Recommendations on Carbide Tip Lathe Tools

[Pollock29]

Good Day!

Can anyone give me any recommendations on their favorite carbide tip tools? I have been using an old set of HSS tools, great results, but have been reading a lot lately about the newer carbide tip tools. Rockler has a mini set on sale currently that seems to have a large appeal, but I want to make a wise decision spending that kind of money.

Thanks for any input!

 

[MRDucks2]

I have a Magic Skew and a Skorby. Some may express otherwise, but I believe when it comes to carbide, find a handle size and shape that is comfortable and a shank that you like. The rest is up to the carbide.

That Magic Skew is handy to index to the 45 off of, but I also use it flat to scrape and sometimes find I have unknowingly angle more to the vertical based on how things are responding. I wish I had gotten the longer handle, myself, but not enough that I have purchased it yet.

The feels like a regular round shank medium size handled lathe tool.

 

[magpens]

I am just going to watch to try to learn a little.

I believe there are one or two of our members who offer tools of this type that they make and sell and which are highly regarded.
Perhaps they will become identified as this thread progresses.

 

[Pollock29]

I am just going to watch to try to learn a little.

I believe there are one or two of our members who offer tools of this type that they make and sell and which are highly regarded.
Perhaps they will become identified as this thread progresses.

Thanks! Good to know!

 

[Pollock29]

I have a Magic Skew and a Skorby. Some may express otherwise, but I believe when it comes to carbide, find a handle size and shape that is comfortable and a shank that you like. The rest is up to the carbide.

That Magic Skew is handy to index to the 45 off of, but I also use it flat to scrape and sometimes find I have unknowingly angle more to the vertical based on how things are responding. I wish I had gotten the longer handle, myself, but not enough that I have purchased it yet.

The feels like a regular round shank medium size handled lathe tool.

Great advice! I'll check them out!

 

[DrD]

I got on the bandwagon extremely early and went with EZ Wood Tools, basically because they were always at the Cincinnati WoodCraft store. Love them, but there is a 2 part learning curve - at least for me: first part is learning how to use the tools the way EZ Wood instructs - once mastered good results follow; second part is learning how to use them to get the results you really want - this may take longer. The good news is that you will learn how NOT to catch the blank and gouge out way more than you intended, or worse, shatter the blank.

I have one of each blade type and shaft length - almost. I do not care for the reverse angle blades; reverse angle does nothing for me that I haven't already learned to do with flat blades, and you cannot easily re-sharpen the reverse angle blades. I have literally re-sharpened all ny blades (square, radius, circular and spear) numerous times and am still going strong.

Depending upon my blood pressure, serum glucose level and the phase of the moon, I bounce back and forth between the square and circular blades - currently going with the square. I do round off the blank corners on my oscillating belt sander - not as hard on the blades then, esp with acrylics.

Jump in and you may soon forget about bowl gouges, spindle gouges and the like.

 

[John Eldeen]

If had had to do it all over before I bought a commercially made carbide tool I would have just bought the cutters from here

Big Guy Productions -

And made my own tool bar and handle. It will save you a tremendous amount of money and the tool will be the way you want it.

 

[MRDucks2]

If you are not into making your own shank/tool bar check with Rick Herrell on this site. He does fine work at a reasonable price. rherrell is what he goes by.

 

[acmaclaren]

I'm an apartment dweller so I went with carbide. I have a set of Easywood Tools with mediums length handles. I resharpen the inserts when they start to get dull using the Trend Double-Sided Diamond Credit Card Stone with the lapping fluid. I purchased both from Craft Supplies USA. I also have a set of the negative rake carbides with the shorter handles. Both handle lengths work for me.

 

[1shootist]

If you have the available tools I recommend making your own. The first one goes a little slow as you are learning how..it is honestly really easy to do. I've used brass rod, cold steel, even a couple of harbor freight pry bars to make the shaft. The best thing is you can try every size carbide and stick with what works best for you. And make the handles to your liking, customized for you. Here are some I've made, steel or brass shaft, copper or brass plumbing pipe end and wood. These are by no means store bought quality but they work fine for me.
I think I use 16mm and 11mm round inserts more than I do other shapes and sizes.

 

[penicillin]

I have a set of three full size Rockler carbide turning tools: square-radius, round, and diamond. They work well for me, but are probably not the greatest. At the time I bought them, I liked the feel of the tools and their size. For me, the larger size feels easier to control and manage.
https://www.rockler.com/full-size-square-radius-carbide-turning-tool
https://www.rockler.com/full-size-round-ergonomic-carbide-turning-tool
https://www.rockler.com/full-size-diamond-ergonomic-carbide-turning-tool

For the record, I also have the Sorby six-piece high speed steel (HSS) set that comes with the excellent turning book, which I bought on an inventory reduction sale at Rockler. I highly recommend that Sorby HSS set. I highly recommend the book, too. The book is very dry, but well written. The DVD is okay, but even more dry:
https://www.rockler.com/sorby-6-pie...-book-and-dvd-woodturning-a-foundation-course

Before I bought the Rockler carbide turning tools, I wanted to make sure there was an alternate source for replacement carbide tips, just in case Rockler ever drops that line of tools. AZ Carbide was very helpful. They are one of the vendors who support PenTurners.org. They carry a full range of replacement carbide tips for all brands of carbide tools, including the Rockler ones. I hope that someday they make their cross-reference chart easier to use. The Rockler-compatible tips are on page 4 of the cross-reference chart:
https://azcarbide.com
https://azcarbide.com/cross-reference-chart
https://www.penturners.org/forums/azcarbide.410/

In addition, there are other companies selling the Rockler tools under their own brands. Despite my web search skills, I never uncovered the real manufacturer. I assume they are made in in China at a company that is not well-known in the US. I found this example (Savannah) of nearly identical tools to the Rockler ones, but they are not the only company that brands the same tools with their own name:
https://www.ptreeusa.com/turn_brand_savannah.html
https://www.amazon.com/Savannah-Piece-Large-Carbide-Turning/dp/B01GQIYUZA
Mini turning set:
https://www.amazon.com/Savannah-Carbide-Turning-Perfect-Stoppers/dp/B01FWEX6OA

Here are some lessons learned about the Rockler carbide tips, and a few hints about carbide tips in general:

* In general, the tips MUST match the tools. You cannot install a round carbide tip in a square tool or vice-versa. The shape of the tool tip matches the carbide tip perfectly, and supports the back of the carbide tip snugly. There is one very important exception; see the next bullet.
* The square tip is a reasonable fit in the square radius tool. It is not a perfect fit, but it is so close that it works well. The square radius carbide tip does NOT fit the square tool at all. If you want to use both types of "square" tips in one tool, buy the square radius tool. I use the square radius tip 99% of the time, but there are a few uses for the square carbide tip, and I am pleased that the square radius tool will accommodate it.
* Regarding square radius carbide tips - Rockler's square radius carbide tips have a 2 inch radius. AZCarbide sells square radius carbide tips with different curves (2, 4, and 6 inch radii). I have not tried them yet, but someday want to see the difference for myself. (Caution: I do not know how well the 4 and 6 inch radius carbide tips will fit in Rockler's tool, which is designed to match a 2 inch radius carbide tip.)
* Regarding the square carbide tip - Rockler sells one kind of square tip with sharp corners that can leave lines if you are not skilled AND careful. AZCarbide sells identical square carbide tips, but they also sell square carbide tips with rounded corners. The rounded corners are designed to help you avoid leaving the sharp lines. I have not tried the rounded corner carbide tips yet, but someday want to see the difference for myself.
* Carbide tips start out sharp and are very long lasting and durable. What that means is that you get "happy sharp"(+) for a short time, and then "good enough sharp" for a long time.
* HSS tools dull much faster than carbide for sure, but with practice, you can sharpen them to "blissful sharp"(+) beyond carbide.
* I have both carbide and HSS turning tools at the lathe at the same time, and do not hesitate to switch between them. Adjust the tool rest accordingly.
* Size matters. At the time of purchase, I didn't fully understand that. Smaller tips let you to make smaller features on smaller turnings, like pens. I get by just fine, but now I understand why the store has so many different turning tools in different sizes.
* Consider other brands of carbide tools. I generally shop at the local Rockler store, which is convenient to me. They sell EZ Wood tools and Sorby's carbide tools as well. I might consider EZ Wood tools instead of the Rockler ones. I really like the feel of the Rockler tools in my hands when I work, but the EZ Wood tools seem like better quality overall. Several friends have used both tools, and they tell me that the EZ Wood tools are better. I wish I could characterize what "better" means.
* I have yet to be convinced that negative rake tips are that special. If I want to simulate negative rake, I adjust the tool rest, raise the handle and lower the tip to present it at a negative rake angle. It seems to work for me.
* Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot sharpen carbide tips. I have a set of diamond stones for sharpening chisels and hand plane irons, If you are careful, you can extend the life of your carbide tips by carefully flattening the backs of the carbide tips on diamond stones. Don't mess with the bevels at all. Flattening the backs will remove the small imperfections on the edges caused by previous use, effectively exposing a fresh beveled edge. I won't argue that it is as sharp as a new carbide tip, but it comes close, and works well for me. I still have my original carbide tips, and they are still very useable. It does not take much time or effort to sharpen carbide tips, and it works well.
Sharpening Hint: The etchings on the back of the carbide tip will disappear. Use a Sharpie pen to mark a dot on the starting edge after you finish sharpening the carbide tip, so you know when you have rotated through all the edges and it is time to resharpen.
* Buy a spare set of carbide tips for whatever you own. That way, you can switch out worn tips with fresh ones, and then resharpen your "dull" tips later, at your convenience.
* Carbide tools are not the end-all, be-all solution. At the very least, I would still want a good parting tool. You can try to replace the parting tool with the diamond tool, but they are not the same. In addition, I would miss having a skew chisel, too.

(+) Note: "happy sharp" and "blissful sharp" are my terms, trying to describe the difference between the sharpness that can be achieved with carbide tips vs. HSS turning tools. I feel reasonably happy with carbide tools, but there is nothing that describes the feeling of sheer joy (bliss! ecstasy!) of using a freshly sharpened HSS tool doing its work. Yeah, the HSS needs resharpening often, but you can learn to sharpen them beyond what carbide can do.

Most of the above notes apply equally well to Rockler's mini turning set (currently on sale) that @Pollock29 asked about:
https://www.rockler.com/carbide-mini-turning-tool-3-piece-set

Rockler also sells an even smaller three piece pen turning set. They are very very small. Rockler does not include a diamond carbide tip tool with that smallest carbide pen turning set. Instead, they include a small HSS parting tool. (What was Rockler thinking? How is the owner is going to sharpen that one HSS tool, anyway?). In my opinion, you trade a lot of versatility for making anything other than pens and very small turnings, but here they are:
https://www.rockler.com/carbide-pen-turning-tool-3-piece-set

Someday I may try other solutions, like the "magic skew". Right now, the tools I have are working out fine. If you buy a tool and it doesn't work out, you can always sell it to someone else. Consider the relatively small loss part of your "education budget."

Do your homework and take your time. Whatever you choose will broaden your experience and add to your skill set. I hope this helps.

 

[More4dan]

If you are willing to wait 3 weeks for delivery but want to pay 1/3 to 1/4 the cost you can go here. I have an EZ Wood and several of these. I see little difference in actual performance.

Online Shopping carbide wood turning tools - Buy Popular carbide wood turning tools - Banggood Mobile

Find popular carbide wood turning tools and buy best selling carbide wood turning tools from banggood. It endeavors to provide the products that you want, offering the best bang for your buck. Whatever carbide wood turning tools styles you want, can be easily bought here.

m.banggood.com

The replacement carbide inserts run $2-$4 as well depending on the quantity you buy.

Danny



Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app

 

[wolf creek knives]

I have a set of three full size Rockler carbide turning tools: square-radius, round, and diamond. They work well for me, but are probably not the greatest. At the time I bought them, I liked the feel of the tools and their size. For me, the larger size feels easier to control and manage.
https://www.rockler.com/full-size-square-radius-carbide-turning-tool
https://www.rockler.com/full-size-round-ergonomic-carbide-turning-tool
https://www.rockler.com/full-size-diamond-ergonomic-carbide-turning-tool

For the record, I also have the Sorby six-piece high speed steel (HSS) set that comes with the excellent turning book, which I bought on an inventory reduction sale at Rockler. I highly recommend that Sorby HSS set. I highly recommend the book, too. The book is very dry, but well written. The DVD is okay, but even more dry:
https://www.rockler.com/sorby-6-pie...-book-and-dvd-woodturning-a-foundation-course

Before I bought the Rockler carbide turning tools, I wanted to make sure there was an alternate source for replacement carbide tips, just in case Rockler ever drops that line of tools. AZ Carbide was very helpful. They are one of the vendors who support PenTurners.org. They carry a full range of replacement carbide tips for all brands of carbide tools, including the Rockler ones. I hope that someday they make their cross-reference chart easier to use. The Rockler-compatible tips are on page 4 of the cross-reference chart:
https://azcarbide.com
https://azcarbide.com/cross-reference-chart
https://www.penturners.org/forums/azcarbide.410/

In addition, there are other companies selling the Rockler tools under their own brands. Despite my web search skills, I never uncovered the real manufacturer. I assume they are made in in China at a company that is not well-known in the US. I found this example (Savannah) of nearly identical tools to the Rockler ones, but they are not the only company that brands the same tools with their own name:
https://www.ptreeusa.com/turn_brand_savannah.html
https://www.amazon.com/Savannah-Piece-Large-Carbide-Turning/dp/B01GQIYUZA
Mini turning set:
https://www.amazon.com/Savannah-Carbide-Turning-Perfect-Stoppers/dp/B01FWEX6OA

Here are some lessons learned about the Rockler carbide tips, and a few hints about carbide tips in general:

* In general, the tips MUST match the tools. You cannot install a round carbide tip in a square tool or vice-versa. The shape of the tool tip matches the carbide tip perfectly, and supports the back of the carbide tip snugly. There is one very important exception; see the next bullet.
* The square tip is a reasonable fit in the square radius tool. It is not a perfect fit, but it is so close that it works well. The square radius carbide tip does NOT fit the square tool at all. If you want to use both types of "square" tips in one tool, buy the square radius tool. I use the square radius tip 99% of the time, but there are a few uses for the square carbide tip, and I am pleased that the square radius tool will accommodate it.
* Regarding square radius carbide tips - Rockler's square radius carbide tips have a 2 inch radius. AZCarbide sells square radius carbide tips with different curves (2, 4, and 6 inch radii). I have not tried them yet, but someday want to see the difference for myself. (Caution: I do not know how well the 4 and 6 inch radius carbide tips will fit in Rockler's tool, which is designed to match a 2 inch radius carbide tip.)
* Regarding the square carbide tip - Rockler sells one kind of square tip with sharp corners that can leave lines if you are not skilled AND careful. AZCarbide sells identical square carbide tips, but they also sell square carbide tips with rounded corners. The rounded corners are designed to help you avoid leaving the sharp lines. I have not tried the rounded corner carbide tips yet, but someday want to see the difference for myself.
* Carbide tips start out sharp and are very long lasting and durable. What that means is that you get "happy sharp"(+) for a short time, and then "good enough sharp" for a long time.
* HSS tools dull much faster than carbide for sure, but with practice, you can sharpen them to "blissful sharp"(+) beyond carbide.
* I have both carbide and HSS turning tools at the lathe at the same time, and do not hesitate to switch between them. Adjust the tool rest accordingly.
* Size matters. At the time of purchase, I didn't fully understand that. Smaller tips let you to make smaller features on smaller turnings, like pens. I get by just fine, but now I understand why the store has so many different turning tools in different sizes.
* Consider other brands of carbide tools. I generally shop at the local Rockler store, which is convenient to me. They sell EZ Wood tools and Sorby's carbide tools as well. I might consider EZ Wood tools instead of the Rockler ones. I really like the feel of the Rockler tools in my hands when I work, but the EZ Wood tools seem like better quality overall. Several friends have used both tools, and they tell me that the EZ Wood tools are better. I wish I could characterize what "better" means.
* I have yet to be convinced that negative rake tips are that special. If I want to simulate negative rake, I adjust the tool rest, raise the handle and lower the tip to present it at a negative rake angle. It seems to work for me.
* Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot sharpen carbide tips. I have a set of diamond stones for sharpening chisels and hand plane irons, If you are careful, you can extend the life of your carbide tips by carefully flattening the backs of the carbide tips on diamond stones. Don't mess with the bevels at all. Flattening the backs will remove the small imperfections on the edges caused by previous use, effectively exposing a fresh beveled edge. I won't argue that it is as sharp as a new carbide tip, but it comes close, and works well for me. I still have my original carbide tips, and they are still very useable. It does not take much time or effort to sharpen carbide tips, and it works well.
Sharpening Hint: The etchings on the back of the carbide tip will disappear. Use a Sharpie pen to mark a dot on the starting edge after you finish sharpening the carbide tip, so you know when you have rotated through all the edges and it is time to resharpen.
* Buy a spare set of carbide tips for whatever you own. That way, you can switch out worn tips with fresh ones, and then resharpen your "dull" tips later, at your convenience.
* Carbide tools are not the end-all, be-all solution. At the very least, I would still want a good parting tool. You can try to replace the parting tool with the diamond tool, but they are not the same. In addition, I would miss having a skew chisel, too.

(+) Note: "happy sharp" and "blissful sharp" are my terms, trying to describe the difference between the sharpness that can be achieved with carbide tips vs. HSS turning tools. I feel reasonably happy with carbide tools, but there is nothing that describes the feeling of sheer joy (bliss! ecstasy!) of using a freshly sharpened HSS tool doing its work. Yeah, the HSS needs resharpening often, but you can learn to sharpen them beyond what carbide can do.

Most of the above notes apply equally well to Rockler's mini turning set (currently on sale) that @Pollock29 asked about:
https://www.rockler.com/carbide-mini-turning-tool-3-piece-set

Rockler also sells an even smaller three piece pen turning set. They are very very small. Rockler does not include a diamond carbide tip tool with that smallest carbide pen turning set. Instead, they include a small HSS parting tool. (What was Rockler thinking? How is the owner is going to sharpen that one HSS tool, anyway?). In my opinion, you trade a lot of versatility for making anything other than pens and very small turnings, but here they are:
https://www.rockler.com/carbide-pen-turning-tool-3-piece-set

Someday I may try other solutions, like the "magic skew". Right now, the tools I have are working out fine. If you buy a tool and it doesn't work out, you can always sell it to someone else. Consider the relatively small loss part of your "education budget."

Do your homework and take your time. Whatever you choose will broaden your experience and add to your skill set. I hope this helps.

Good and precise info here. I appreciate the way in which you've outlined what you've written. I just got my first set of Carbide tools and I'm at a total loss as how to use them as I've had the same set of HSS tools for over 40 years. Thanks again!

 

[penicillin]

Good and precise info here. I appreciate the way in which you've outlined what you've written. I just got my first set of Carbide tools and I'm at a total loss as how to use them as I've had the same set of HSS tools for over 40 years. Thanks again!

You're welcome, and thank you for the compliment.

Scraping:
In general, people treat carbide tools as scrapers. Bring the tool rest up so that the edge of the carbide tip is level with the center of the turning, then gently push straight in or very slightly angled down (handle very slightly up), and start scraping. The tool must be level and in line with the scraping edge so that the tool rest fully supports the cut. Most carbide tools have flat bottoms to make it easy to orient the tool for scraping. Keith Rowley's Woodturning Laws #4 and #6 apply here.

True Confessions
(Note: May apply to others with HSS turning tool experience who try carbide for the first time)
* Sometimes I forget to keep the carbide tool flat and level on the tool rest. The lathe reminds me quickly by twisting or chattering the tool. It may be related to previous experience with gouges, where you rotate the tool as you work.
* Sometimes I forget to keep the tool well supported in line with the scraping action. It is very tempting to rotate the round carbide tip around to use more of the side of the round tip, so that the tool is no longer straight on. You should be keeping the tool straight and move it along the tool rest instead of turning the tool. The lathe reminds me quickly - you can feel the twisting force, and maybe a brief catch. The tool will also chatter more.

Cutting:
Despite what others say about carbide tips being only used as scrapers, I use carbide tips to make bevel riding cuts like gouges and skew chisels. Adjust the tool rest, angle the carbide tool, ride the bevel, raise the handle, and watch the ribbons fly. It works for me. The carbide tip police may bust down the door and arrest me someday. :-(

Which Carbide Tool for What?

I have asked many others about how they use carbide tools, and get surprisingly different answers. Two people will give you diametrically opposite responses. One person uses the square radius tool for roughing, then the round tool for precise work. Another person uses the round tool for roughing and the square radius tool for the fine work. There is no consistency. Everyone seems to find a method that works for them.

I wish I could give you a consistent answer regarding my own choices of tool, but I can't. I can't explain why a given tool works or doesn't work on any given day. Choice of material, temperature, humidity, the music currently playing, phase of the moon, and my mood all seem to be factors. With enough experience, I may learn to be more consistent, but much of the time you gotta' rely on trial and error.

General Guidelines:
Here is how I use carbide tools for turning pens. It is a very individual thing, so do not treat it as anything more than one person's personal experience.

Square radius carbide tool:
* Roughing down to a cylinder. (Honestly, I use a HSS roughing gouge for rouging down to a cylinder 99% of the time. For pen blanks, the 1 inch belt sander makes a great start, especially with plastic/acrylic blanks.)
* "Smoothing" the curves of the general pen shape. The wide, slightly curved surface can scrape and smooth out the imperfections that are left behind by a spindle gouge. (Of course, HSS skew chisel skills are even better!)
* Matching the blank to the bushings. If you are careful, you can use the corner of the square radius carbide tip to turn the blank a few thousandths below the bushing for when you want a thick CA finish.

Round carbide tool:
* Finer details.
* When other tools don't seem to be working that day.

Diamond tool:
* Lines, like finger grips on pens. It is definitely my favorite tool for that. (I could use a skew chisel, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.)
* Tenons when the pen kit requires it. A slight angle on the diamond tool presents the straight cutting edge for tenons. (Yeah, a HSS parting tool works as well or better.)

Summary: What I wrote above may be helpful, but trial and error works best.

 

[Pollock29]

Thank you so muc

I have a set of three full size Rockler carbide turning tools: square-radius, round, and diamond. They work well for me, but are probably not the greatest. At the time I bought them, I liked the feel of the tools and their size. For me, the larger size feels easier to control and manage.
https://www.rockler.com/full-size-square-radius-carbide-turning-tool
https://www.rockler.com/full-size-round-ergonomic-carbide-turning-tool
https://www.rockler.com/full-size-diamond-ergonomic-carbide-turning-tool

For the record, I also have the Sorby six-piece high speed steel (HSS) set that comes with the excellent turning book, which I bought on an inventory reduction sale at Rockler. I highly recommend that Sorby HSS set. I highly recommend the book, too. The book is very dry, but well written. The DVD is okay, but even more dry:
https://www.rockler.com/sorby-6-pie...-book-and-dvd-woodturning-a-foundation-course

Before I bought the Rockler carbide turning tools, I wanted to make sure there was an alternate source for replacement carbide tips, just in case Rockler ever drops that line of tools. AZ Carbide was very helpful. They are one of the vendors who support PenTurners.org. They carry a full range of replacement carbide tips for all brands of carbide tools, including the Rockler ones. I hope that someday they make their cross-reference chart easier to use. The Rockler-compatible tips are on page 4 of the cross-reference chart:
https://azcarbide.com
https://azcarbide.com/cross-reference-chart
https://www.penturners.org/forums/azcarbide.410/

In addition, there are other companies selling the Rockler tools under their own brands. Despite my web search skills, I never uncovered the real manufacturer. I assume they are made in in China at a company that is not well-known in the US. I found this example (Savannah) of nearly identical tools to the Rockler ones, but they are not the only company that brands the same tools with their own name:
https://www.ptreeusa.com/turn_brand_savannah.html
https://www.amazon.com/Savannah-Piece-Large-Carbide-Turning/dp/B01GQIYUZA
Mini turning set:
https://www.amazon.com/Savannah-Carbide-Turning-Perfect-Stoppers/dp/B01FWEX6OA

Here are some lessons learned about the Rockler carbide tips, and a few hints about carbide tips in general:

* In general, the tips MUST match the tools. You cannot install a round carbide tip in a square tool or vice-versa. The shape of the tool tip matches the carbide tip perfectly, and supports the back of the carbide tip snugly. There is one very important exception; see the next bullet.
* The square tip is a reasonable fit in the square radius tool. It is not a perfect fit, but it is so close that it works well. The square radius carbide tip does NOT fit the square tool at all. If you want to use both types of "square" tips in one tool, buy the square radius tool. I use the square radius tip 99% of the time, but there are a few uses for the square carbide tip, and I am pleased that the square radius tool will accommodate it.
* Regarding square radius carbide tips - Rockler's square radius carbide tips have a 2 inch radius. AZCarbide sells square radius carbide tips with different curves (2, 4, and 6 inch radii). I have not tried them yet, but someday want to see the difference for myself. (Caution: I do not know how well the 4 and 6 inch radius carbide tips will fit in Rockler's tool, which is designed to match a 2 inch radius carbide tip.)
* Regarding the square carbide tip - Rockler sells one kind of square tip with sharp corners that can leave lines if you are not skilled AND careful. AZCarbide sells identical square carbide tips, but they also sell square carbide tips with rounded corners. The rounded corners are designed to help you avoid leaving the sharp lines. I have not tried the rounded corner carbide tips yet, but someday want to see the difference for myself.
* Carbide tips start out sharp and are very long lasting and durable. What that means is that you get "happy sharp"(+) for a short time, and then "good enough sharp" for a long time.
* HSS tools dull much faster than carbide for sure, but with practice, you can sharpen them to "blissful sharp"(+) beyond carbide.
* I have both carbide and HSS turning tools at the lathe at the same time, and do not hesitate to switch between them. Adjust the tool rest accordingly.
* Size matters. At the time of purchase, I didn't fully understand that. Smaller tips let you to make smaller features on smaller turnings, like pens. I get by just fine, but now I understand why the store has so many different turning tools in different sizes.
* Consider other brands of carbide tools. I generally shop at the local Rockler store, which is convenient to me. They sell EZ Wood tools and Sorby's carbide tools as well. I might consider EZ Wood tools instead of the Rockler ones. I really like the feel of the Rockler tools in my hands when I work, but the EZ Wood tools seem like better quality overall. Several friends have used both tools, and they tell me that the EZ Wood tools are better. I wish I could characterize what "better" means.
* I have yet to be convinced that negative rake tips are that special. If I want to simulate negative rake, I adjust the tool rest, raise the handle and lower the tip to present it at a negative rake angle. It seems to work for me.
* Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot sharpen carbide tips. I have a set of diamond stones for sharpening chisels and hand plane irons, If you are careful, you can extend the life of your carbide tips by carefully flattening the backs of the carbide tips on diamond stones. Don't mess with the bevels at all. Flattening the backs will remove the small imperfections on the edges caused by previous use, effectively exposing a fresh beveled edge. I won't argue that it is as sharp as a new carbide tip, but it comes close, and works well for me. I still have my original carbide tips, and they are still very useable. It does not take much time or effort to sharpen carbide tips, and it works well.
Sharpening Hint: The etchings on the back of the carbide tip will disappear. Use a Sharpie pen to mark a dot on the starting edge after you finish sharpening the carbide tip, so you know when you have rotated through all the edges and it is time to resharpen.
* Buy a spare set of carbide tips for whatever you own. That way, you can switch out worn tips with fresh ones, and then resharpen your "dull" tips later, at your convenience.
* Carbide tools are not the end-all, be-all solution. At the very least, I would still want a good parting tool. You can try to replace the parting tool with the diamond tool, but they are not the same. In addition, I would miss having a skew chisel, too.

(+) Note: "happy sharp" and "blissful sharp" are my terms, trying to describe the difference between the sharpness that can be achieved with carbide tips vs. HSS turning tools. I feel reasonably happy with carbide tools, but there is nothing that describes the feeling of sheer joy (bliss! ecstasy!) of using a freshly sharpened HSS tool doing its work. Yeah, the HSS needs resharpening often, but you can learn to sharpen them beyond what carbide can do.

Most of the above notes apply equally well to Rockler's mini turning set (currently on sale) that @Pollock29 asked about:
https://www.rockler.com/carbide-mini-turning-tool-3-piece-set

Rockler also sells an even smaller three piece pen turning set. They are very very small. Rockler does not include a diamond carbide tip tool with that smallest carbide pen turning set. Instead, they include a small HSS parting tool. (What was Rockler thinking? How is the owner is going to sharpen that one HSS tool, anyway?). In my opinion, you trade a lot of versatility for making anything other than pens and very small turnings, but here they are:
https://www.rockler.com/carbide-pen-turning-tool-3-piece-set

Someday I may try other solutions, like the "magic skew". Right now, the tools I have are working out fine. If you buy a tool and it doesn't work out, you can always sell it to someone else. Consider the relatively small loss part of your "education budget."

Do your homework and take your time. Whatever you choose will broaden your experience and add to your skill set. I hope this helps.

Thank you so much! I am going to have to do quite a lot of research, and you have given me much to consider. It does get pretty confusing some time the more you read, but I trust your experience! I think I need to attend some clinics as well, or try out some of the different types for feel and ease of use. You have given me much to ponder!

 

[Pollock29]

If had had to do it all over before I bought a commercially made carbide tool I would have just bought the cutters from here

Big Guy Productions -

And made my own tool bar and handle. It will save you a tremendous amount of money and the tool will be the way you want it.

Noted! something to consider.

 

[Pollock29]

Thank you so muc

Thank you so much! I am going to have to do quite a lot of research, and you have given me much to consider. It does get pretty confusing some time the more you read, but I trust your experience! I think I need to attend some clinics as well, or try out some of the different types for feel and ease of use. You have given me much to ponder!

 

[Pollock29]

If you are willing to wait 3 weeks for delivery but want to pay 1/3 to 1/4 the cost you can go here. I have an EZ Wood and several of these. I see little difference in actual performance.

Online Shopping carbide wood turning tools - Buy Popular carbide wood turning tools - Banggood Mobile

Find popular carbide wood turning tools and buy best selling carbide wood turning tools from banggood. It endeavors to provide the products that you want, offering the best bang for your buck. Whatever carbide wood turning tools styles you want, can be easily bought here.

m.banggood.com

The replacement carbide inserts run $2-$4 as well depending on the quantity you buy.

Danny



Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app

Danny, the link did not work. Could you resend this?
Thanks!

 

[1shootist]

If you are willing to wait 3 weeks for delivery but want to pay 1/3 to 1/4 the cost you can go here. I have an EZ Wood and several of these. I see little difference in actual performance.

Online Shopping carbide wood turning tools - Buy Popular carbide wood turning tools - Banggood Mobile

Find popular carbide wood turning tools and buy best selling carbide wood turning tools from banggood. It endeavors to provide the products that you want, offering the best bang for your buck. Whatever carbide wood turning tools styles you want, can be easily bought here.

m.banggood.com

The replacement carbide inserts run $2-$4 as well depending on the quantity you buy.

Danny



Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app

Bandgood prices are hard to beat. I placed an order last night for a 10 count of 15mm square inserts for $1.14 per each. I tend to pay the extra dollar orso for expediated shipping but even without doing that the wait is not terrible.

 

[More4dan]

Danny, the link did not work. Could you resend this?
Thanks!

Try www.banggood.com and search for "carbide wood lathe"


Sent from my iPad using Penturners.org mobile app

 

[Pollock29]

Try www.banggood.com and search for "carbide wood lathe"


Sent from my iPad using Penturners.org mobile app

WOW! Great prices! Thanks!

 

[wolf creek knives]

You're welcome, and thank you for the compliment.

Scraping:
In general, people treat carbide tools as scrapers. Bring the tool rest up so that the edge of the carbide tip is level with the center of the turning, then gently push straight in or very slightly angled down (handle very slightly up), and start scraping. The tool must be level and in line with the scraping edge so that the tool rest fully supports the cut. Most carbide tools have flat bottoms to make it easy to orient the tool for scraping. Keith Rowley's Woodturning Laws #4 and #6 apply here.

True Confessions
(Note: May apply to others with HSS turning tool experience who try carbide for the first time)
* Sometimes I forget to keep the carbide tool flat and level on the tool rest. The lathe reminds me quickly by twisting or chattering the tool. It may be related to previous experience with gouges, where you rotate the tool as you work.
* Sometimes I forget to keep the tool well supported in line with the scraping action. It is very tempting to rotate the round carbide tip around to use more of the side of the round tip, so that the tool is no longer straight on. You should be keeping the tool straight and move it along the tool rest instead of turning the tool. The lathe reminds me quickly - you can feel the twisting force, and maybe a brief catch. The tool will also chatter more.

Cutting:
Despite what others say about carbide tips being only used as scrapers, I use carbide tips to make bevel riding cuts like gouges and skew chisels. Adjust the tool rest, angle the carbide tool, ride the bevel, raise the handle, and watch the ribbons fly. It works for me. The carbide tip police may bust down the door and arrest me someday. :-(

Which Carbide Tool for What?

I have asked many others about how they use carbide tools, and get surprisingly different answers. Two people will give you diametrically opposite responses. One person uses the square radius tool for roughing, then the round tool for precise work. Another person uses the round tool for roughing and the square radius tool for the fine work. There is no consistency. Everyone seems to find a method that works for them.

I wish I could give you a consistent answer regarding my own choices of tool, but I can't. I can't explain why a given tool works or doesn't work on any given day. Choice of material, temperature, humidity, the music currently playing, phase of the moon, and my mood all seem to be factors. With enough experience, I may learn to be more consistent, but much of the time you gotta' rely on trial and error.

General Guidelines:
Here is how I use carbide tools for turning pens. It is a very individual thing, so do not treat it as anything more than one person's personal experience.

Square radius carbide tool:
* Roughing down to a cylinder. (Honestly, I use a HSS roughing gouge for rouging down to a cylinder 99% of the time. For pen blanks, the 1 inch belt sander makes a great start, especially with plastic/acrylic blanks.)
* "Smoothing" the curves of the general pen shape. The wide, slightly curved surface can scrape and smooth out the imperfections that are left behind by a spindle gouge. (Of course, HSS skew chisel skills are even better!)
* Matching the blank to the bushings. If you are careful, you can use the corner of the square radius carbide tip to turn the blank a few thousandths below the bushing for when you want a thick CA finish.

Round carbide tool:
* Finer details.
* When other tools don't seem to be working that day.

Diamond tool:
* Lines, like finger grips on pens. It is definitely my favorite tool for that. (I could use a skew chisel, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.)
* Tenons when the pen kit requires it. A slight angle on the diamond tool presents the straight cutting edge for tenons. (Yeah, a HSS parting tool works as well or better.)

Summary: What I wrote above may be helpful, but trial and error works best.

Good guidelines. Sounds like it's kind of a learn as you go. I've got some practice pieces I think I'll try on first then go full steam ahead. Thanks for the info.