Shapes For Woodturners - David Weldon

Shapes for woodturners book cover ISB 0713470313
128 Pages Hardback.
Published by B.T.Batsford Ltd.
First Published in 1992

This book has been written in two main parts, Part 1 covers "The Techniques" and consists of five small chapters.
  1. SAFETY This chapter covers 16 basic rules for workshop and machine safety.
  2. EQUIPMENT This covers "The Lathe", "Chucks", "Basic Tools" and "Measuring"
  3. TIMBER A very interesting chapter covering "How to buy" and a very good description of 40 commonly used timbers for turning.
  4. TECHNIQUES This chapter covers "Sharpening", "Mounting and Holding Work" and of course a short explanation of the use of the various common tool.
  5. FINISHING This section covers the use of "Fillers", "Waxes", "Abrasives", "Oils" and "Varnishes". It also has a very useful section covering the recipes for making your own finishes.
The Part 2 of this book is the largest section by far; it gives line drawings on grid-formatted pages. This part of the book I found to be the most useful. The line drawings lend themselves to alteration, for the readers to alter to suit any project that they wish. The drawings are clear and easy to understand, and cover a wide diversity of the following shape categories.
  • Revising shapes and sizes.
  • Bottles and Decanters
  • Lidded Containers
  • Candle Sticks
  • Bowls
  • Bowls & Vases
  • Vases
  • Vases with Shaped Tops
  • Vases with Handles
  • Bud (mini) Vases
  • Miscellaneous
  • Mortars and Pestles
  • Drinking Vessels
  • Egg Cup
  • Egg Cup Stands
  • Salt and Pepper Pots
  • Cotton Reel Stands
  • Teapots
  • Cake Stands
  • Jugs
  • Cups & Saucers
  • Chess Sets.

    • I found that this book would be a very useful addition to most turners libraries, the beginners would find the first part enlightening but not to heavy, and the second part very helpful in giving inspiration. The more advanced turners would find the second and larger part to be a great source of new shapes to try. All in all a good book. I would put it on my wish list for my next Birthday

    Derek Blake - May 2007



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