Lathe Chisel Set and other?

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Madman1978

Madman1978

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Now that I have the lathe here and on its little table, I am thinking of what I need now. I did buy the Wen Chuck with the lathe. For turning tools I have the tools I use for pens and such. One set I looked at had these in the set, 1/2" round nose, 1" square nose, 1/4" and 1/2" spindle gouge, 3/16" diamond parting tool, 3/8" bowl gouge, 3/4" roughing gouge, and 3/4" skew. I am quite lost here on all of this. lol

So I am asking for some input here.
-What Chisels will I need.
-What other tools will I need?
-What sharpening system to use


Actually, any suggestions would be helpful
Thank you in advance.
 
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Hey Michael, What do you use for turning your pens? I would shy away from buying a "SET" of tools. I think there are 8 in the set you're looking at and that could mean 6 that will go unused. The chisels you need will depend on what you plan to turn.

I've been using the Wolverine jig to sharpen for years. I initially I used with with a Harbor Freight grinder. Moved up to a Rikon slow speed grinder, on sale, and recently a CBN wheel. There are cheaper clone of the Wolverine system out there as well as other more expensive system.

As t other tools it really depends on what you're turning and your budget.
 
Sharpening system: Do you have a grinder? IF so, get a fine stone for it. I use a CBN grinding wheel on mine to shape the tools and then use a scary sharp method for honing, Honing takes sharpness to the next level and pays great dividends.

Other tools: Mill SANDER for squaring the blanks, calipers for measuring, chucks and drill chuck for drilling on the lathe (comes in handy at times);

I am surprised for the number of tools people use in pen turning. The basic tools are skew and scraper (carbide inserts) for something as small as a pen blank. Bowl turning tools can be used, and if proficient - do well . . . but not necessary for 3/4" size blanks.

IF you use CA as a finish, get a respirator N99 ($20 - $40) and get used to using it early. CA doesn't get to everyone early on but it is like the flu if it does.
 
Mr Vic said:
Hey Michael, What do you use for turning your pens? I would shy away from buying a "SET" of tools. I think there are 8 in the set you're looking at and that could mean 6 that will go unused. The chisels you need will depend on what you plan to turn.

I've been using the Wolverine jig to sharpen for years. I initially I used with with a Harbor Freight grinder. Moved up to a Rikon slow speed grinder, on sale, and recently a CBN wheel. There are cheaper clone of the Wolverine system out there as well as other more expensive system.

As t other tools it really depends on what you're turning and your budget.
Click to expand...
Right now I have the carbide tools. just the 3.
I am going to attempt a wand maybe this week . . .
I am shopping for bowl blanks but not much luck
 
Michael. All the safety equipment needed is a priority. Please list your pen turning tools. No need for duplication. Majority of turners I am associated with all use the wolverine system.
 
leehljp said:
Sharpening system: Do you have a grinder? IF so, get a fine stone for it. I use a CBN grinding wheel on mine to shape the tools and then use a scary sharp method for honing, Honing takes sharpness to the next level and pays great dividends.

Other tools: Mill SANDER for squaring the blanks, calipers for measuring, chucks and drill chuck for drilling on the lathe (comes in handy at times);

I am surprised for the number of tools people use in pen turning. The basic tools are skew and scraper (carbide inserts) for something as small as a pen blank. Bowl turning tools can be used, and if proficient - do well . . . but not necessary for 3/4" size blanks.

IF you use CA as a finish, get a respirator N99 ($20 - $40) and get used to using it early. CA doesn't get to everyone early on but it is like the flu if it does.
Click to expand...
I am using the PenPal lathe right now. I hope the checks I have will work.
 
A skew chisel and bowl gauge? The skew for spindle turning and fine cutting. The bowl gauge is for face grain cutting.
When getting started I subscribed to the theory of One tool away from greatness. The better route is master the skew and bowl gauge. Spend the extra money on blanks and kits.
 
For carbide, I have the Square, Round, and Diamond. That's all
I have the Safety Equipment so I think I good there as well. Losing a finger makes you a bit more careful.
 
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