Woodturning:
Form and Formula
Change the way you see your woodturning!
Available for Pre-Order Now
On 180 quality pages, discover how timeless design principles can transform your turning. This book makes the Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio simple, practical, and ready to use at the lathe.
With clear explanations, step-by-step projects, and inspiration from world-class turners, you’ll learn how to design and create pieces that look right, feel right, and stand out.
Woodturning is far more than good technique. It’s about proportion, balance, and form. Some pieces feel instantly “right,” others do not. This book explores the why and the how.
In Woodturning: Form and Formula, Martin Saban-Smith RPT draws on the timeless principles of the Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio, showing how they can guide your eye and your hand at the lathe. With practical projects, clear guidance, and thoughtful reflection, this book helps you bring harmony into your turning.
Form and Formula is about curiosity, creativity, and joy at the lathe. Whether you are a beginner building confidence or an experienced turner refining your eye, this book will help you see your work differently and create pieces that truly resonate.
Inside, you will find:
180 (100gsm satin feel) pages of encouragement to experiment with both tradition and creativity.
Simple explanations of proportion using simple mathematics
7 Step-by-step projects (102 pages!) that put the design principles into practice
Sketches and diagrams to train your eye for balance and flow
Examples of exemplary turnings, exploring their proportions
Tips on tools, timber, and finishing to bring out the best in your work
Pre-ordered copies will be signed and shipped
towards the middle of October. The book goes on general sale from Friday 24th October here and Amazon.
Worldwide shipping available via Royal Mail Tracked services. Please note that if you are ordering from overseas, additional customs or tax fees may be applied by your country’s authorities. Shipping costs are charged at cost price. Books ordered from here are a higher quality than will be available from Amazon.
