Observations and questions about Pen Pro/Unitool

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brownsfn2

brownsfn2

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I bought a Woodchuck Unitool a few weeks ago after returning my easy wood tool I got for Christmas. I just thought the two EWTs (I got as gifts) still did not have the functionality of the 1 Unitool for 1/2 the price. I really like it. I have roughed out a couple of bowls and now use it for all of my pens. I have a couple of observations about the carbide bits though and wanted to see if everyone else has the same impression.

I think that the R4 bit (it has numbers on each side 1-4) is of a higher quality than the R2 bit that came with the tool. Maybe they are from different suppliers but it seems to cut cleaner and each side lasts longer. Anyone else have the same opinion?

The other thing I noticed is that there is a supplier of these bits at this website:

Carbide Insert Knives - Global Tooling

It looks like you can order them in packs of 10 for $2.35 a peice. Has anyone tried these or compared them to the original bits with the tool? Do they last as long? Also are the radius (which is in MM) the same?

Just curious because it seems like a good deal and I would not be so hesitant to turn that bit to a new side. :)

Love the Unitool though. I am sure I will buy a Pen Pro at some point because the Unitool is so long.
 
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They have a 50 piece minimum,4 week lead time as they aren't stocked items at the end of the description.

I have the Woodchuck pen pro tool, and have only used it for 5 hard surface material rectangles to cylinders. Since I haven't turned anything for a long time so I am learning all over again. So far I really like it a lot.
:clown:
 
I also have the Pen Pro and have used it exclusively on everything from soft wood like redwood burl, ebony, aluminium, synthetic material and trustone. This tool is awesome. It eats up material and leaves a smooth finish. I have used both supplied inserts and found them to both leave a quality smooth finish that requires little if any sanding depending on the applied finish. I highly recommend this tool. It's almost like cheating. It's not meant for beads and coves but for straight or semi straight cuts it cant be beat.
 
Did you guys like the inserts from global tooling? Are they the same?

Also can you tell me which inserts you order from them? Just trying to make sure I am right on the size.
 
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This will appear to be very blunt, but WHY do you need more than one carbide bit?????

I have a credit card sized diamond hone and sharpen my bits when they get dull. Remove the hold down screw, place the bit top down on the credit card diamond honewith a drop or two of water, give it 8 figure eights, turn 90 degrees, and do 8 more figure eights. Wipe dry and be careful it's sharp! Replace the screw and go back to turning. Takes a total of 5 minutes.
 
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One insert will last a long time. I have some that I need to sharpen, and I have a couple of these tools that I have let other turners use that dont have one and on accasion they have either dropped them or hit the corners on something and broken them. So rather than just buying a couple I bought the box of ten. As you said, a good diamond stone will sharpen them.
 
Randy is right. That's what my supplier told me to do. I have turned about 30 blanks so far with 7 or 8 true stone and I'm still on my 3rd side. Great tool, Just wish i had purchased it before I bought a Tormek sharpiner.
 
Msg me if you want 1 or 2 of the 14mm x14mm square (non-radius) inserts.
They're not the radius'd ones, though.

I'm in Ohio too: it'd be a quick mailing.

I've not had a commercial carbide tool, but made my own (posted a how-to in this forum).
 
Frank Nemke sr. said:
Randy is right. That's what my supplier told me to do. I have turned about 30 blanks so far with 7 or 8 true stone and I'm still on my 3rd side. Great tool, Just wish i had purchased it before I bought a Tormek sharpiner.
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I sometimes am guiltty of taking things too literally. But when I got my Pen Pro I was surprized at how long it didn't last. I am on my 4th side and I have turned probably 30 pens. I thought they woud last much longer than that. I have turned two trustones andthe rest were wood. Any ideas on why?
 
keithbyrd said:
I sometimes am guiltty of taking things too literally. But when I got my Pen Pro I was surprized at how long it didn't last. I am on my 4th side and I have turned probably 30 pens. I thought they woud last much longer than that. I have turned two trustones andthe rest were wood. Any ideas on why?
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Keith; The carbide does have to be re-honed occasionally, but think of how often you would have to sharpen a HSS tool. The carbide is easy to re-hone in a minute or so. My oldest carbide bit is about 4 years old. I did get an extra one, and I would have to find it!
 
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