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Which Turning Tools????

B

Bill Pearson KY

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Apr 4, 2006
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Turning Tools????

HELP! I just bought a Rikon Midi Lathe from Woodcraft. I've never turned anything in my life. I bought a cheap set of lathe tools from Harbor Freight, cut a 2 x 2 x 12 piece of poplar, and jumped right in. To my surprise I actually turned a nice candle stick while testing the different turning chisels. I can actually do it!!!

Now I need to start with some REAL tools. I have read so many articles, talked to so many woodturners, and searched the net until I am frustrated. Please advise on starting tools, manufacturers, and how to get up and running on a limited budget?

Thanks 😱
 
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Bill:
Congratulations on your new Lathe.
Before you go buying new tools, you should learn to sharpen and maintain the ones you have. You'd be surprised how much you can do with that "cheap" set of HF tools you already own.

Just in case no one told you, the tools (and that's almost any brand) aren't properly sharpened when you get them. They need to be properly ground to work the way they are supposed to. I think the biggest problem I see with brand new turners is that they don't realize the importance of properly (and frequently) sharpened tools. When I first started out, I had no idea what a difference a well-ground and sharpened tool could make on my work. It took me nearly a year of turning with what I "thought" was a sharp and properly shaped tool before I wised up. Lesson learned.

The AAW has an excellent sharpening video. It was actually a giveaway for new AAW membership - but I'm not sure if the offer is still valid.

Also, find a local AAW chapter near you. There are lots of folks who can help you along the way, and many clubs have pretty good libraries of books and videos that you can rent.

There are plenty of good quality tools, and twice as many opinions about each brand/style/grind/handle/etc. But I don't think anyone will disagree that any tool - any brand - will work better when it has a clean, sharp, edge.

Best of luck.
 
Good Values

Bill
The Artisan line of tools from Crafts Supply are really Henry Taylors that did not meet thier finish specs. They look nice enough for me and you can save a few bucks per stick. The Pinacle line from Woodcraft I have are relatively inexpensive and I am impressed with the edge holding quality of what I expect is Chinese tool steel. I don't like the Pinacle handles, too big in diameter and too light in weight, they just don't feel right, but I have the skills to fix that.

On the higher end Sorbey tools are available through Grizzly website cheaper than anywhere else I have found.

If you have a basic set from Harbor frieght get specific tools you need for the work you want to do. For example bigger bowl gouge or a good detail gouge. Then after you broaden your abilities and interests, and have found the brands or styles of tools you like go get the starter set in higher quality than the Harbor Frieght. Sets always have a tool or two you just never use, so the smaller the set the more useful the collection.

Don't forget a good quality thin kerf parting tool in your search.

I also congratulate you on your purchase and know you will find a great deal of enjoyment from turning. I also wish you the best of luck in your search for your next lathe, that will start in about 6 months.

Frank
 
Brutal Honesty!

You guys made my wife extremely happy with your comments. The brutal honesty in your posts was appreciated. I guess I got a little carried away. So now to the basics.

The AAA apparently still offers the sharpening video but it will be 4-6 weeks before I can get it. In the mean time what BASIC sharpening items do I need?

Is the Grizzly G1036 slow speed wet grinder a good start? What about the Penn State set of sharpening jigs (LCGRIND4)? Give me some specific basics until I get the video.

I checked on the AAW group locally but they usually meet on a night that I have to work. Will continue to look at that option.

Thanks for your help.

Bill
 
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Bill Pearson KY said:
Is the Grizzly G1036 slow speed wet grinder a good start? What about the Penn State set of sharpening jigs (LCGRIND4)?
Click to expand...

I have the Penn State LCGRIND4. Bought it because of the price. The steel is very heavy duty but the tightening screw on the bowl gouge jig is very stiff and awkward to use. The skew grinding attachment takes some tweaking to grind both facets equally. The tool shelf doesn't seem to be square against the shaft it mounts on.

Overall impression is heavy duty but not a lot of quality control. Your mileage may vary.
 
Initial sharpening strategy

Agree with slow speed grinder as only "sharpening" purchase at this early stage. Then see:
http://www.woodturner.org/vbforum/showthread.php?t=472

Lots of good ideas in this Tips and Techniques thread to make your own jigs. I like Darrel Feldmates dedicated jigs. They are discussed in referenced thread. Super easy to make. I have never seen a reason to change to an adjustable jig. Adjustments take too long when you change tools, and threaten repeatability. Keep it simple, cheap, fast, sharp, and get on to turning.

If you want further improvements, and time saving, later on look into honing. By hand with a diamond stone, or power with mdf wheels.
 
Your best investment in time and money is to contact a local club and see what they are doing and take lesson from a good teacher.

In a good class you will bea ble to try different tools and be able to decide what you want.

Tools don't make the turner.

with skills you can turn with a sharpened spoon.

Of course the right tool for the job makes things so much sweeter.

Happy turning,
Al
 
Ken - do not be afraid to browse around the AAW website!!! In this case the video is with the rest of the products under the Products menu tab.

A free sharpening CD will be sent to all AAW members in 2006. Info on that is on the homepage.
 
Honesty Works

WOW. I appreciate the great input and response I have gotten. Thanks.

I decided to get the slow speed grinder from Woodcraft. I also decided to get (don't want to start a war) the Wolverine jig. I don't believe I will go wrong with this approach.

Thanks everyone. 😀
 
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