Customer Rating: 
Summary: The Lathe Book
Comment: Ernie Conover is one of the best(if not the best) writer of books on using the Lathe in the United States. I have all of his work and could recommed any or all for the serious wood turner. The only other writers who would come close to Mr. Conover are two gentleman from Australia. My wood turning library exceeds 24 books, Ernie is the best.
Customer Rating:
Summary: great for the beginner
Comment: great book for the beginner, talks about everything you need to know for jumping right into your lathe, from mounting stock, to keeping your tools sharp, was a very useful book
Customer Rating: 
Summary: ERNIES BOOK
Comment: This book appears to be excellent for accomplished turners. I am an absolute Green Horn. Photography is excellent, writing crisp. Lots of information on handmade accessories and sharpening tips.
I probably need a book about basics.
Customer Rating:
Summary: One of the best lathe book I've used
Comment: I actually used this book to help me become more informed before I made a lathe purchase.
It gives a great overall overview of many sizes and options.
Quote from the book, "New entry level lathes cost from $500 to $1000 dollars. Also gives positive comments to mini lathes @ $300-$400. That would include bed extension with which you could turn countless spindles. $575 Delta/Jet 12 inch, nice start as well.
Great overall picture of turning, tools, sharpening and accesories. Speaking of pictures what's shown is fine for what's being illustrated.ie; size and content.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Save your money
Comment: As an advanced woodworker I decided to try my hand at turning so I purchased this book based upon the other reviews. The book is written in a confusing, disjointed, and rather condescending manner. Conover seems to want to impress with his "expertise" at the expense of clearly disseminating information.Additionally, photos are extremely small, poorly cropped, and show no worthwhile detail. He states that a minimum entry level lathe will cost you over $1,000. That must be Canadian dollars since he recommends equipment as if he's employed by the Canadian Department of Commerce. There are numerous run-on sentences in the book that will leave you scratching you head and asking "what the hell is this guy talking about?"
If you want to get started in turning, this is not your book.
