New woodturning book is essential reference for every shop

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Jan. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- The American Association of Woodturners (AAW), a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing the art and craft of woodturning worldwide, has published a new book entitled, Getting Started in Woodturning. This indispensable reference book delivers detailed, practical advice for woodturners of all levels, and covers many of the challenges and questions that beginners often face. With the guidance of Getting Started in Woodturning, turners of all levels will have a more successful and rewarding experience. New turners will get off to a safe and more confident start, and be able to get the chips flying in no time.

Getting Started in Woodturning was written by woodturners for woodturners, and edited by John Kelsey. The 224-page softcover book features beneficial information and shop-tested insights to help learners expand their journey into the art and craft of woodturning. Topic areas include everything from shopping for a first lathe, to safety practices, to tools and sharpening techniques. The book also contains step-by-step instructions for 18 skill-building projects—a bowl, pepper mill, goblet, pen, doorknobs, and more. Neatly packaged into one comprehensive volume, Getting Started in Woodturning presents choice content from the AAW’s American Woodturner journal and previous workbooks: Safety for Woodturners, Lathes and Turning Tools, Practical Woodturning Projects, and Learning at the Lathe.

Getting Started in Woodturning is now available in the AAW’s Online Store at woodturner.org and at select woodworking retailers.

“We are pleased to publish Getting Started in Woodturning. Written primarily for a beginner audience, the book is the essential reference tool for every woodturner’s shop and will help turners of all levels be more successful,” stated Phil McDonald, executive director of the AAW. “Furthermore, Getting Started in Woodturning promotes a safe and enriching woodturning experience for those building foundational skills, offers indispensable reference material for mid-level turners, leverages the deep knowledge of experts in the field, and supports the AAW’s educational mission.”

Woodturning is a unique form of woodworking that dates back to ancient Egypt. Historically, the woodturning process has involved a lathe (a device that holds and spins wood securely), which is used to shape objects like chair legs, candlesticks, and bowls. Today, lathe-turned work is also understood as an art form and vehicle for individual enrichment, creativity, and self-expression. Pieces may be functional, ornamental, or even sculptural. With a modest learning curve, woodturning engages inspired people from age 8 to 108 and the skills acquired last a lifetime.

About the AAW
The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) is an international, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, dedicated to advancing the art and craft of woodturning worldwide by providing opportunities for education, information, inspiration, and community. Established in 1986, AAW currently has more than 15,000 members and a network of over 350 local chapters globally. The AAW possesses the single largest collection of woodturning information anywhere and its journal, American Woodturner, is the foremost publication on the art and craft of woodturning in the world. To learn more, visit woodturner.org.