The second book in Mike Darlow's popular "Woodturning Series," this book features clear language and crisp full-color illustrations and is an invaluable woodturning reference. Enthusiastic woodturners will discover special techniques that are seldom seen in one volume, among them chucking, turning spindles, drilling, forming round objects, and multiaxis turning. The featured projects -- aimed at elevating woodturning knowledge and talents -- include chucking a spoon, creating a ring, and turning a sculpture of a tree from a block of wood. Many of these tricks have been mined from the long history of woodturning and are accompanied by old engravings and historical materials to provide perspective and depth.

Woodturners of all abilities will find plenty to challenge them in this guide to creating delightful and beautiful adornments. Using just a lathe and ordinary or laminated wood, you can produce a whole range of jewelry from the 12 step by-step projects that include:

• Earrings
• Rings
• Necklaces
• Bangles
• Brooches

Learn how to decorate your turned pieces with such techniques as staining, dyeing, and inking; inlaying with wire, beads, wood banding, and gemstones; and using paints, inks and powders.

Woodturning enthusiasts looking to advance their skills will delight in this collection of 50 challenging and diverse projects. Some of the featured designs include boxes: cylindrical, diabolo and clamshell; bowls: round-bottom, flared and winged; and platters: minimalist, handled and roll-rimmed. Each project is accompanied by diagrams, wood and tool requirements, and even suggestions for alternative designs. Beginners who wish to build skill by approaching these projects at a simpler level will benefit from the thorough sections on safety, tools and equipment, finishing products and types of wood. More seasoned turners hoping to test their expertise might take the designs found here and create even bigger, more elaborate constructions.

From the history of chess and turned chessmen to the design behind each piece, this rich history provides invaluable insight into both the game of chess and the woodturning craft. Featuring a gorgeous gallery of chess sets and pieces, this book explores the symbolism of chessmen and contains detailed instructions on designing, turning, and carving each piece. Ten patterns are included, enabling woodworkers of any skill level to produce their own complete set of turned chessmen.

As a companion to the book, Woodcarving Basics -- also brought to you by renowned wood carver David Sabol -- this DVD puts more emphasis on demonstrating each technique. By providing you with video demonstrations, the DVD shows you precisely how every technique and special procedure should be done.

David Sabol will guide you through a wide range of creative projects -- with step-by-step instructions designed to give beginners the experience of working in a wide variety of carving styles.

From simple to more sophisticated techniques, you'll learn all the valuable skills you need to grow as a carver. After a while, you'll gain the confidence to try more complicated projects and experiment with pieces you've dreamed up yourself.

For anyone who wants to master the essentials, this DVD is a great place to start. You'll learn how to:

Select wood from a wide range of interesting types
Choose tools from knives and gouges to V-tools and power carving devices
Sharpen and care for your tools to improve performance and longevity
Relief carve wildlife and landscapes
Chip carve, power carve and burn wood
Paint and finish your carvings with colorful detail
If the artful and exacting process of wood carving has always sparked your interest, this DVD will show you exactly how it's done -- with expert advice from a seasoned pro.