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Canadian Supplier - Woodworker Specialties/RGWOOD Turning Tools

Joined
Feb 26, 2019
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Lebanon, Missouri
Is anyone familiar with this Canadian supplier, and in particular there store brand RGWOOD turning tools. Located in Port Coquitlam BC near Vancouver, in business since 2003. I find their line of RGWOOD M42 cryo processed turning tools very interesting, specifically the double ended 5/8" shaft bowl gouge - priced well if the tool steel is what is claimed and the flute is a true parabolic shape, which it appears to be in the photos online. Some of their turning tools are also listed on ebay.

 
RGWOOD is their house brand so not available anywhere else.

I bought a Nova chuck 3G from woodworker specialities 3 months ago. Even though it came from Canada I think I had it on my doorstep in 2 days.

Great customer service when I asked questions too
 
Will check them out. Right now the difference between the Canadian and US currencies discourages Canadians buying from US suppliers.
 
I have purchased from them several times. Mostly Nova chucks and related accessories, including companion chucks (no jaws) and direct thread Nova Lite chucks, items I didn't readily find elsewhere. I thought their prices were very competitive and shipping has been very prompt. I have not tried any of the RGWOOD tools.
 
I have bought carving tools and some nova parts from them. Been satisfied with what I've ordered from them. They have plenty of Nova parts for when I need them. Will probably order a gouge next time I order from them.
 
The only thing I have to add is that I have a couple of RGWOOD turing tools including a 1-1/4" M42 Cryo roughing gouge. It works well, gets things round quickly and doesn't seem to require the services of the grinder too often - I'd say maybe less often than my R.Sorby HSS gouges. I will be trying some of their bowl gouges in the near future as their prices are pretty good for us Canucks (no exchange!).

Cheers.
Barry W. Larson
Calgary, Alberta, Canada eh!
 
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Also check out KMS Tools. For a while they were selling Nova SuperNova 2 chucks for what worked out to be about $85 US, shipping included. Lately they have been featuring the G3 over the SuperNova.
I just looked and their G3 chuck is for sale in Canada only. What a shame, it's a pretty good price.

Gregory
 
I bought one of their 6 inch faceplates to use with a diy 12" sanding disc on the lathe. Seems to work fine for that.

Haven't wrapped my head around it being cheaper on amazon versus their website and I'd have to pay shipping on top of that.
 
I just put the double ended 5/8” bowl gouge in my cart. They will ship it to the US and with free shipping. I would love to have one.
Ok I just ordered the 5/8” double ended bowl gouge. It $109 no tax and free shipping. I will let you know how I like it.
I bought one of the 5/8” dbl ended gouges ~ week ago, on ebay listed by wwspecialties, for $97.95 w/free shipping. Havent had a chance to try it out yet.
 
I purchased two handles from them Wednesday and they were delivered to me in CT Friday. That's pretty quick! As a side note I prefer the lower priced RGWOOD handle (first link below), which additionally is on sale, versus the higher priced model.

 
I have several RGWOOD face plates - 3" and 4". They have locking set screws which I take out so I don't lose them. I use them mounting bowl blanks. Good quality/machined well. I got them off of Amazon. Received in 2 days. I would purchase again.
 
I also recently received a double ended M42 bowl gouges and a 'lefty tighty' SN2 chuck.

Had very good communication with Bob Gadd at Woodworker Specialties during the acquisition.

The quality of the flute polish that came on the gouge was as good as the flutes on my D-way gouges. The gouge came with a 40° bevel angle and the end-on view of the flute is parabolic...

20250306_173034.jpg 20250309_163721.jpg

The only issue I have had with the gouge is that it could not be held by my Hope quick release handles. Otherwise it performed every bit as well as my other M42 gouges.
 
Otherwise it performed every bit as well as my other M42 gouges.

I should add, although the bleeding obvious, with their double ended bowl gouge you are getting in effect two M42 gouges for the price of one.

Among the other advantages of double ended bowl gouges you can have two different grinds on the one gouge, like a 40° grind on one end and bottom of bowl grind on the other. A good option when you are first adding to your tool kit.
 
I also recently received a double ended M42 bowl gouges and a 'lefty tighty' SN2 chuck.

Had very good communication with Bob Gadd at Woodworker Specialties during the acquisition.

The quality of the flute polish that came on the gouge was as good as the flutes on my D-way gouges. The gouge came with a 40° bevel angle and the end-on view of the flute is parabolic...


The only issue I have had with the gouge is that it could not be held by my Hope quick release handles. Otherwise it performed every bit as well as my other M42 gouges.
I have had mine for a month or two. I bought the 5/8” double end gouge and love it.
 
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