---
product_id: 48067256
title: "The Amateur's Lathe"
brand: "lawrence h. sparey"
price: "A$32"
currency: AUD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/48067256-the-amateurs-lathe
store_origin: AU
region: Australia
---

# The Amateur's Lathe

**Brand:** lawrence h. sparey
**Price:** A$32
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Amateur's Lathe by lawrence h. sparey
- **How much does it cost?** A$32 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.au](https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/48067256-the-amateurs-lathe)

## Best For

- lawrence h. sparey enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted lawrence h. sparey brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Description

The Amateur's Lathe

## Images

![The Amateur's Lathe - Image 1](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41XQPZXGTXL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    To be recommended ...
  

*by T***Y on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 November 2015*

An excelent book that is full of great hints and tips, and all gathered from a long and wide experience.  It's an old book, yes, but to my mind, it's still a real must for those who are starting in the world of home-based metal-turning lathe work.  The lathes and other equipment that are talked about throughout the book, are not new at all, but the main techniques and tools have not changed that much, especially for the home workshop enthusiast.  I love especially the more traditional style of English language usage used by the author, this being right up my street in terms of its readability.

### ⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    not for the beginner?!
  

*by A***A on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 April 2013*

I bought this book because there were good reviews that it was a good book for a beginner.  I would say for me it was a waste of money.  Ive used lathes in the past in basic operations (cutting, tapping etc), and have used milling machines and CNC. I'm not a mechanical engineer though I am a professional engineer in another field.I found this book was rather like an old metal work teacher I had at school.  If you asked him a question he would answer quickly without all the details with a tone that clearly implied I should know it anyway.Taking for example the section on tools, a quick run through of the tool types and a discussion on sharpening.  But the diagrams were just side on profiles with lots of talk about cutting angles, I need at least a 3d profile so I can see the shape of the cutting edge and its relationship to the tool.The drills chapter is another case, there is a long description of how important grinding drill bit "back off" is...but no diagram to show what this actually is.  Google didnt help me (and if I wanted to google everything I would not have bought a  book).  The only backoff I know of is when you drill a little then back off (and program a CNC machine to peck).  This is something to do with grinding angles?So I would say that this may be a great book for someone with the background knowledge...but without a full understanding of the terms involved perhaps I am missing this.I'm giving it a 3 because I expect perhaps its of great use to some...but for me I would not use this as a step by step guide or reference book for the beginner.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Old school
  

*by P***G on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 August 2021*

Was exactly what I expected knowing when it was originally published (1948).All in all a good read with some useful information.Would be a good book for a beginner with little knowledge of the subject.If you have an engineering background, its just a nice nostalgic read

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*Product available on Desertcart Australia*
*Store origin: AU*
*Last updated: 2026-02-27*