Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Not so complete, 15 Jul 2008
Despite claiming to be "A Complete Course" and stating "This book assumes no previous experience", this book is somewhat lacking in basic detail for the beginner. Emphasis is placed more on learning through practical experience in the form of twelve projects rather than providing the reader with even some pretty important background detail. The projects are adequately explained and liberally sprinkled with photographs, but again lack some of the finer detail that would benefit the novice lathe user.

Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Not so complete, 15 Jul 2008
Despite claiming to be "A Complete Course" and stating "This book assumes no previous experience", this book is somewhat lacking in basic detail for the beginner. Emphasis is placed more on learning through practical experience in the form of twelve projects rather than providing the reader with even some pretty important background detail. The projects are adequately explained and liberally sprinkled with photographs, but again lack some of the finer detail that would benefit the novice lathe user.

A useful book, but appallingly written, 26 Oct 2006
Sadly, this is probably the best book if you have a new milling machine and no experience. But I say sadly because it's so badly written it's really difficult to follow. The contents page and the author's remarks set out a sensible sounding plan: take the reader through several simple projects to learn by doing. But the author gets diverted into the technique-specific lectures he says he's going to avoid (which ruins the flow of both the projects and the technique instruction).

And the prose seems to have been copied from one of those manuals supplied by Chinese machine-tool manufacturers who don't really know English. Try this, the very first sentence in the book: "Using the milling machine does not include the range of operations that are available when using the centre lathe as the machining process varies little from task to task." OR this: "The reason for this is that a cut starts at full depth and reduces to zero whilst in reverse the opposite is true ...". Lastly, on the important subject of Climb Milling (or not), it is wholly unclear whether he is recommending it or warning against it. Since this is something very basic for a new mill operator, that's a serious criticism.

Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Not so complete, 15 Jul 2008
Despite claiming to be "A Complete Course" and stating "This book assumes no previous experience", this book is somewhat lacking in basic detail for the beginner. Emphasis is placed more on learning through practical experience in the form of twelve projects rather than providing the reader with even some pretty important background detail. The projects are adequately explained and liberally sprinkled with photographs, but again lack some of the finer detail that would benefit the novice lathe user.

A useful book, but appallingly written, 26 Oct 2006
Sadly, this is probably the best book if you have a new milling machine and no experience. But I say sadly because it's so badly written it's really difficult to follow. The contents page and the author's remarks set out a sensible sounding plan: take the reader through several simple projects to learn by doing. But the author gets diverted into the technique-specific lectures he says he's going to avoid (which ruins the flow of both the projects and the technique instruction).

And the prose seems to have been copied from one of those manuals supplied by Chinese machine-tool manufacturers who don't really know English. Try this, the very first sentence in the book: "Using the milling machine does not include the range of operations that are available when using the centre lathe as the machining process varies little from task to task." OR this: "The reason for this is that a cut starts at full depth and reduces to zero whilst in reverse the opposite is true ...". Lastly, on the important subject of Climb Milling (or not), it is wholly unclear whether he is recommending it or warning against it. Since this is something very basic for a new mill operator, that's a serious criticism.

Turning Basics at its Best, 18 Dec 2005
What a GREAT book. I am a new turner and am reading everything I can get my hands on about turning. This is my second overview book on the subject. I just picked one to start as I didn’t have any idea what book to try. I didn’t learn what I had hope to in the first one so when I saw Barry Gross’ book, I thought I would try it. Was I glad I did!

Mr. Gross’ book, Learn To Turn, provides all the basic information in a CLEAR format. There are pictures to go along with the text and they are clearly label as are the parts of the machine, tools or safety measures he is writing about.

When he talks about “truing up” or other turning terms, he actually defines what that means in laymen’s terms so a true beginner can grasp what he is talking about. When he discusses the various tools, he pictures that tool on the page where is he explaining how to use the tool. This really helped me to learn which tool was which and just how they should be used.

Mr. Gross discusses finishes and shows four different ones so you can choose which you would use for which project. Of course, he has a section on safety and the pictures really bring home the point of the need for safety. There is also a section on tool sharpening and a detailed description of how each tool should be correctly sharpened. Sanding is another section and I learned about a sandpaper called New Wave and Abranet sanding screens. He tells how to make a jam chuck – another one of those turning terms – and explains how and why to use it and what it is. And not book would be complete without the glossary of terms and a company resources list.

In the final section of the book, Mr. Gross provides instructions for eight projects from a simple bowl to a wonderful Christmas Ornament. These eight projects will keep this turner busy for several months as I try to come close to what the author’s turnings look like. For $14.95, this is a book I would recommend to a new turner or for a turning instructor as a classroom text. I know my copy will become a well-worn text in my shop.

Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Not so complete, 15 Jul 2008
Despite claiming to be "A Complete Course" and stating "This book assumes no previous experience", this book is somewhat lacking in basic detail for the beginner. Emphasis is placed more on learning through practical experience in the form of twelve projects rather than providing the reader with even some pretty important background detail. The projects are adequately explained and liberally sprinkled with photographs, but again lack some of the finer detail that would benefit the novice lathe user.

A useful book, but appallingly written, 26 Oct 2006
Sadly, this is probably the best book if you have a new milling machine and no experience. But I say sadly because it's so badly written it's really difficult to follow. The contents page and the author's remarks set out a sensible sounding plan: take the reader through several simple projects to learn by doing. But the author gets diverted into the technique-specific lectures he says he's going to avoid (which ruins the flow of both the projects and the technique instruction).

And the prose seems to have been copied from one of those manuals supplied by Chinese machine-tool manufacturers who don't really know English. Try this, the very first sentence in the book: "Using the milling machine does not include the range of operations that are available when using the centre lathe as the machining process varies little from task to task." OR this: "The reason for this is that a cut starts at full depth and reduces to zero whilst in reverse the opposite is true ...". Lastly, on the important subject of Climb Milling (or not), it is wholly unclear whether he is recommending it or warning against it. Since this is something very basic for a new mill operator, that's a serious criticism.

Turning Basics at its Best, 18 Dec 2005
What a GREAT book. I am a new turner and am reading everything I can get my hands on about turning. This is my second overview book on the subject. I just picked one to start as I didn’t have any idea what book to try. I didn’t learn what I had hope to in the first one so when I saw Barry Gross’ book, I thought I would try it. Was I glad I did!

Mr. Gross’ book, Learn To Turn, provides all the basic information in a CLEAR format. There are pictures to go along with the text and they are clearly label as are the parts of the machine, tools or safety measures he is writing about.

When he talks about “truing up” or other turning terms, he actually defines what that means in laymen’s terms so a true beginner can grasp what he is talking about. When he discusses the various tools, he pictures that tool on the page where is he explaining how to use the tool. This really helped me to learn which tool was which and just how they should be used.

Mr. Gross discusses finishes and shows four different ones so you can choose which you would use for which project. Of course, he has a section on safety and the pictures really bring home the point of the need for safety. There is also a section on tool sharpening and a detailed description of how each tool should be correctly sharpened. Sanding is another section and I learned about a sandpaper called New Wave and Abranet sanding screens. He tells how to make a jam chuck – another one of those turning terms – and explains how and why to use it and what it is. And not book would be complete without the glossary of terms and a company resources list.

In the final section of the book, Mr. Gross provides instructions for eight projects from a simple bowl to a wonderful Christmas Ornament. These eight projects will keep this turner busy for several months as I try to come close to what the author’s turnings look like. For $14.95, this is a book I would recommend to a new turner or for a turning instructor as a classroom text. I know my copy will become a well-worn text in my shop.

Outstanding Work, 06 Mar 2006
This book has to be one of my best buys ever !!!
As a complete novice woodworker this book has done for me what no other book has done and that is to answer every single question I have about woodwork at my present level from tools, preparation of timber and using it for projects etc...
If you like woodwork, you will love this masterpiece.

Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Not so complete, 15 Jul 2008
Despite claiming to be "A Complete Course" and stating "This book assumes no previous experience", this book is somewhat lacking in basic detail for the beginner. Emphasis is placed more on learning through practical experience in the form of twelve projects rather than providing the reader with even some pretty important background detail. The projects are adequately explained and liberally sprinkled with photographs, but again lack some of the finer detail that would benefit the novice lathe user.

A useful book, but appallingly written, 26 Oct 2006
Sadly, this is probably the best book if you have a new milling machine and no experience. But I say sadly because it's so badly written it's really difficult to follow. The contents page and the author's remarks set out a sensible sounding plan: take the reader through several simple projects to learn by doing. But the author gets diverted into the technique-specific lectures he says he's going to avoid (which ruins the flow of both the projects and the technique instruction).

And the prose seems to have been copied from one of those manuals supplied by Chinese machine-tool manufacturers who don't really know English. Try this, the very first sentence in the book: "Using the milling machine does not include the range of operations that are available when using the centre lathe as the machining process varies little from task to task." OR this: "The reason for this is that a cut starts at full depth and reduces to zero whilst in reverse the opposite is true ...". Lastly, on the important subject of Climb Milling (or not), it is wholly unclear whether he is recommending it or warning against it. Since this is something very basic for a new mill operator, that's a serious criticism.

Turning Basics at its Best, 18 Dec 2005
What a GREAT book. I am a new turner and am reading everything I can get my hands on about turning. This is my second overview book on the subject. I just picked one to start as I didn’t have any idea what book to try. I didn’t learn what I had hope to in the first one so when I saw Barry Gross’ book, I thought I would try it. Was I glad I did!

Mr. Gross’ book, Learn To Turn, provides all the basic information in a CLEAR format. There are pictures to go along with the text and they are clearly label as are the parts of the machine, tools or safety measures he is writing about.

When he talks about “truing up” or other turning terms, he actually defines what that means in laymen’s terms so a true beginner can grasp what he is talking about. When he discusses the various tools, he pictures that tool on the page where is he explaining how to use the tool. This really helped me to learn which tool was which and just how they should be used.

Mr. Gross discusses finishes and shows four different ones so you can choose which you would use for which project. Of course, he has a section on safety and the pictures really bring home the point of the need for safety. There is also a section on tool sharpening and a detailed description of how each tool should be correctly sharpened. Sanding is another section and I learned about a sandpaper called New Wave and Abranet sanding screens. He tells how to make a jam chuck – another one of those turning terms – and explains how and why to use it and what it is. And not book would be complete without the glossary of terms and a company resources list.

In the final section of the book, Mr. Gross provides instructions for eight projects from a simple bowl to a wonderful Christmas Ornament. These eight projects will keep this turner busy for several months as I try to come close to what the author’s turnings look like. For $14.95, this is a book I would recommend to a new turner or for a turning instructor as a classroom text. I know my copy will become a well-worn text in my shop.

Outstanding Work, 06 Mar 2006
This book has to be one of my best buys ever !!!
As a complete novice woodworker this book has done for me what no other book has done and that is to answer every single question I have about woodwork at my present level from tools, preparation of timber and using it for projects etc...
If you like woodwork, you will love this masterpiece.

Learn carved lettering with Chris Pye, 30 Aug 2003
Although I am an experienced woodworker, I always steered clear of carved lettering. But this book gives one the impetus to take the subject by the horns. Read Chris Pye's careful analysis of the incised roman letter and start to realise that you can do it too! This book fills you with enthusiasm and drives you out to buy the supplied list of carving tools you need to emulate the lettering in the book. It is also a valuable reference for continual use. Very soon you are incising your first trench and under Chris Pye's excellent guidance you are quickly onto curved and compass-struck letters.

Of course you will make mistakes. If you are impetuous like me, you might run before you can walk but Chris Pye will have none of this. Go back and read again his meticulous and thorough instruction. He doesn't abandon you!

Within the same month that I bought this book, I had copied one of the included projects and developed sufficient confidence to carve script on a completed item of furniture. My first house-name customer quickly followed.

If I had one criticism, it is that the book takes no account of the versatility of computors for layout, kerning and the variety of available fonts. The book is still in the land of Letraset, freehand and tracing paper. But a new edition of the book is due for publication this year. I am sure that Chris Pye will have attended to this minor point in his rewrite.

Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Not so complete, 15 Jul 2008
Despite claiming to be "A Complete Course" and stating "This book assumes no previous experience", this book is somewhat lacking in basic detail for the beginner. Emphasis is placed more on learning through practical experience in the form of twelve projects rather than providing the reader with even some pretty important background detail. The projects are adequately explained and liberally sprinkled with photographs, but again lack some of the finer detail that would benefit the novice lathe user.

A useful book, but appallingly written, 26 Oct 2006
Sadly, this is probably the best book if you have a new milling machine and no experience. But I say sadly because it's so badly written it's really difficult to follow. The contents page and the author's remarks set out a sensible sounding plan: take the reader through several simple projects to learn by doing. But the author gets diverted into the technique-specific lectures he says he's going to avoid (which ruins the flow of both the projects and the technique instruction).

And the prose seems to have been copied from one of those manuals supplied by Chinese machine-tool manufacturers who don't really know English. Try this, the very first sentence in the book: "Using the milling machine does not include the range of operations that are available when using the centre lathe as the machining process varies little from task to task." OR this: "The reason for this is that a cut starts at full depth and reduces to zero whilst in reverse the opposite is true ...". Lastly, on the important subject of Climb Milling (or not), it is wholly unclear whether he is recommending it or warning against it. Since this is something very basic for a new mill operator, that's a serious criticism.

Turning Basics at its Best, 18 Dec 2005
What a GREAT book. I am a new turner and am reading everything I can get my hands on about turning. This is my second overview book on the subject. I just picked one to start as I didn’t have any idea what book to try. I didn’t learn what I had hope to in the first one so when I saw Barry Gross’ book, I thought I would try it. Was I glad I did!

Mr. Gross’ book, Learn To Turn, provides all the basic information in a CLEAR format. There are pictures to go along with the text and they are clearly label as are the parts of the machine, tools or safety measures he is writing about.

When he talks about “truing up” or other turning terms, he actually defines what that means in laymen’s terms so a true beginner can grasp what he is talking about. When he discusses the various tools, he pictures that tool on the page where is he explaining how to use the tool. This really helped me to learn which tool was which and just how they should be used.

Mr. Gross discusses finishes and shows four different ones so you can choose which you would use for which project. Of course, he has a section on safety and the pictures really bring home the point of the need for safety. There is also a section on tool sharpening and a detailed description of how each tool should be correctly sharpened. Sanding is another section and I learned about a sandpaper called New Wave and Abranet sanding screens. He tells how to make a jam chuck – another one of those turning terms – and explains how and why to use it and what it is. And not book would be complete without the glossary of terms and a company resources list.

In the final section of the book, Mr. Gross provides instructions for eight projects from a simple bowl to a wonderful Christmas Ornament. These eight projects will keep this turner busy for several months as I try to come close to what the author’s turnings look like. For $14.95, this is a book I would recommend to a new turner or for a turning instructor as a classroom text. I know my copy will become a well-worn text in my shop.

Outstanding Work, 06 Mar 2006
This book has to be one of my best buys ever !!!
As a complete novice woodworker this book has done for me what no other book has done and that is to answer every single question I have about woodwork at my present level from tools, preparation of timber and using it for projects etc...
If you like woodwork, you will love this masterpiece.

Learn carved lettering with Chris Pye, 30 Aug 2003
Although I am an experienced woodworker, I always steered clear of carved lettering. But this book gives one the impetus to take the subject by the horns. Read Chris Pye's careful analysis of the incised roman letter and start to realise that you can do it too! This book fills you with enthusiasm and drives you out to buy the supplied list of carving tools you need to emulate the lettering in the book. It is also a valuable reference for continual use. Very soon you are incising your first trench and under Chris Pye's excellent guidance you are quickly onto curved and compass-struck letters.

Of course you will make mistakes. If you are impetuous like me, you might run before you can walk but Chris Pye will have none of this. Go back and read again his meticulous and thorough instruction. He doesn't abandon you!

Within the same month that I bought this book, I had copied one of the included projects and developed sufficient confidence to carve script on a completed item of furniture. My first house-name customer quickly followed.

If I had one criticism, it is that the book takes no account of the versatility of computors for layout, kerning and the variety of available fonts. The book is still in the land of Letraset, freehand and tracing paper. But a new edition of the book is due for publication this year. I am sure that Chris Pye will have attended to this minor point in his rewrite.

Carpentry & Joinery , 13 Aug 2008
Great book ! Easy to study, very clear , a MUST for any carpenter who wants to get fully qualified

Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Not so complete, 15 Jul 2008
Despite claiming to be "A Complete Course" and stating "This book assumes no previous experience", this book is somewhat lacking in basic detail for the beginner. Emphasis is placed more on learning through practical experience in the form of twelve projects rather than providing the reader with even some pretty important background detail. The projects are adequately explained and liberally sprinkled with photographs, but again lack some of the finer detail that would benefit the novice lathe user.

A useful book, but appallingly written, 26 Oct 2006
Sadly, this is probably the best book if you have a new milling machine and no experience. But I say sadly because it's so badly written it's really difficult to follow. The contents page and the author's remarks set out a sensible sounding plan: take the reader through several simple projects to learn by doing. But the author gets diverted into the technique-specific lectures he says he's going to avoid (which ruins the flow of both the projects and the technique instruction).

And the prose seems to have been copied from one of those manuals supplied by Chinese machine-tool manufacturers who don't really know English. Try this, the very first sentence in the book: "Using the milling machine does not include the range of operations that are available when using the centre lathe as the machining process varies little from task to task." OR this: "The reason for this is that a cut starts at full depth and reduces to zero whilst in reverse the opposite is true ...". Lastly, on the important subject of Climb Milling (or not), it is wholly unclear whether he is recommending it or warning against it. Since this is something very basic for a new mill operator, that's a serious criticism.

Turning Basics at its Best, 18 Dec 2005
What a GREAT book. I am a new turner and am reading everything I can get my hands on about turning. This is my second overview book on the subject. I just picked one to start as I didn’t have any idea what book to try. I didn’t learn what I had hope to in the first one so when I saw Barry Gross’ book, I thought I would try it. Was I glad I did!

Mr. Gross’ book, Learn To Turn, provides all the basic information in a CLEAR format. There are pictures to go along with the text and they are clearly label as are the parts of the machine, tools or safety measures he is writing about.

When he talks about “truing up” or other turning terms, he actually defines what that means in laymen’s terms so a true beginner can grasp what he is talking about. When he discusses the various tools, he pictures that tool on the page where is he explaining how to use the tool. This really helped me to learn which tool was which and just how they should be used.

Mr. Gross discusses finishes and shows four different ones so you can choose which you would use for which project. Of course, he has a section on safety and the pictures really bring home the point of the need for safety. There is also a section on tool sharpening and a detailed description of how each tool should be correctly sharpened. Sanding is another section and I learned about a sandpaper called New Wave and Abranet sanding screens. He tells how to make a jam chuck – another one of those turning terms – and explains how and why to use it and what it is. And not book would be complete without the glossary of terms and a company resources list.

In the final section of the book, Mr. Gross provides instructions for eight projects from a simple bowl to a wonderful Christmas Ornament. These eight projects will keep this turner busy for several months as I try to come close to what the author’s turnings look like. For $14.95, this is a book I would recommend to a new turner or for a turning instructor as a classroom text. I know my copy will become a well-worn text in my shop.

Outstanding Work, 06 Mar 2006
This book has to be one of my best buys ever !!!
As a complete novice woodworker this book has done for me what no other book has done and that is to answer every single question I have about woodwork at my present level from tools, preparation of timber and using it for projects etc...
If you like woodwork, you will love this masterpiece.

Learn carved lettering with Chris Pye, 30 Aug 2003
Although I am an experienced woodworker, I always steered clear of carved lettering. But this book gives one the impetus to take the subject by the horns. Read Chris Pye's careful analysis of the incised roman letter and start to realise that you can do it too! This book fills you with enthusiasm and drives you out to buy the supplied list of carving tools you need to emulate the lettering in the book. It is also a valuable reference for continual use. Very soon you are incising your first trench and under Chris Pye's excellent guidance you are quickly onto curved and compass-struck letters.

Of course you will make mistakes. If you are impetuous like me, you might run before you can walk but Chris Pye will have none of this. Go back and read again his meticulous and thorough instruction. He doesn't abandon you!

Within the same month that I bought this book, I had copied one of the included projects and developed sufficient confidence to carve script on a completed item of furniture. My first house-name customer quickly followed.

If I had one criticism, it is that the book takes no account of the versatility of computors for layout, kerning and the variety of available fonts. The book is still in the land of Letraset, freehand and tracing paper. But a new edition of the book is due for publication this year. I am sure that Chris Pye will have attended to this minor point in his rewrite.

Carpentry & Joinery , 13 Aug 2008
Great book ! Easy to study, very clear , a MUST for any carpenter who wants to get fully qualified

Essential for a beginner, 12 Jun 2007
Great book,takes you through how each tool sould be used, and more importantly how to use safely. Gives ideas for jigs to use on your lathe for sanding, routing etc and a few projects. If you are new to woodturning this is the book to have.

New to Woodturning?, 08 Feb 2006
Great book for beginners with help on lathes, tools and accessories for turning as well as the principles in easy to read and well thought out sections, with a few projects for the beginer to try

Roy, 17 Dec 2002
This is an excellent book for the newcomer and as a reference book for the more experienced turner. The reader is encouraged with clear text, photographs and line drawings

Absolutly Excellent for beginner, 06 Apr 1998
This is the best book for a beginner as it goes through each step of how to use tools on a lathe. Get the video which goes with it as this again helps the understanding of how to use the lathe

Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Not so complete, 15 Jul 2008
Despite claiming to be "A Complete Course" and stating "This book assumes no previous experience", this book is somewhat lacking in basic detail for the beginner. Emphasis is placed more on learning through practical experience in the form of twelve projects rather than providing the reader with even some pretty important background detail. The projects are adequately explained and liberally sprinkled with photographs, but again lack some of the finer detail that would benefit the novice lathe user.

A useful book, but appallingly written, 26 Oct 2006
Sadly, this is probably the best book if you have a new milling machine and no experience. But I say sadly because it's so badly written it's really difficult to follow. The contents page and the author's remarks set out a sensible sounding plan: take the reader through several simple projects to learn by doing. But the author gets diverted into the technique-specific lectures he says he's going to avoid (which ruins the flow of both the projects and the technique instruction).

And the prose seems to have been copied from one of those manuals supplied by Chinese machine-tool manufacturers who don't really know English. Try this, the very first sentence in the book: "Using the milling machine does not include the range of operations that are available when using the centre lathe as the machining process varies little from task to task." OR this: "The reason for this is that a cut starts at full depth and reduces to zero whilst in reverse the opposite is true ...". Lastly, on the important subject of Climb Milling (or not), it is wholly unclear whether he is recommending it or warning against it. Since this is something very basic for a new mill operator, that's a serious criticism.

Turning Basics at its Best, 18 Dec 2005
What a GREAT book. I am a new turner and am reading everything I can get my hands on about turning. This is my second overview book on the subject. I just picked one to start as I didn’t have any idea what book to try. I didn’t learn what I had hope to in the first one so when I saw Barry Gross’ book, I thought I would try it. Was I glad I did!

Mr. Gross’ book, Learn To Turn, provides all the basic information in a CLEAR format. There are pictures to go along with the text and they are clearly label as are the parts of the machine, tools or safety measures he is writing about.

When he talks about “truing up” or other turning terms, he actually defines what that means in laymen’s terms so a true beginner can grasp what he is talking about. When he discusses the various tools, he pictures that tool on the page where is he explaining how to use the tool. This really helped me to learn which tool was which and just how they should be used.

Mr. Gross discusses finishes and shows four different ones so you can choose which you would use for which project. Of course, he has a section on safety and the pictures really bring home the point of the need for safety. There is also a section on tool sharpening and a detailed description of how each tool should be correctly sharpened. Sanding is another section and I learned about a sandpaper called New Wave and Abranet sanding screens. He tells how to make a jam chuck – another one of those turning terms – and explains how and why to use it and what it is. And not book would be complete without the glossary of terms and a company resources list.

In the final section of the book, Mr. Gross provides instructions for eight projects from a simple bowl to a wonderful Christmas Ornament. These eight projects will keep this turner busy for several months as I try to come close to what the author’s turnings look like. For $14.95, this is a book I would recommend to a new turner or for a turning instructor as a classroom text. I know my copy will become a well-worn text in my shop.

Outstanding Work, 06 Mar 2006
This book has to be one of my best buys ever !!!
As a complete novice woodworker this book has done for me what no other book has done and that is to answer every single question I have about woodwork at my present level from tools, preparation of timber and using it for projects etc...
If you like woodwork, you will love this masterpiece.

Learn carved lettering with Chris Pye, 30 Aug 2003
Although I am an experienced woodworker, I always steered clear of carved lettering. But this book gives one the impetus to take the subject by the horns. Read Chris Pye's careful analysis of the incised roman letter and start to realise that you can do it too! This book fills you with enthusiasm and drives you out to buy the supplied list of carving tools you need to emulate the lettering in the book. It is also a valuable reference for continual use. Very soon you are incising your first trench and under Chris Pye's excellent guidance you are quickly onto curved and compass-struck letters.

Of course you will make mistakes. If you are impetuous like me, you might run before you can walk but Chris Pye will have none of this. Go back and read again his meticulous and thorough instruction. He doesn't abandon you!

Within the same month that I bought this book, I had copied one of the included projects and developed sufficient confidence to carve script on a completed item of furniture. My first house-name customer quickly followed.

If I had one criticism, it is that the book takes no account of the versatility of computors for layout, kerning and the variety of available fonts. The book is still in the land of Letraset, freehand and tracing paper. But a new edition of the book is due for publication this year. I am sure that Chris Pye will have attended to this minor point in his rewrite.

Carpentry & Joinery , 13 Aug 2008
Great book ! Easy to study, very clear , a MUST for any carpenter who wants to get fully qualified

Essential for a beginner, 12 Jun 2007
Great book,takes you through how each tool sould be used, and more importantly how to use safely. Gives ideas for jigs to use on your lathe for sanding, routing etc and a few projects. If you are new to woodturning this is the book to have.

New to Woodturning?, 08 Feb 2006
Great book for beginners with help on lathes, tools and accessories for turning as well as the principles in easy to read and well thought out sections, with a few projects for the beginer to try

Roy, 17 Dec 2002
This is an excellent book for the newcomer and as a reference book for the more experienced turner. The reader is encouraged with clear text, photographs and line drawings

Absolutly Excellent for beginner, 06 Apr 1998
This is the best book for a beginner as it goes through each step of how to use tools on a lathe. Get the video which goes with it as this again helps the understanding of how to use the lathe

Disappointing, 09 Sep 2001
As a lecturer I am dasappointed with this book as it has just been reprinted but still contains errors found in the original publication. It is out of date and has needed updating for some time. One of the main problems is that when students read a book they accept what is written as fact and find it difficult to accept that it could contain errors. The table on fire exingishers was incorrect on the first addition and is now also out of date as the regulations have changed. The working platforms on the tressels and steps are incorrect. The light weight staging board would not fit between the stiles of a pair of steps. These are just two of the glairing errors in the book. There have been a number of changes to regulations over the past ten years when this book was first published. This information is now well out of date and will cause confusion to students as no reference is made to the new regulations. The publishers have missed a golden opertunity to bring this book up to date and relate it to the new NVQs introduced from this September. Students have not taken to the layout of this book and consider it a bit micky mouse with the characters down the margins of the pages. Some student totaly ignore the margins and miss vital information required for assignments.

Having said this a lot of the content is good and I will still be recomending this book to my studants as no alternative book is available.

Nearly a good reference - but basic errors in it , 19 Oct 2008
This book so very nearly could have been an excellent reference, but there are fundamental misprints in it. These should have been corrected by this, the 3rd edition. For example, on page 38 re: Water pressure. It states ...."the 1000Kg of water would weigh 1000x9.81 =
9810 newtons per square meter..." No it wouldn't - it would 'weigh' 1000Kg! (on earth). Strictly speaking, N/m2 are units of pressue, not weight. It would exert a PRESSURE of 9810 newtons per square metre.

Then it goes on to say in an example "... the pressure at the base of a 4m high container of water with a cross-sectional area of 1m square is 4x9.81 = 39.24 kN"

Wrong again - kN are units of FORCE, not pressure. This should be kN per square metre.

These are not the only examples of errors in this book. Somewhat confusing, and not adequately explained, so only 3 stars.

Well laid out, concise and comprehensive., 13 Jul 2007
This book is great. I bought it to help with redesigning an old central heating and drainage system in a large, dilapidated house and needed more detail than one finds in the otherwise excellent Collins DIY series. One of this book's best achievements is its layout - every aspect of plumbing has been skillfully divided into concise, separate sections, saving the need to wade through a load of extraneous detail to get to the bit you're interested in. Each section describes and lists clearly any applicable building regs, and outlines the various advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls associated with different strategies and systems. There's a great section on noise transmission in pipework, as well as on working with lead, steel and other materials. The book is aimed at NVQ/SVQ, but is a great reference work for any competent DIYer

A Quality Text for Training, 27 Feb 2007
This text covers all aspects needed by an aspiring plumber,covering everything from the basics through to gas fitting. Here at Panda Plumbing Training in Barnsley we use this text as a regular reference source. The alternate page layout of text and images is good but it would benefit from colour!

Great book, not all about measurements!, 14 Feb 2007
I bought this in addition to some other plumbing books that I'd already bought from Amazon (e.g. JTL Plumbing Level 2, Muscroft Plumbing) and am glad that I did.
I was initially rather dubious, especially after reading Andy Mason's review which indicated that the book was all about measurements ... what a load of rubbish. Yes, on pages 124 to 127 there is a section on sizing hot and cold pipework but that's about it. So far I have read through parts 1 and 2 and only encountered a few pages of numbers, formulas etc ... all of which if you're doing a C&G Level 2 or NVQ 2 will be very useful.
This book is excellent for allowing you to do some quick revision and/or reviewing before sitting an exam OR after having done other reading and studying as a way of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s.
Get it if (like me) you're doing your C&G/NVQ level 2 and/or 3.

Fabulous Plumbing Book, 17 Jul 2006
"A great book. Full of information - covered everything I needed to know and more"

Not so complete, 15 Jul 2008
Despite claiming to be "A Complete Course" and stating "This book assumes no previous experience", this book is somewhat lacking in basic detail for the beginner. Emphasis is placed more on learning through practical experience in the form of twelve projects rather than providing the reader with even some pretty important background detail. The projects are adequately explained and liberally sprinkled with photographs, but again lack some of the finer detail that would benefit the novice lathe user.

A useful book, but appallingly written, 26 Oct 2006
Sadly, this is probably the best book if you have a new milling machine and no experience. But I say sadly because it's so badly written it's really difficult to follow. The contents page and the author's remarks set out a sensible sounding plan: take the reader through several simple projects to learn by doing. But the author gets diverted into the technique-specific lectures he says he's going to avoid (which ruins the flow of both the projects and the technique instruction).

And the prose seems to have been copied from one of those manuals supplied by Chinese machine-tool manufacturers who don't really know English. Try this, the very first sentence in the book: "Using the milling machine does not include the range of operations that are available when using the centre lathe as the machining process varies little from task to task." OR this: "The reason for this is that a cut starts at full depth and reduces to zero whilst in reverse the opposite is true ...". Lastly, on the important subject of Climb Milling (or not), it is wholly unclear whether he is recommending it or warning against it. Since this is something very basic for a new mill operator, that's a serious criticism.

Turning Basics at its Best, 18 Dec 2005
What a GREAT book. I am a new turner and am reading everything I can get my hands on about turning. This is my second overview book on the subject. I just picked one to start as I didn’t have any idea what book to try. I didn’t learn what I had hope to in the first one so when I saw Barry Gross’ book, I thought I would try it. Was I glad I did!

Mr. Gross’ book, Learn To Turn, provides all the basic information in a CLEAR format. There are pictures to go along with the text and they are clearly label as are the parts of the machine, tools or safety measures he is writing about.

When he talks about “truing up” or other turning terms, he actually defines what that means in laymen’s terms so a true beginner can grasp what he is talking about. When he discusses the various tools, he pictures that tool on the page where is he explaining how to use the tool. This really helped me to learn which tool was which and just how they should be used.

Mr. Gross discusses finishes and shows four different ones so you can choose which you would use for which project. Of course, he has a section on safety and the pictures really bring home the point of the need for safety. There is also a section on tool sharpening and a detailed description of how each tool should be correctly sharpened. Sanding is another section and I learned about a sandpaper called New Wave and Abranet sanding screens. He tells how to make a jam chuck – another one of those turning terms – and explains how and why to use it and what it is. And not book would be complete without the glossary of terms and a company resources list.

In the final section of the book, Mr. Gross provides instructions for eight projects from a simple bowl to a wonderful Christmas Ornament. These eight projects will keep this turner busy for several