Woodturning Tools Starter Set
In Woodturning Tools Starter Set, I identify the essential turning tools I believe you need to get started in woodturning. I review the different type of steel, what are the differences in quality and explore your purchase options.
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Sorby 6 piece set https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0002IXQHO/?ref=idea_lv_dp_
3/4″ Robert Sorby #810 Skew Chisel Blade https://amzn.to/2Zl4kyo
Savannah HSS Woodworking Lathe Chisel Set https://amzn.to/2CUXckP
PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 Wood Lathe 8pc HSS Chisel Set https://amzn.to/38q4xV6
You can download demonstration handouts, downloadable copies of articles I have published, and other useful woodturning information available on my website http://www.mikepeacewoodturning.com/
You forgot to mention a good source for getting tools is Grandma. Lol
I am a beginner and will probably be using a small lathe, something like a 10" Jet. I have seen turning tools listed as midi or mini and it would seem that the shorter tool would be a good choice for the small lathe. What are your thoughts on this? Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us.
Great video Mike, Thank you. I watched a ton of YouTube videos to when I started turning a year ago to help me figure out the various tools available and videos like this help a lot. As a new turner its hard to know if you are one new tool away from being a better turner or you simply need to learn to master the tools you have. Once I bought my first Doug Thomson tool, it became clear that both are true to some extent.
Where did you get the "parabolic" bowl gouge? I was looking at thompson, and I only saw U and V shapes.
I don’t want to be a grammar Nazi, but I noticed something that was not quite right.
Around 10 min mark, you state A10 and M42 are better than M2. The previous caption said M2 > M4 > M42 > A10, which implies that M2 is the best (reads M2 is greater than M4 which is greater than…). Change all the > to < and it wiCorrespond to what you say in the video.
Thank you for making this video. It would have been a great video for me to watch a year ago, before I got my lathe. I started with just two tools, a SRG and a bowl gouge (Both Benjamin’s best). Since then I acquired some second hand high carbon steel tools (Skew, bowl gouge, diamond parting tool). As budget allows I am going to add a scraper and replace all the HCS tools.
your the man mike good explanation . your always looking out for us noobs . your the man .
If you are looking to buy a chuck watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfZCJYLIAfw
Old mete files make fine scrapers and parting tolls.
As always a clear concise and easily understood video. Good job Mike
Great points, Mike. Allow me to add: I *used* to advocate getting Harbor Freight’s Windsor Design set. I no longer make that recommendation. The set I originally bought was made from good quality HSS. The skews required some work with a belt sander to soften the edges, but each tool held an edge and worked well. (The 3/8" spindle gouge and the 3/4" roughing gouge are still in my rotation, as are the 1/2" and 7/8" skews.) For $35 (after coupon), it was a bargain.
However, when the sets were on sale a few years later, I bought another. The plan was to reshape some of the tools for specialty scrapers. The quality of the steel on some of the tools was good quality. The rest were junk. What I learned is that I was very lucky with my first set. So, since you cannot tell in the store if the tool will hold an edge, I suggest passing on them. (I have the same rule for Benjamin’s Best tools. One year my family bought me several Benjamin’s Best tools for Christmas. Less than half were worth the trouble to sharpen.)
FWIW, that rikon grinder you are recommending is no longer available from amazon.
Might want to update it.
Thanks for sharing
I’m in this boat right now Mike. I’ve been turning pens and seam rippers and have been using carbide tools exclusively. I’m wanting to move to larger projects but not sure when I’ll do bowls. Buying a new set of turning tools has proven to be very confusing at best. This video is very informative and helpful. Thank you for your willingness to teach this wonderful art.
Great summary video, Mike. When I started, I bought the better of the two Harbor Freight sets, and a set of carbides from Rockler. I soon decided I needed something better and started buying individual tools from D-Way. I still use several of the HF tools – the 1/4 inch parting tool, the spindle roughing gouges, and the 3/8 inch detail gouge. Other HF tools have been re-profiled for special uses, as a box scraper, etc. The carbide tool are almost never used. I hated them. If I were starting again, I’d buy three or four good tools: a bowl gouge, a thin parting tool, a roughing gouge for sure.
Thanks, Mike, for another super video. Really enjoy sharing your knowledge with my turner friends.
Great video! I found this to be very informative. I like how you broke down the categories and said what is worth paying for and what is not. Thank you!
Great concise information. Thank you. Wish this video had been out 2 years ago when I started turning.
you talked about a lot of different tools, different tool makers, one you should consider is woodcut pro-forme
Well Mike I used some of your ideas to turn a toothpick holder for my mom’s kitchen table. I didn’t make a top for it but I made it out of poplar was kind of upset more of the green didn’t show but it doesn’t look bad.
Fantastic tips, Mike! Thanks a lot! 😃
I’m from Brazil and most things from the US tend to have a REALLY expansive shipping fees… 😕
So my best option is Banggood, really. And I know people who bought stuff there and didn’t like the quality and so on, but I tend to take my time and choose what I’m going to buy very carefully, so I never had problems. I always bought good stuff there. Maybe I’m lucky, I don’t really know. 😬
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Excellent review Mike. This should be great help for new turners. Also for some of us older guys too. Thank you for sharing.
Mike appreciated the zoom meeting with you at the "Space Coast Wood turners"
I am begging to realize the skill of sharpening wood turning tools is crucial to a comfortable wood turning experience.
I am looking at a system offered by "WoodTurners Wonders."
Ken and his staff speak very highly of you, your dedication to the wood turning community.
Having visited several of your YouTube videos I feel comfortable in knowing enough now to ask basic questions. So here we go.
I would appreciate any advice regarding my possible purchase of;
CBN – 4 in one eight inch, – 1-1/2 Mega Square 8"; – Kodiak complete sharpening sys., –
1/2 hp Rikon…
Thank you your view/advice.
Nice video. Good explanation on some of the differences. Just starting out so I got the HF Windsor chisel set to start. I figured it be a good brand to learn on. I did get the Oneway Wolverine Sharpening System. Been looking at the Thompson Tools web site for switching over to Thompson. Thank you for verifying want I learned so far. Still not sure when roughing down blocks for bowls, which is best to use. Some say bowl gouges are for spindle work. Good tips, Thanks.
Another good and interesting video Mike! Great resource for all levels of turners. Keep up the good work!
Too poor to buy cheap. With a good steel that keeps its edge, I assume we need a good sharpening system. What about the quality of CBN wheels. When I wanted to buy some, I have been told they came from China, which frighten me. Is there better manufacturers than others in that field?
I checked out the tool set you recommend, and it is nice but well above my means. I need advice about a high ENOUGH quality set which still fits very limited budgets, and can get a beginner started until they are actually ABLE to afford better tools. I might at some point be able to manage A set that costs about a quarter as much. But, I don’t even have the lathe I am planning to get, yet. I may be able to get the lathe by June, or possibly sooner.
Thank you,
Mike, doing a little research on a possible tool video…..ran across this. Really well done and good info. Sam