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Books for Ornamental Turners

There are many historical choices for getting more information. Some of the books are a bit arcane, but they are none-the-less full of information.

The list is sorted by the by the book's title, and is not an implication of any book's importance.

Where possible, I've included links to electronic publications so you can get access to the information quicker (and cheaper). The paper version is probably better in the end as it is easier to mark up, make notes in, and reference quickly (plus, the having these books on your shelf makes you really look wise and the envy of all the other ornamental turners).

Engine Turning 1680-1980

The Tools and Technique

Matthews, Martin, 1982

You can order a newly reprinted copy from The Society of Ornamental Turners.

Further Notes from the Turning Shop

Jones, Bill, 1997
142 pages

This is the 2d book from Bill Jones as a follow-on to Notes from the Turning Shop. It is also a very worthwhile addition to your library. And, unlike other authors' books, this is not simply a re-write of their first work; it is a whole new set of information with very little overlap.

Guilloché: A History & Practical Manual

Shevlin, Calina C., 2017

This is an excellent book that tracks the birth, decline, and revival of this endangered craft and features exclusive information from the world's few living professional guillochéurs, as well as an exploration of the distinction between guilloché and its forebearer, ornamental turning.

Calina finished her MFA in the USA, then moved to Switzerland to work in the watch industry making watch faces.

This book shows some really beautiful pictures of the machines and the works produced on them, and is a great coffee table book if nothing else.

### Holtzapffel, vol. 6 by Edwards

Holtzapffel, vol. 6

A Compendium of Rare or Previously Unpublished Material Related to Ornamental Turning

Edwards, John, 2013

Holtzapffel originally planned to publish his tome in 6 volumes (see also, picture to the right from the front pages of Hotzapffel's books). For reasons I don't know, only 5 were published.

Fortunately, John Edwards has compiled an huge amount of this information and has published it as "Hotzapffel, Volume VI".

You may be able to find it used, but it is pretty rare. Look for it at Abe Books or a local used book seller.. The book has this assigned ISBN 978-0-9576594-0-7.

eBook
Internet Archive

Index to the Geometric Chuck

A Treatise Upon the Description, in the Lathe, of Simple and Compound Epitrochoidal or "Geometric" Curves

Bazley, Thomas Sebastian, 1875
731 pages

ISBN-13: 9781375550727
ISBN-10: 1375550721

### Industrial Recipes by Phin

eBook
Internet Archive

Industrial Recipes

A Collection of Useful, Reliable, Practical Recipes, Rules, Processes, Methods, Wrinkles, and Practical Hints Forming a Reliable Workshop Companion for All Engaged in the Various Industrial Arts and Trades

Phin, John, Ph.D., 1913
172 pages

eBooks (courtesy, ArsMathematica.org)
1st Edition, 1701 (in French)
2d Edition, 1749 (in French)

L'Art de Tourneur en Perfection

Plumier, Charles, 1701 & 1749

eBooks (courtesy, ArsMathematica.org)
2d Edition, (in English)

Wulff, Enrique

There are very few earlier books about turning.

This published article relates to the Plumier book:

Patterns Inspired by Charles Plumier’s Manuel du Tourneur by David Lindow. Interpretation of historical patterns. Ornamental Turners International Newsletter, Volume 29, Special Edition 2 - December, 2022, pg. 19

David M. MacMillan and Rollande Krandall have great web site, Circuitous Root which outlines some of these; however, this book is one of the earliest known books on ornamental turning, and like Bergeron, it is still referenced by many.

### The Lathe & Its Uses by Lufkin

eBook
Internet Archive

The Lathe & Its Uses

or Instruction in the Art of Turning Wood and Metal

Lukin, James, 1868
303 pages

ISBN-10: 1879335492

### Machinery's Handbook

eBook (6th ed)
Internet Archive

Machinery's Handbook

Oberg, Erik; Jones, F.D.; and others

Machinist's Toolbox

The latest edition is useful for many references, and it can be obtained directly from Industrial Press.

Getting an older edition (like the one shown on the left) in addition to a newer one is recommended. This book is closely affiliated with machinists, and the top center drawer on a machinist's toolbox was sized to hold this book. As new reference information is added to newer editions, something else must be dropped out to ensure the book will fit into the machinist's toolbox. Thusly, some reference tables which are useful to the maker using or maintainer of old machines may be missing in newer editions.

Newer editions are colorful and pretty, but editions 11 thru 20 have the cool, dark green cover! Editions before 11 have an even cooler black, leather-like cover.

Older editions can often be obtained from local library sales where they remove books no longer being loaned out. They may also be found at Abe Books or a local used book seller.

There are other, similar reference manuals which the maker of parts for ornamental turning equipment may wish to have, including:

American Machinists' Handbook by Colvin & Stanley
Audel's Mechanical Trades Pocket Manual by Davis & Nelson
Newnes Engineer's Reference Book by Camm, F.J. This book is of particular note as it details the threads used on Holtzapffel lathes.

### Manuel du Tourneur by Bergeron

eBook
Volume I
Volume II

Manuel du Tourneur

Bergeron, Louis-Eloy, 1792

ISBN-13: 9782851011725 / 9780274953899
ISBN-10: 2851011723 / 0274953897

The first edition was published in French as two volumes.

eBook
Volume I
Volume II
Plates for second edition

Hamelin-Bergeron, Pierre, 1816

ISBN-13: 9780341250623 ISBN-10: 0341250627

The second edition was also published in French as two volumes, but this one has all the drawings and diagrams in a 3rd volume (the "plates" book). This is a very useful approach as the text about the drawings can be read without having to flip back and forth between pages.

A different person, Pierre Hamelin-Bergeron (an actual relative of Louis-Eloy Bergeron), is shown as the author.

eBook
The Turner's Manual

Aird, David Alfred, 1877

David translated this book to English, and published it as a complete book in one volume. It was scanned by Google Books at the Bodleian Library, but the quality is poor and not very legible.

Soulsby, Jeremy, 2010

This is a very recent translation into English of the Hamelin-Bergeron edition (volume II & the plates). It is a masterful work made available to us by a member of the The Society of Ornamental Turners, and should be available from this group (if they have any copies remaining). I can say that the cost of this set is significantly below the value provided.

This set of books (you need both) is amazingly useful in understanding the techniques used by turners 200+ years ago. There are so many topics addressed that I highly recommend this be in each turner's library. Among others, Springett's book, Woodturning Wizardry, is greatly enhanced by having access to the information in this book.

### Multi-Axis Spindle Turning by Dill

Multi-Axis Spindle Turning

A Systematic Exploration

Dill, Barbara, 2018
128 pages

ISBN-10: 0764355341
ISBN-13: 978-0764355349

Barbara Dill is an artist and woodturner who makes many great pieces using multi-axis turning. Whilst she does not use an ornamental lathe, her works can be great inspiration for the ornamental turner.

Additionally, the techniques she teaches for visualizing the action are quite good.

Notes from the Turning Shop

Jones, Bill, 1996
142 pages

Bill was a production turner who made some fabulous items. This book is a wonderful read from a practitioner, not an equipment manufacturer.

eBook
Internet Archive

Ornamental Lathework for Amateurs

Chaplin, Charles Henry, circa 1914
121 pages

### Ornamental Turnery by Knox

Ornamental Turnery

Practical and Historical Approach to a Centuries-Old Craft

Knox, Frank, 1986
78 pages

If you are just starting, this is the first book to read. I purchased a used (but very good quality) copy for $16.50.

eBook
Volume I
Volume II
Volume III

Ornamental Turning

A Work of Practical Instruction in the Above Art

Evans, John Henry (usually listed as J.H. Evans), 1903

ISBN-10: 1879335352

Published in London by Percival Marshall & Co. This is a general technical introduction to the field of ornamental turning. Percival Marshall was the founder and publisher of the magazine "The Model Engineer".

### Woodturning Wizardry by Walshaw

Ornamental Turning

Walshaw, T.D., 1990
208 pages

The art of ornamental turning in wood (and, in former days, ivory) has a long and distinguished history and it has recently experienced a renaissance among craftspeople. This is T.D. Walshaw's guide to the art, aimed not only at the experienced woodturner, but also at the novice. This book provides comprehensive chapters on purpose-built ornamental lathes (both antique and modern), essential accessories, using cutting and decorative tools, plus detailed information about screw threads and templates. There are also clear directions on using a standard engineer's lathe to create ornamental work. Fully illustrated with close-up photographs of work in stages and finished projects, plus detailed plans and diagrams, this is the instruction book for any woodturner wanting to master the art of ornamental turning.

Tom Walshaw is better known to hobbyists under the pen name "Tubal Cain" - the writer of many best-selling home workshop and model engineering guides, though he is not the same "Tubal Cain" who has many videos on YouTube (AKA, MrPete222). Additionally, I strongly believe neither is the Tubal-cain mentioned in Genesis 4:22.

If you are just starting, this is the second book to read. I purchased a used (but very good quality) copy for $14.00.

### The Rose Engine Lathe by Tweddle

The Rose Engine Lathe

Tweddle, Norman
86 pages

This book was written by the first president and one of the founders of The Society of Ornamental Turners. The 3rd edition was reprinted by the SOT in 2022, and is available from them.

eBook
Internet Archive

Simple Decorative Lathe Work

A Practical Handbook on the Construction and Use of the Ordinary Turning Lathe, for the Purpose of the Above Art

Lukin, James, 1905
88 pages

eBook
Internet Archive

Specimens in Eccentric Circular Turning

With Practical Instructions for Producing Corresponding Pieces in the Art

Ibbetson, John Holt, Esq., 1838
142 pages

eBook
Copy from web site

Tour de Force Wood Turning

Lethiecq, Claude, 2013
320 pages

Claude unfortunately passed away in the 2010s, but his body of work remains an awe to all. He really took David Springett's Woodturning Wizardry to a whole new level. And in the introduction to this opus, Claude notes:

Had I not read David Springett's book Woodturning Wizardry back in 1993, this book would never have been written. So it is only fair that it is my turn to dedicate this book to him.

But even as I write this I am still not sure if I should be angry or grateful to him for having started this whole adventure.

What is wonderful is that he documented his work and the techniques he used, and it is freely available at this web site. I snagged a copy of the complete document for this site just to be sure it is not lost.

This YouTube video shows Claude talking about the Chinese nested spheres he makes. It was recorded at the 2010 AAW symposium.

The Turner's Companion

Containing Instructions in Concentric, Elliptic, and Eccentric Turning; also Various Plates of Chucks, Tools, and Instruments; and Directions for Using the Eccentric Cutter, Drill, Vertical Cutter, and Circular Rest; with Patterns, and Instructions for Working Them

Gascoigne, Mary Isabella Oliver, 1851
135 pages

ISBN-10: 1016711905
ISBN-13: 978-1016711906

The work was originally published as the "Handbook of Turning" in London in 1842. The author was Mary Isabella Oliver Gascoigne (1810-1891) of Parlington Hall, Yorkshire.

While not revealing her gender by writing anonymously and by referring to herself in the masculine in the preface, she encourages women to pursue the craft. "Why should not our fair countrywomen participate in this amusement? . . . What occupation can be more interesting and elegant than ornamenting wood or ivory in delicate and intricate patterns, and imitating, with the aid of the lathe, the beautiful Chinese carving, so much and so justly admired? Besides, the taper fingers of the fair sex are far better suited than a man's heavier hand, to produce the requisite lightness and clearness of effect."

eBook
Internet Archive

Turning and Mechanical Manipulation, Vol. 1

Materials, Their Choice, Preparation and Various Modes of Working Them

Holtzapffel, Charles, 1843
480 pages

eBook
Internet Archive

Turning and Mechanical Manipulation, Vol. 2

Construction, Action, and Application of Cutting Tools

Holtzapffel, Charles, 1846
568 pages

eBook
Internet Archive

Turning and Mechanical Manipulation, Vol. 3

Abrasive and Other Processes not Accomplished with Cutting Tools

Holtzapffel, Charles, 1846

This was originally published in 1850 by Charles Holtzapffel, and was later updated by Charles' son, John Jacob Holtzapffel in 1894.

The 2d edition has 796 pages, of which 300 were revised from the first edition by John Jacob.

eBook
Internet Archive

Turning and Mechanical Manipulation, Vol. 4

Hand Or Simple Turning: Principles and Practice

Holtzapffel, John Jacob, 1881
592 pages

This book is especially worth having if you want to try making items like spheres, Chinese balls, and Singapore balls. Among others, Springett's book, Woodturning Wizardry, is greatly enhanced by having access to the information in this book (along with Soulsby's translation of Manuel du Tourneur).

There are many useful topics addressed in this book, and I highly recommend this be in each turner's library.

eBook
Internet Archive

Turning and Mechanical Manipulation, Vol. 5

The Principles and Practice of Ornamental or Complex Turning

Holtzapffel, John Jacob, 1884
656 pages

This is considered by many to be the manual for ornamental turning. It is a highly detailed instruction manual covering all aspects of ornamental turning apparatuses.

The language can be a bit hard to follow for someone new to the craft. Probably best to start with a book like Knox's Ornamental Turnery or Walshaw's Ornamental Turning.

### Woodturning Wizardry by Springett

Woodturning Wizardry

Springett, David, 2005
191 pages

This is an excellent book that outlines how to make spheres within spheres, stars within cubes, and other amazing items.

"... woodturners over the centuries have developed a whole range of extraordinary structures which seem at first sight to be quite impossible. In fact, all of these things can be made by anyone with basic woodturning skills, an ordinary lathe and simple hand tools - and this book shows you how."

This is all stuff you can make on a "traditional" lathe, but works well when combined with items made on the rose engine lathe.

Note: Holtzapffel's Turning and Mechanical Manipulation, vol. 4 is a good resource for helping with these endeavours. Springett's book is good as it gives more succinct instructions and great pictures (in the 2d edition).

David also made this video in 2008 about elliptical turning on a lathe, explaining it better than many have since.

Woodwork - My First Seventy Years

With a Comprehensive Section on Ornamental Turning

Lynn, Bob, 1992
1,200 pages

Bob established the Lynn Woodwork Museum in New Zealand.

About this Site

Disclaimer: eMail comments to me at OTBookOfKnowledge @ Gmail.com. The process of woodturning involves the use of tools, machinery and materials which could cause injury or be a health hazard unless proper precautions are taken, including the wearing of appropriate protective equipment.