Cheap Tool Sets

[vannojl]

I have a number of sets of cheap (carbon steel) turning "tools". I'm having trouble identifying what can be done with the pieces sold as gouges.

Is there anything that can be done to make them more useful? Can they be ground into skews? Can they be ground upside down to make a scraper?

 

[MichaelMouse]

Use them as gouges. You'll be glad you did.
http://s108.photobucket.com/albums/n28/MichaelMouse/?action=view&current=Gouge101.flv

http://s108.photobucket.com/albums/n28/MichaelMouse/?action=view&current=CherryPeelIn.flv

Wonderful tools, carbon no real detriment.

 

[Jerry Hall]

Reverse the bevel and use them upside down

as scrapers for the inside of bowls like Joaz Hill does. See link:

http://maine-web.com/woodturning/shapeshifter/scaper.html

Anybody tried this?

 

[n7bsn]

as scrapers for the inside of bowls like Joaz Hill does. See link:

http://maine-web.com/woodturning/shapeshifter/scaper.html

Anybody tried this?

I haven't (yet) but I bought a 2-inch BB from PSI to try it (after seeing Jim Christiansen use one at a demo). Only I have found it so useful as a roughing gouge I have yet to regrind it.