Where to buy Robert Sorby turning tools online good value

[RobC]

Turners Retreat and Oakenden gets my vote

 

[Jamie Copeland]

Here's a list of websites I have either bought from previously or that I compare prices on when buying a new Robert Sorby tool:

http://www.poolewood.co.uk/index.html (usually very good prices)

http://www.ockenden-timber.co.uk/

http://bivenmachinerysales.co.uk/index. ... ommon/home

https://www.classichandtools.com/index.html

http://www.craft-supplies.co.uk/

https://www.oliverswoodturning.co.uk/

http://www.peterchild.co.uk/osc/index.php

http://www.toolpost.co.uk/

http://www.turnerstoolbox.com/

http://www.stilesandbates.co.uk/

http://www.turnerscabin.co.uk/

http://www.yandles.co.uk/

There's loads of other sites where you can buy Sorby tools, but these are simply the ones I've either used in the past or would search when comparing prices.

The price of Robert Sorby tools can vary wildly. Compare sites to get the best price and make sure that the price you are seeing online is including VAT. You can sometimes get a better price if you phone the company and ask them for their best price. Make sure to check what each site charges for delivery as this can also vary wildly and turn the cheapest option into the no so cheapest option!

Finally, if you're in a hurry for a particular item always phone the company before ordering to check that they have it in stock. Some companies are bad for advertising tools then once you place your order they inform you it's out of stock and will take x amount of days to arrive.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks Jamie...that's a pretty comprehensive list

You've missed the one I'm going to tomorrow which is John Davis Woodturning. He is having a Sorby day which should mean better than normal discounts.

 

[Mark Hancock]

On the subject of tools, has anyone used the Sorby fluted slim parting tool? It's a 2mm width but more importantly has a fluted underside so the cutting tip has two points. It claims to leave a very fine surface by sheer cutting leaving little sanding but I'd be interested in hearing from a non manufacturers marketing dept source ie real life.

Rather than going for the fluted slim parting tool you can achieve the same result by sharpening any thin parting tool up to 3mm 1/8" wide the way Tormek suggest. You simply place the parting tool on it's side flat on the grinder tool rest perpendicular to the wheel. This sharpens the front cutting edge and at the same time creates scraper edges to the bevels. In use you reduce the diameter of the wood with the front cutting edge and at the same time angle the tool to scrape the face you want clean.

 

[Jamie Copeland]

Ah OK Mick, thanks for that......looks like I'm a sucker for their marketing! I hadn't come across it before and coupled with the description in the catalogue, I figured it was a recent innovation. I think I might take Bill up on his borrow and try offer before buying as they're not cheap.

Hi Bob

Thanks for sharing. I hadn't come across that site before, but having had a brief look they do seem to be quite competitively priced!

Cheers

Jamie

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks again to all for your responses. Mark Hancock's approach with the Tormek does sound interesting too. However, I only just read it (after returning from John Davis). John had Sorby in for a demo day which meant good discounts.

Luckily, a friend of mine lives locally and has one which I borrowed to try. What really struck me was not the quality of the finish but rather the ease with which it slips through the piece without binding or burning. Now I've never before used a diamond profile parting tool so haven't experienced the luxury you get with a tapered profile and how it alleviates the kerf. Until now I've always cut a small relief kerf next to the primary parting kerf, even with a 1/16" slim parting tool. What this has demonstrated is how absolutely wonderful a part can be without the need for relieving the cut at all. Bottom line, the Sorby tool goes straight through the wood in one quick pass until...boom...it's in two pieces. So the more valuable application seems now to me to be getting a wobble free part off when you're having to hold the piece in your left hand while parting with your right ie chuck held spindle piece where you've already finished it and the last thing you want is for it to clout the tool rest as you part it off.

The "doesn't require sanding" finish is poppycock I'm afraid. Good finish yes, but not even in the same universe as the long point of a skew end grain finish. But I confess, I bought one because I really like the ease with which you can part in one pass, one handed, without the faff of a relieving cut. Also, the nub left after that one pass cut was remarkably small and also helps to alleviate my other bug bear which is the post part hand sanding of the base to overcome the wrath of picky turning competition critics during club events.

 

[woodturningpat]

Don't forget if you are a member of the AWGB you get 5% discount on Sorby tools at Turners Retreat

 

[chipmunk]

Rather than going for the fluted slim parting tool you can achieve the same result by sharpening any thin parting tool up to 3mm 1/8" wide the way Tormek suggest. You simply place the parting tool on it's side flat on the grinder tool rest perpendicular to the wheel. This sharpens the front cutting edge and at the same time creates scraper edges to the bevels. In use you reduce the diameter of the wood with the front cutting edge and at the same time angle the tool to scrape the face you want clean.

...or clean up the side faces of the parting tool with a diamond hone to sharpen the edges where they meet the freshly ground bevel(s).

I always try to clean up parted faces with a spindle gouge or skew anyway though as Bob says unless they'll be hidden.

Jon

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Some great tips there guys. It's funny when you open up a minute detail like the single operation of parting, just how much variation in technique and approaches to sharpening there are. One of the absolute premium things I like about this forum is this deconstruction of a detailed issue like this. Amazingly useful tips and techniques get a torch shone on them and knowledge/experience deeply buried in the minds of people all over the place pops out....brilliant

Apart from where to buy Sorby tools cheaper online, I've also learned a heck of a lot about parting and parting tool maintenance. I have the utmost respect for the knowledge and experience of the folks on this forum. You have my thanks.