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Dangerous tools???

S

squirrel

Joined
Sep 27, 2007
Messages
132
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Location
Belgium
Hi,

I have a lot of woodturning tools but yesterday I got anout 30 old tools from a man who stopped woodturning a while ago. Almost all this tools are made by himself ... they are made from other iron tools which originally were not made to do woodturning.
I heard once it is not wise to use this selfmade woodturning tools. I suppose they can break, is it not?
Does anybody has more information what exactly can happen with this tools?
I prefer not to have an accident - thanks - Squirrel
 
ps

I say iron tools but there are all kinds, also steel ands so on but not by example HSS steel
Squirrel
 
If he used them in his turning, they've stood the test of time. If you use them similarly, they should provide you the same good service. Good sense in turning follows what appears as my signature line.

In general, as you know, softer steels are more inclined to bend than break. If the man made his own, he probably understood enough about metallurgy to know hardening of shapes worked while annealed had to be followed by tempering. If they're too soft to hold a good cutting edge ground as a regular tool, use them for finish scraping with a turned edge.
 
I have a couple of thoughts. The first, is like Michael said...if it was good enough for him, then they are probably perfectly serviceable and good enough to use. However, and this is my second thought, every tool can be unique...with different grinds, bevel angles, etc. What he might have become used to, could be alien to you. I would be really careful about using your personal turning techniques using his tools.
 
Hi,


the man did good work as a turner, I mean, the pieces looked good and well finished but what he did is changing the form of the original tools, no hardening and so ... so he used 2/3 of them as scrapers ... he has made scrapers in all kind of forms. Older turners here in Europe use to scrape a lot.
Yes, indeed I'm a bit scared of using other mens tools ... but as long as it will not break , as long as there is not a chance that is breaks and that I can get it in my face it is worth to use them now and then, carfully ... as far as I can conclude out of your notes.
Squirrel
 
I think brittle metals, like an old file, can be dangerous. There may be a small, microscopical cracks which may cause the tool to shatter and, not only hit your face, but also other body parts as well. You don't want major bleeding to happen, it'll be such a turn off.
 
squirrel said:
Hi,


the man did good work as a turner, I mean, the pieces looked good and well finished but what he did is changing the form of the original tools, no hardening and so ... so he used 2/3 of them as scrapers ... he has made scrapers in all kind of forms. Older turners here in Europe use to scrape a lot.
Click to expand...

If they are not hardened - they take a curl readily from a piece of hardened steel - they're probably great scraping tools. Use good sense, which means minimum overhang, especially with scrapers, and don't put your face down near the action. One of my original mentors was a Oland tool type who used it for nothing but scraping, so I can say that good work can come from scraping, though he did a lot more sanding than I care for.

I never learned a new grind or presentation without first using it. Virtual turning doesn't give the same tactile feedback.
 
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