Tools!!!

[mark james]

Yorkie asked about Gouges and I didn't want to hijack his thread (folks who want to be mad at me today will have to wait in line... It has been an early day )

So, I made an offer to borrow some tools as I won't be using them until this fall, and it's nice to see some pics.

So... what do your favorite tools look like!

For pen turning, I really like the Red handled Sorby micro set for initial turning.
For larger turnings, the Thompson Tools are in a special class. His shop is 20 minutes away, so I can go there whenever I want and get a "lesson!" The last picture is of Doug's 16" handle which fits the larger bowl gouge. FYI - Doug is a fanatic about his custom (Free) engraving machine!

Let's see some pics!

 

[Charlie_W]

I use different tools on blanks. Sometimes a 1" roughing gouge, 1" oval skew. Round nose scrapers, radius carbide, parting tools, etc.
I have 3 Doug Thompsons....so far :biggrin:. They are solid and have great balance. They feel good in the hand!

 

[its_virgil]

Skews only for pens from start to finish. I have and use several name brand skews... oval, flat and round. My favorite is one ground with the Alan Lacer grind.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

 

[Dan Hintz]

I use two tools for pens, and two tools only... a 1" roughing gouge and a parting tool.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

I use two tools for pens, and two tools only... a 1" roughing gouge and a parting tool.

Parting tool just for tenons or something else too?

 

[kovalcik]

I use two tools for pens, and two tools only... a 1" roughing gouge and a parting tool.

Parting tool just for tenons or something else too?

I once took a turning class with a woman who told us that she turned her first pen with only a parting tool. Said she did not know any better and it worked, so.... She has improved greatly since then.

The lesson is, whatever works is a correct answer.


Of course, the REAL right answer is a roughing gouge and skew. :biggrin:

 

[mark james]

Skews only for pens from start to finish. I have and use several name brand skews... oval, flat and round. My favorite is one ground with the Alan Lacer grind.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

Hi Don!

I really want to get better with my skew. I looked up the CSUSA Alan Lacer Skew (I knew they sold one) and looked at the profile. Do you use one with the right side a sharp point, or rounded? If you have a picture I'd appreciate (no hurry). I have seen rounded tip skews used like scrapers , and others used more like the "traditional" woodturning approach rubbing the bevel.

These are basic questions and feel free to redirect me to other resources you know of. Anyone else, please chime in.

I'll search the library in case I've missed some obvious lessons! :frown:

Thanks.

 

[kovalcik]

Mark,

Capn Eddie's youtube videos on the skew helped me the most, at least for the basic planing cut. Brendan Stemp also has a 2 part youtube on using the skew which filled in some holes for me. Both are great places to start.

 

[Dan Hintz]

I use two tools for pens, and two tools only... a 1" roughing gouge and a parting tool.

Parting tool just for tenons or something else too?

I typically use it to get my major points down to desired size, checking with calipers as I go (blank looks like a cylinder with various grooves cut into it). Once they're to size, I switch to the roughing gouge and have at it. The gouge can be used as a skew if you're willing to hold it kinda funny, but I mostly use it for general shaping.

I have "hip issues" (among other things), so I tend to do very unorthodox things when I'm turning, be it minimizing tool selection or shifting my weight in a different manner than most. Teaching others is difficult at times because I try to show them the "correct" way... and I end up in a lot of pain for it at the end of the day.

 

[mark james]

Mark,

Capn Eddie's youtube videos on the skew helped me the most, at least for the basic planing cut. Brendan Stemp also has a 2 part youtube on using the skew which filled in some holes for me. Both are great places to start.

Thanks Tom! I'm VERY open to suggestions and will check them out.