New Carbide Tools Ease the Turning Curve

One of the challenges Of learning to turn wood is learning to sharpen the tools. Traditional turning tools require complicated bevel angles and finely ground cutting edges, and sharpening them requires either specialized jigs or hours of practice. Rockler’s new carbide turning tools come ready to cut and stay sharp for hours. And when one side of the cutter gets dull, you just rotate it to expose a fresh edge. When it’s worn out, you simply buy a replacement.

Using the tools is more straightforward, too. You operate them as you would a scraper, plunging straight in. The difference is these tools have a sharper edge than a scraper and leave a cleaner surface. But they are shorter than standard turning tools, which limits the distance they can be extended off the tool rest. (The rule of thumb for scraping is you need seven to nine times more tool on your side of the rest than the amount on the lathe side.)

The Rockler set comes with three cutters. The square one is made for bulk removal, handy for making tenons of all kinds. A 1⁄2-in.-radius cutter is useful for making coves on spindles and planing cuts. The V-cutter is good for detail work. The tips are easy to remove and replace (they cost $18 to $21). The handles are very comfortable, with a soft rubberlike material that absorbs vibration well.

You’ll want to add to your arsenal later, but these tools are a great way to get into turning. Have fun!

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