New to turning, which tools should I pick up?

Re: New to turning, which tools should I pick up?

Mike Schwing from Md.

>Mane, since none of the really experienced turners have responded yet, I'd like to offer mine.

First - please try the search function on this forum. This question is asked frequently and folks probably tire of repeating it. A FAQ might be a good idea for this.

I still consider myself very new but very active in the hobby. You can search for my posts and judge for yourself how I use my tools, I post a lot of pictures.

The tools you'll be interested will vary based on what you intend to turn - spindle type objects - tall vases, candlesticks, table legs, etc... require spindle turning tools, spindle gouges, skew chisels, etc. Bowl turning requires bowl gouges, scrapers and parting tools, as well as multiple things for workpiece mounting.

I turn bowls. I started out with the basic starter set of tools; roughing gouge, parting tool, a couple of bowl gouges, and a few scrapers. I found varying degrees of difficulty with each. But then I was turned onto the "Ellsworth gouge" - a 5/8" superflute gouge with a special grind that does remarkable things. I have not used a single other tool since learning how to use that gouge. I wish it was the first tool I'd ever picked up, I wouldn't have all of those very sharp but unused tools now, and a lot more successful workpieces. But in hindsight, it probably was beneficial to me to learn the basics instead on the other more conventional tools.

I've seen repeated many times that one of the most common mistakes of newcomers is that they use too many different tools. I believe that is true and a very good observation. Concentrating on using that one tool has allowed me to develop very quickly and adeptly with it.

Not everyone likes that gouge, but a lot of bowl turners here do. You need the accompanying video to learn how to use it properly.

I'm still glad I know how to use the various other tools but I haven't much use for them.

If you're looking for a decent starter set that includes all of the basics - many people here have commented that Harbor Freight makes a good set of HSS starter lathe turning tools.

One thing you're going to need, for sure, is a good method of sharpening. Sometimes I return to the sharpener with each inch of progress on a bowl interior.

Hope this helps, and I also hope the old timers correct anything I said wrong or redirect you if I've pointed you in the wrong direction.

Re: New to turning, which tools should I pick up?

Gary Land

>I agree with mike in the previous post. I also am a novice turner,and the biggest mistake of new turners, is you donnot need every turning tool in the world. I think that you did the right thing and come here for advise.I have about 5 tools that I use for all my turnings.

I have a Crown PM (Powdered Metal) 1/2 in. bowl gouge,2 small spindle gouges,a scraper 1/2 in, and a skew for shearing. Like Mike said for now you can buy a harbor freight set that is HSS

that will be good for now. I am very lucky that I have a Harbor freight 2 blocks from the house (keeps me ocupied lol).you can get a set of 8 tools for about 29.00-39.00 plus S&H

'

Hear is a link for a homemade sharpening jig that you might want to try.

Search for Brian clifford Woodturners Workshop

This has help me alot. Hope that this helps

Good luck

Re: New to turning, which tools should I pick up?

Ron Sardo in PA

>I needed to order a few hand trucks for my business from Harbor Freight. I figured while I'm at it I'd pick up the 8pc tool set for $30 and the 3pc tool set for $5.

First, stay away from th 3pc set. I could bend the parting tool by just looking at it. It's a good buy if you just want 3 handles for $5.

The 8pc is just okay. I plan on experimenting with different grinds and shapes with these tools. Truthfully, I glad I didn't start with these

1/2" spindle gouge

3/8" bowl gouge

1" round scraper

3/4" skew

This should start you out nicely.

When you find a need for a diiferent tool. Then buy it.