Time to upgrade my turning tools

[tbroye]

I have come to the point in this hobby where I want/need to upgrade my turning tools. I have a 3 piece Pinnicale HSS Pen tuning set (small/short) 3/8 spindle gouge, 1/2' oval Skew 1/8" parting tool. I also have a 3 peice PSI starter set of carbon steel set, which I plan on getting rid of. I would like to do some Resin/plastic Bottle Stoppers and Pens along with the wood ones, Not planning on getting into Bowls or larger turnings at the moment. What would you recomened for tools? size, type, brand.

Thanks

 

[marcruby]

If you don't mind making your own handles I'd recommend Thompson Tools. As for which tools - get two spindle gouges - large for roughing and small for detailing, a 3/4 to 1.25" skew (reground in a Lacer pattern), and somebodies 1/16 parting tool.

 

[Daniel]

Yeah what mark said as far as tool selection. I have a Sorby 3/4 inch skew and am real happy with it. can't help with the gouges but would agree with Marc on the idea of buying tools with no handles. put your money into better quality business end and you can end up with a handle that suits you as well. I turned a handle for my 1/16 inch parting tool. it is a big monster of a handle on this itty bitty parting tool. but it works good for me.

 

[Fred]

Go to any decent home improvement center and carouse through their stacks of pallets out back, Be sure to ask permission from the store manager as security will get ya if you don"t. Look for the pallets with larger square oak center and edge pieces. These things make some absolutely fabulous handles and the wood is usually a hard oak, dry, and ready for turning. Free too. Be sure to carry a pen and bribe the manager to get him to let you go pallet diving.

Be sure to thoroughly check the wood for dirt, rocks, and of course nails. Then grab a couple and get to turning your own custom fitted handles.

I have often found several exotic woods in these pallets, it is somewhat rare but possible especially if the merchandise comes from Africa or South America ... Good hunting! :biggrin:

 

[ahoiberg]

tom, i don't know how much of an upgrade you're looking for or how much you want to spend, but benjamin's best at PSI makes some pretty decent tools for not a ton of money. also, i'm still using my harbor freight 8 piece set. it gives you a lot of tools for not much $$ at all and gives you good practice sharpening and using them.

 

[Russianwolf]

I have the pinnacle set that you have. I recently got a 1" skew from woodcraft under the river------ brand. very nice tool fro the money, If I don't drop it on the floor anymore