TURNING TOOLS

[Lee Foreman]

I have a couple questions about turning tools. Which truning tools works the best for turning down my pen blanks. Spindle gouges, skews, rough gouges. Is it really a big differance from using a Woodriver or a Sorby tool beside the price?
Lee

 

[el_d]

Look at the Woodchuck. That's all I use from roughing to final finish then CA finish. No sanding.

 

[Rick_G]

I've used all of the above and found "sharp" is what counts most and then whatever you are comfortable with.

 

[Lee Foreman]

Look at the Woodchuck. That's all I use from roughing to final finish then CA finish. No sanding.

el_d, Do you use the square or round inserts. When turning?

 

[el_d]

I use the square insert since I really don't do anything fancy. I use the r4 inserts. The r2s have more radius but I like the 4.

 

[xxShadowxx]

I have a couple questions about turning tools. Which truning tools works the best for turning down my pen blanks

a lathe :biggrin:

 

[JCochrun]

I've been using the Easy Wood tools. I've only got the square one but looking to get the round one. I love it. I still have to sand but I use it for everything right now.

 

[ctubbs]

I'll have to go with the Woodchuck also. I would recommend, however, getting the Bowl Pro rather than the PenPro. Both are wonderful tools, but if you are going to turn anything larger than pens, the PenPro may be a bit short. I made the decision after talking with Ken. He is the one that makes the tools. I use mostly the r4 cutter, but I do have the r2 also. I am saving up to buy the round one as it could come in handy from time to time. I use the Woodchuck from start to finish on most blanks, having to resort to the skew only rarely to form a special shape from time to time when the Chuck just wont fit.
Charles

 

[Displaced Canadian]

While learning to turn/sharpen you should go with a cheaper tool. I started with a spindle gouge and I still use it some of the time. After rounding with a gouge I use a 1" skew. Once you learn to use one you will find you have to sand less and it is easy to sharpen. I find the bigger skew means less chance of it digging in.

 

[Mike D]

I'll 2nd the Woodchuck pen pro. I got mine on Thursday and got to use it this morning and it works great and well worth the money especially if you turn Trustone. I'll be using it more than any other tool i have. Check out the video at http://www.woodchuck-tools.com/Tools.htm.

 

[JimB]

You can use any of the tools mentioned. As wa already said, sharp is the important thing. I use a roughing gouge on most of mine (wood only) and sometimes take a finish pass with a skew.

As far as Woodriver and Sorby goes I have a Sorby 3/8 Bowl Gouge and a Woodriver 1/2 Bowl Gouge. I don't really see any difference in how long they hold an edge.