The best turning tools

[RPM]

Hi all,

Can someone give me a round about figure for an half decent set of tools?
I bought a cheap set (I know....I know :roll: ) and I think they will be used for opening the tins of paint etc....


Am I looking at £100? or is there any cheaper sets that would suit a newbie?


Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi RPM
My advice would be 'don't buy a set'

I'd suggest buying a tool from a recognised quality maker/manufacturer...

which tool??? Start with the one that you use most frequently... by building up your own 'set' you'll probably spend at least £100 but not all in one go... and you'll have tools that you will use...

meantime take a good look at your budget set... how many of them do you use?

The simple difference between a well sharpened good set or cheap set is the number of times they need re-sharpening.

 

[RPM]

Thanks oldsoke,

I think I will go for your idea of buying just the one to start.
I am interested in trying to turn a bowl or two, so I may go for the gouge (if thats right?)


Geeezzz! sooo many tools....so little money

Thanks for the reply. :wink:

 

[jasonB]

If you are trying bowl turning then a 3/8" bowl gouge for work upto about 8" or if you will be doing larger bowels then a 1/2" one will be better.

I have quite a few from Crown Tools but Hamlet, Henry Taylor and Sorbey are all good makes.

Other useful tools will be a Roughing gouge, parting tool and a large scraper with a rounded end. If you are using a dovetail chuck grind a dedicated scraper from one of your cheap set.

Jason

 

[Anonymous]

RPM
if you want to reduce costs you may consider turning your own handles as the unhandles tools are cheaper... only about 2-3 quid though!

Have a look through the mags in WH Smiths... for a firm called Benmail, it's a useful guide to prices (use it to haggle :wink: )

as Jason says, a 3/8 (9mm) bowl gouge is a good one to start with... at your stage I wouldn't recommend a 1/2 inch (13mm)... too much temptation to take heavier cuts :shock:

I have a Crown 3/8 bowl gouge that I also use on spindle work ... I've also been known to use a 1/4 spindle gouge on hollowing goblets :shock:
point here is... experiment within your expertise :wink: