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Sorby Turning Tools

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Sorby Turning Tools

#1

Sorby Turning Tools

Steve

>I'm planning to order some Robert Sorby woodturning tools from www.thebestthings.com (They seem to have the best prices - if anyone has a cheaper source, I'm interested). This web site lists the standard Sorby tools as well as the Sorby Gold Series. According to the web site, the Gold Series tools have a "titanium coating to increase the edge retention by approximately 3 times over that of the standard models." Is it worth it to pay approximately $5-$10 per tool to buy the Gold Series? Thanks.

Re: Sorby Turning Tools

#2

Re: Sorby Turning Tools

Mark Kauder. Phenix City, AL

>I am a fan of Sorby tools, and have quite a few. However, I would not pay the extra for the coating. Pay extra for different grades of steel, but I don't personnally think that a coating will help past the first sharpening.

I have now personal experience with the coating, this is just my opinion.

Mark

Re: Sorby Turning Tools

#3

Re: Sorby Turning Tools

John D Williams -oubaasjohn

>Just to let you know the coating is applied to the outside surface of the tool not the edge that is ground for sharpening. Thus the coating stays there and according to Sorby extends the time between sharpenings.

I know that the titanium coated drill bits that you can get at CTC or Home Hardware or Home Depot do last better than the uncoated variety but do not have a lathe tool with coating.

I bought some HSS lathe tools all 6 in a wood box from Busy Bee tools for $95.00 and find little difference between them and the sorby tools that cost about as much per tool. The bowl gauges are not as deeply fluted as Sorby but then the shallow groove gives more metal and more edge to rub. Cuts VERY smooth!

Re: Sorby Turning Tools

#4

Re: Sorby Turning Tools

RonZ

>I agree with Mark. I use and sell Sorby [in Israel] and I don't bother stocking the titanium coated version. When you buy a titanium coated drill bot, the coating went over the sharpened area. Once you sharpen a gouge, the coating gets ground away.

I would suggest you look at Hamlet or Packard tools [which is Hamlet]. It's a family business that is at least as good as Sorby and is usually priced less.

Re: Sorby Turning Tools

#5

Re: Sorby Turning Tools

Dennis Taylor (Akron, Ohio)

>I agree with Ron, I have purchased Sorby tools, and the same type of tool from Packard, for less money and can't tell the difference in tool quality, except maybe the name stamped on the handle, other than that, they grind the same, and cut wood the same...Dennis