This is an engaging and informative book with a few strange characteristics. The subject is not so much tabletop machining as it is Joe Martin, the author: his life, his buddies, his philosophy, his company, his advice for living, his products, and yes, his miniature machining tips. I think many people will find this an interesting mix, but I found it distracting. About half the material in the book seemed tangential to the subject of machining.

Second, the book is very Sherline-specific. I'm sure that most of the information applies to other systems, but if so, it's entirely by chance. The details of the construction and operation of Sherline machine tools are intimately woven throughout the text. Many of the Sherline accessories (which are also discussed in detail) are unique to the Sherline system and don't have analogues ouside that product line. Like one of the other reviewers here, I would call this book an extended Sherline manual.

I found the pervasive spelling errors somewhat annoying.

On the other hand, I found the book's focus (introductory machining for the layman or hobbyist) to be right on target. It contains a wealth of practical information. The photographs are beautifully executed and printed.

If I could add something to this book, it would be information about the process of machining a complex part. The book covers basic operations well, but other than a few small projects in the back, it never says much about how to add up the individual operations.

This book is also interesting for the glimpse it gives of the hobbyist community. It appears to consist entirely of white, male retirees who are obsessed with steam engines and models of boats and cars. Where are the robotics experimenters? Where are the sculptors?

Yes, it's rather Sherline oriented and Joe Martin oriented. But it is a very good introduction for the person who plans to get a small milling machine.

Check your local library. The price is steep, and you may not feel you need to keep the book once you've read it.

Joe Martin is a tremendous source of inspirational words about being a good machinist. The examples in this book will make you drool with anticipation to go out and "cut metal." However, there are no patterns, no step by step guides, just good examples that demonstrate good shop practice, and good machinist habits.

Roughly 25% of the book talks about how Sherline was started and how Joe took it over after the Austrailian company couldn't meet the requirements any more. So if you didn't also get the book "Tabletop Machining" go back and get that book now.

If you don't own a Sherline miniature machine tool this book will probably only rate 3 or maybe 4 stars with you.

For $10 I could rate this as a good book. It just doesn't have $20 of usefull info. Its coverage of lathes to buy is very limited for a beginner. The section on making chucks, while usefull, is not anything you can't find on the web. The technique section is the big weak point. The author obviously has a great deal of skill, but does a terrible job of getting it across. This is especially true in his description of how to use the skew chisel. This is an OK first book, but should not be your only book on how to use a wood lathe.

Conover starts with descriptions of typical woodworking lathe construction, features, and advantages of different styles of lathes. There is a lot of discussion of lathe features and accessories. This is a good overview for someone to read BEFORE buying a lathe. There's also a good section on maintenance and repair. I found this very useful since I recently acquired a used lathe without a user manual. Your user manual probably doesn't discuss much overhaul, so it might be quite handy as well.

He discusses various tools (gouges, chisels, etc.), how to grind / regrind / sharpen them, and how they're actually used. He describes a lot of basic techniques and types of cuts. I had some trouble following this section because I'm a complete lathe beginner. It took some rereading and experimentation. I think this is because Conover is primarily an expert turner and not so much a how-to writer. However, I think this is better because his craftmanship comes through, and he's actually DONE what he describes -- the techniques are accurate have have been tested.

I especially like his directions for building your own chucks, tools, and other accessories. It's too easy to slip into accessory envy (the New Yankee Workshop syndrome), where you feel like you have to buy a small fortune worth of chucks, tools, and accessories. Conover describes a lot of tricks that certainly cost less and probably work better than if you loaded up on toys at the woodworking store. His style here is great because it encourages you to come up with your own creative solutions.

Finally, there is a short section with step-by-step instructions for three example projects: a finial, a drawer pull, and a Windsor stool. It might be good to add another book on just projects.

I bought this book to increase my imagination and creativity. It is a little more than a "coffee table" book, with 69 pages of turning instuctions,and 89 pages of incredible works by different artists (Bud Latven, William Schmidt, Hugh McKay, and many more). To me, this inspiring book has sparked my interest in the lathe again.