning I think, “Maybe this weekend!”
I like the review and I will definitely pick up a copy. I need to get to work and quit making excuses like, Supporting my clients (I’m an Apple Consultant in an area about 200 Miles in Radius) and having to hold down a job ;-)
Thanks for all the work mark, this site is an inspiration to this entrepeneur. I hope to get my furniture building skills honed. If we can ever finish moving in.
Twitter @twintails
Good luck on your move, can’t wait to see the new shop on the woodwhisperer podcast!
Looks like a great book to have in my library. You did a great review.
Could come in handy since I am yet to try my new lathe…:-)
And while we are talking about furniture turning, here is another sweet DVD:
http://charlesneilwoodworking.com/dvdstore.php
realy enjoyed the the DVD Trailer as I am alwasy looking for quality content to help improve my turning capabilities
Perfect timing, I need some help in this area. Thanks for the heads-up on the new DVD.
Would you sign the DVD?
Interesting trailer. It appears to be a nice intro to turning. One comment, for an intro turning video it would be more convincing if not done on a very expensive One Way lathe that is beyond most beginners.
Marc,
I inherited a Shopsmith from my Father-in-Law who recently passed away. Has all the turning tools but I have been using it as a drill press.
Now you have me interested in trying the turning capability. Please put me into the drawing.
Good luck with the new shop. I’m looking forward to your tour of the shop soon.
Dick
Nice review. Will put this on my wish list.
HI,
When I reached the point of spousal meltdown, there were only two of us left bidding…if I had seen this review acouple of weeks ago, well the wife would probably still be grumbling!
Tim
My latest project; http://www.mclakehouse.shutterfly.com – except for the main frame, all the wood used I knew as logs.
Also as a self-taught turner (on an older than me 60+ year old lathe), I can always learn new tricks, correct techniques and hone my skills.
Great review Marc! I bought a lathe a couple years ago and never did use it. Maybe this will get me to the starting line.
Thanks for the info.
Wayne
Looks good. Many commenters remarked on how they would like to have a lathe in their shops. I would like a shop. I am using the car port (big) which kind of leaves the tools exposed (Ileave my keys in the vehicle so I don’t lose them – theft not an issue, but snow and minus 30 celcius)as living in Northern BC has its issues. Taught Woodwork in high school till last year, DVD would have been a good resource.
Vaughan
Thanks for the review Marc, I’v turned alot of pens but that’s about the extent of my turning ability. I’m sure this DVD would help.
Bruce
Sounds like a tool thatI need.
I like his style–show me,don’t rattle on.
Enjoyed the trailer.
Dean
Been making handles and mallet heads to familiarize myself with the tools for my mini-lathe. This DVD sounds like something that can help straighten me out.
Pick me!!!!!
Mike
Win it or not, I’m ordering the DVD. I’m part of a group of old guys restoring a Water Powered Saw Mill (Hope Mill – circa 1835). We have a large belt driven lathe built by a past owner and I’m sure we will all learn much from the DVD so we can demonstrate the lathe operation to visitors to the Mill. I hope there is good info on sharpening chisels as well.
Joe
Marc,
The revue was great! Also the trailer gives a good idea of whatâ
Bill Hall was randomly selected as the winner of the DVD. Thanks everyone for participating!