Tools for the beginner

Re: Tools for the beginner

Mark Kauder, Phenix City, AL

>I recommend buying the P&N tools sold by Lee Valley (www.leevalley.com). They are VERY good tools, and the prices are very reasonable. The downside is that come unhandled. Buy yourself a Kelton, Oneway or Bosch (www.trentbosch.com) handle, and you will be all set at a low cost, and if you continue turning, you will not be disappointed with them a year from now. If you decide to get out of turning, most any woodturner would buy them from you.

Buy a 3/8" Spindle Gouge $25,50, and a 1/2" bowl gouge $29. The handle will be about $40.

Mark

Re: Tools for the beginner

Whit

>Crown are very good tools. My advise is to avoid "sets" of tools. Rather, buy the tools you think you will need. My suggestion would be a 1/2" (actually 5/8") bowl gouge with an Irish/Ellsworth grind (buy an Ellsworth grinding jig - about $30) and a 3/8" spindle gouge. Maybe an oval skew and a parting tool. To my mind, forget a roughing gouge. You can do everything that a roughing gouge can do with the 1/2" bowl gouge, and better. Also, notice, no scrapers. A bowl gouge can do every bit as good a sheer/scraping cut as a scraper, but one (or more) less tools.

Whit

Re: Tools for the beginner

Michael Rubes, Apex, NC

>Hi Doug,

I bought 5 crown tools when I first started turning about 2 years ago and really like them. I've added a few other brands to the mix (Sorby, no-name Chinese, etc) and think the Crowns are a good deal.

Insofar as the sets offered by the companies, I think it is better to evaluate what type of turning you want to do and then buy appropriate tools. The one set I bought has a few spindle gouges that I have never used. Of course, your mileage may vary, etc...

Good luck, start turning and post a pic of what you make!

Mike

Lathe calling my name in Apex, NC...

Re: Tools for the beginner *LINK*

MikeinCapeMay

>Crown make decent tools. As mentioned buy only what you think you will need, buy a set only if it appears to contain tools that you will use and the price is right. Take a look at Craft Supplies, they sell several lines of tools that are less expensive and still have quality, such as Artsan, Hamlet and a cheaper Taylor line. Here's a link to them:


Woodturner's catalog

Re: Tools for the beginner

Brad

>I agree with Mark's comments on the PN tools from Lee Valley, they are excellent at a good price. I suggest you borrow a spindle gouge and turn your own handles, it's fun and great practice!

Re: Tools for the beginner

Guy

>Just my opinion but first decide what kind of turning you will mainly be doing. If you are going to be all around try a 1/2 inch bowl gouge, parting tool, a skew, and a small spindle gouge, a good thick scraper. I have had real good luck with Crown, prices are reasonable and they work well. Remember, you need a way to sharpen these things. Do a search for ways to sharpen, should keep you reading for a while :). I have a variety of tools and I use a grinder with a wolverine system, works for me , your mileage may vary. Have fun and be safe. Guy