I picked up this set of 4 Sorby micro tools on ebay a few months ago for a very princely sum, sort of on a whim. All of them had terrible grinds (although I'm sure mine aren't great either). After I sharpened them, I decided to try them out not too long ago to see if they were worth having in the tool box, or if they were more toys than tools. Surprisingly, I think I may have found my favorite pen tool among them.
The RNS likes to chatter, unless my tool rest is VERY close to the work.
The skew is a fun toy, and I think it may be very handy on my next set of fishing bobbers.
The 1/8" gouge... well, I haven't found a use for it yet. Even at 32 years old with 20/20 vision, I can hardly see the damn thing well enough to use it!
The 1/4" gouge however, has become one of my absolute favorite tools for turning small things like pens. With a good sharp edge, it cuts smooth as can be and leave a wonderful finish. And if you're brave, it will remove material almost as quickly as my Sorby 3/8" fingernail gouge (currently my favorite pen turning tool).
Does anyone here use any of these for your much smaller than average turns?
The RNS likes to chatter, unless my tool rest is VERY close to the work.
The skew is a fun toy, and I think it may be very handy on my next set of fishing bobbers.
The 1/8" gouge... well, I haven't found a use for it yet. Even at 32 years old with 20/20 vision, I can hardly see the damn thing well enough to use it!
The 1/4" gouge however, has become one of my absolute favorite tools for turning small things like pens. With a good sharp edge, it cuts smooth as can be and leave a wonderful finish. And if you're brave, it will remove material almost as quickly as my Sorby 3/8" fingernail gouge (currently my favorite pen turning tool).
Does anyone here use any of these for your much smaller than average turns?
"Micro" to me, and many others means something totally different - such as making micro sized items in small train sets or doll houses.
