Book Review - Keith Rowley's "Woodturning Projects"

This book is No.9 in the club library book list, and it is currently rated in first place of the books hired out by our members.

This book was not written by Keith as a book on turning techniques, but as a source of "Other Things To Make" once the basics have been mastered. Those looking for pure techniques should read Keith's first book "Woodturning a Foundation Course".

The 166 pages cover 20 projects, from light pulls to tall thin-stemmed goblets with captive rings. The projects are in ascending order of difficulty. Each project is given a star rating with * being the easiest and ***** for the hardest. Keith also gives an estimated time for completing each project.

Almost all the projects are of the "Easy to Sell" items, and as such it is a good place to look if you wish to supplement your income. Or possibly to pay for that expensive chuck you have been wishing for, but could not quite justify the expense.

I found this book very easy to read and it covered aspects such as safety as well as useful addresses for products and equipment.

Keith includes details of jigs and templates, which he considers to be of use to make the projects both easier and more productive.

Keith makes good use of photos and line drawings to show the progress of each project, there are some very good colour shots of the finished projects also.

A very good book, which is reflected in its 1st place rating that our members have given it. A book, which will definitely be on my next wanted for my birthday list.

Magazine editor

Derek Blake. Jan 2005