Tool size for mini lathes

Re: Tool size for mini lathes

David Bassett

I don't think the tool needs to be proportional to the lathe as much as the size of the work. Or course, with a small lathe your friend will be limited to small pieces. I'd look at the smaller sized tools, e.g. 1/4" instead of 3/8" as a starting gouge, but not specifically "mini" ones. That way they'd be potentially more useful if your friend upgrades to a larger lathe.

Re: Tool size for mini lathes

john lucas

tool size and tool length are two different things. I prefer the longer tools because I use my body to turn. I have the tools on my hip and move my hips to control the tool. It called the turners dance and a lot of turners use it.

I do use short tools for turning my ornaments but that's about it. I use the "normal length" of about 16" for most of my tools. You can easily turn small work with a long tool. You can't really turn larger work with a small tool. So I would buy the normal length for now and see what he or she ends up turning. If you turn nothing but pens and christmas ornaments then small tools would be appropriate.

Re: Tool size for mini lathes

John K Jordan

I agree it is best to not use short tools, at least at first. I think until control is mastered the short tools can be squirrelly . I would never start a beginner on short-handled tools.

Frank Penta is a big proponent of short-handled tools, citing their wide use in the trades. However, by definition these people (including Frank!) have a lot of experience!

After that... I often use very short tools on small spindles, holding the shorter steel without handles in one hand. Sometimes it's a matter of which tools are sharp now! But for very delicate cuts on long thin spindles that must be steadied with the other hand, I always reach for gouges and skews with the 16" or so handles, held in one hand but with the butt of the handle supported under my forearm. Works very well ONCE you are used to it!

As for gouge size, I might use a 1/2" or larger spindle gouge on a 4" finial where appropriate such as for gradual curves. I find the tiny gouges and smaller skews nice for fine detail and in places where clearance is tight.

For even small bowls/face turning I don't reach for the smaller sizes except for detail or again, where clearance is a problem.

JKJ

Re: Tool size for mini lathes

Lyle Jamieson

I use my 1/2 inch bowl gouge(measures 5/8) for almost everything. Very versatile. I can use a larger tool to do small things - - - but I can not use small tools to do big things. The main problem is the distance hanging out over the tool rest. Even while doing the inside of a small bowl, the gouge with bevel support is on an angle to the tool rest that requires it to be unsupported out over the tool rest quite a distance. Small tools will end up with vibrations and chatter. Happy Thanksgiving. I have a lot to be thankful for.

I park in blue spaces and use shorter handles

Ken Vaughan

Handle length has a lot to do with style. If you are turning with limited mobility, having the tools horizontal, keeping the tool rest close, and using shorter handles works better.

Re: I park in blue spaces and use shorter handles

Pete in Holland MI

Thanx for the feedback. As I kinda figured, I think I'll push for the longer tools for now.

Happy TG all!

Pete