Time to Upgrade my Tools

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KKingery

Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2004
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1,168
Location
De Pere, Wisconsin, USA.
Hey Ya'll,

Long time since I last posted anything here....(long story) - Anyway, I think it's high time to upgrade my tools (gouges, skews, etc.....) I've looked at the Henry Taylor, Crown, Etc..... What are most of ya'll using for tools? I've budgeted $500.00 to start with. I figure that should get me a decent 3/4" roughing gouge, 1/2" skew, 3/8" spindle gouse, and a nice parting tool. Any pros or cons you can advise me on, regarding any particular brands?

Thanks,

Ken
 
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I don't really see much difference between Sorby and Crown and Crown is a better price. Somehow I have mostly Sorby though?? They are pricey but Glaser tools are excellent! I have several and love them. Most of the time you can get them a them at www.highlandwoodworking.com but they are HARD to find. Another great tool maker I know of is www.thompsonlathetools.com. You have to make your own handles (no big deal) but they don't have the advantages of a Glaser handle. Basically they are the same steel which is better than anything else as far as edge holding.
 
There are several discussions going on right now about which is 'best'. You can't go wrong with high speed steel. The question is whether all brands are equal. As to what we use. I started with El Cheapo imports, supplemented with garage sale stuff and recently acquired a Henry Taylor skew. I think, like most tools in any shop, it is an evolutionary process. Unless you have an unlimited budget. Then just buy the most expensive out there and you should be OK.
 
What Chris said. If your budget is unlimited, go with Glasser, then Thompson but my 3rd pick would be Crown ProPM all the way.
 
You can get the skew and the spindle gouge here for less than $100
http://www.thompsonlathetools.com/products.asp
as Chris mentioned you have to make your own handles

Here are some great handles at $35 each (I also prefer to make my own handles)
http://www.bowlturner.com/index.html

Here is a link for a Ashley Iles 1/2" roughing gouge $50 (the 3/4 comes in a set, maybe you can call them and see if they will sell it by itself)
http://tinyurl.com/2vag3p

So, for $220 ($150 if you make your own handles) you are buying the best tools on the market.

Enjoy
 
Thanks to Ron on those handles. Those are like the Oneway handles only less expensive. I do have to say, as Ron pointed out, that if you make your own handles (which will probably be much better than the cheap Sorby handles) with Thompson steel you will get a MUCH better tool for the same price or less than a Sorby in most cases! This stuff is the same steel as Glaser, which is as good or better than Crown PM, and then cryogenically treated. If that ain't better it is at least a h*ll of a lot cooler!
 
You are welcome Chris

And you are right, Doug makes his tool useing the same steel as Glaser and then uses a cryogenic heat treatment. He started because he wanted to make a less expensive tool that worked better than Glaser.
 
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