Termite Tool

[Aderhammer]

I've recently took up bowl turning, I was thinking about picking up a termite tool and was wondering if anyone here used them and if so what are there impressions. From reviews i've read i've heard nothing but praises if you follow the directions.

 

[rlharding]

Andrew, for bowl turning I don't think you will use it. I turn all my bowls (6"-24") using gouges. If you use found wood of a larger size you would be better off getting a coring tool. Termite tools are more for hollowing.

 

[dalemcginnis]

As Ruth said, use bowl gouges. The termite tool is for hollowing end grain, bowls are typically not end grain.

 

[Aderhammer]

I have some pieces that i'm doing that are endgrain, such as logs too small to yield face grain blanks or goblets. I do have a bowl gouge.

 

[rlharding]

A sharpe gouge is all you need...........unless you are trying to justify that you need a termite.

Have a look at some of the big names in WT personal sites. I don't recall the ones I watched as using anything other than gouges. Check out the library on wood central.

 

[Wildman]

Have turned a lot of end grain boxes, goblets, & bowls, use either spindle, bowl gouge, or combination of the two. When really in trouble break out a scrapper to do more damage.

Only reason have passed on Termite tool, Berger Tool, and hook tools, is learning curve to use and sharpen correctly.