P&N Turning Tools

[JimB]

Does anyone use this brand of turning tools? What do you think of them as far as how long they hold an edge? What other brand would you compare them to such as Benjamin's Best, Woodriver, Sorby, Thompson? I know they are M2 HSS but we all know that can mean different things depending on the brand.

Thanks,

 

[Ed McDonnell]

I have a P&N roughing gouge I bought ~10 years ago. The first one received looked like it had been made by dragging a bar of steel behind a truck across OZ. Packard Woodworks replaced it and the replacement is great. Takes a sharp edge and holds it well. One of my favorite and most used tools.

I would rank P&N (the replacement I got, not the original) equal with Sorby / Thompson in terms of performance based on my experience with all three. That said, my gouges are all at least 5 years old. Hopefully current production is still just as good, but who knows. I believe that P&N has stopped making turning tools so any you find will be left over inventory. Maybe some of the members from down under will comment on current production and why they stopped.

Ed

 

[JimB]

Thanks Ed. Hopefully a few others will comment.

 

[Wildman]

Not sure what size tool looking for but better start checking with different tool vendors. Packard has this notice posted:

Packard Woodworks: The Woodturner's Source: P&N Tools

Own both 3/8" & 1/2" spindle gouges they are okay! The 3/8" gouge almost ready for replacement. Would not rush to buy P&N tools again.

Think Lee Valley still has some.

 

[TonyL]

I have a P&N roughing gouge I bought ~10 years ago. The first one received looked like it had been made by dragging a bar of steel behind a truck across OZ

This description had me laughing. I am glad that made good on it.

 

[Wildman]

Not sure what turning tools you need but if could recommend two vendors that carry most popular brand name tool beside the ones you mentioned might be worth a look. You may already be aware of them but worth getting free catalogs by calling toll free number. They often run sales on tools, kits, & accessories or offer discount if buy more than one tool at a time.

https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/

https://www.packardwoodworks.com/

 

[JimB]

Not sure what turning tools you need but if could recommend two vendors that carry most popular brand name tool beside the ones you mentioned might be worth a look. You may already be aware of them but worth getting free catalogs by calling toll free number. They often run sales on tools, kits, & accessories or offer discount if buy more than one tool at a time.

https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/

https://www.packardwoodworks.com/

I actually have lots of turning tools in a very wide range of quality and price including Benjamin's Best, Harbor Freight, Sorby, Craftsman, Woodriver and Thompson. I have also used other brands that belong to my local club or club members.

I don't own any P&N and don't know anyone who does so that's why I am asking about them.

 

[Wildman]

Well now you know two people that own P&N tools! One that thinks they're great and another says just okay. My reason for buying was price and ability to make my own handles.

P&N Professional Turning Tools - Lee Valley Tools

This vendor thinks will be sad day when P&N no longer available!

The Story of P & N Woodturning Tools

 

[JimB]

Thanks Bill. I appreciate the comments. I also buy unhandled tools these days as I use my own handles with a a collet system. I've even removed a few other tools from their manufacturer handles so I can use them in my collet system handles.