Carbide Spindle Gouge / Skew Chisel

[TurnerJP]

Hi all,

Just a quick question...where does one purchase a quality carbide spindle gouge (3/8"), and a skew chisel (size not as important). Any particular website, brand, etc.?


I'd like to start turning some alabaster bodies, but I don't think my HSS tools will like me very much if I subjected them to the harsher material that is alabaster.

Thanks!

JP

 

[ldb2000]

Sorry to say , no one makes a Carbide gouge or Skew . The closest thing you will find is a Carbide tipped set sold by PSI , it's the only tools I use but they have their problems . The Carbide tips are brazed on so if you are not careful they can be very easily broken off , you must keep the toolrest tight to the work and never let the tips extend past the toolrest . That said , I love them !!! They take a very sharp edge and hold it for a very long time . Every pen in my photo album was made with them .
You can also pick up one of the indexable carbide insert tools like the Woodchuck or the Hunter Hollowing tool . These work very well and are great for roughing a blank to round .

 

[Ruby pen turning]

I have the set that LDB2000 has and love it and at $50.00 or so cant beat it. I broke a gouge once by being careless and hit the spinning spur. They work great and also I just sharpen mine on a credit card type diamond sharpener if I feel it is getting dull.