Replies

1. 
   fussy | Jan 30, 2010 05:40pm | #1

   Drrocks,

   Try the Penn States Ind. CMG3C 4 jaw. It's $99.95, which is relatively inexpensive, well-made, and works very well. You can pay a lot more, but most of the whistles and bells (Tin coating?)mean nothing. (www.pennstateind.com)

   Alan Lacer (famous guy) says to get the biggest bowl gouge you can afford. Penn State has some good ones that are not too high.

   Hope this helps

   Steve

1. 
   DrRocks | Jan 31, 2010 04:13pm | #3

   Thanks for the link to Penn State Industries! Tools I can afford! I am definately going to pick some chisels and pen kits, and that chuck seems like a good idea.

   What do you think of this one?

   http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC2000C.html?mybuyscid=8311032052

   It's still in my price range, and comes with 3 sets of jaws. If it isn't much better than the other one, I wouldn't get it, but I guess I am not sure what to look for in a chuck.

   Thanks,

   -Chris

2. 
   forestgirl | Jan 31, 2010 12:48pm | #2

   Welcome to turning, DrRocks! I'm a new turner also, and have found a couple of ways to save $$ on this somewhat expensive venture. Today is the last day to order the Oneway Talon chuck from Hartville Tool and get 4 excellent instructional DVD's as a bonus. They may be out of stock right now (see link below), but if you want to jump on it, do the "Contact Us" thing. Yes, it's more than your lathe cost, but good chucks are expensive -- you'll probably upgrade your lathe some day and still have a great chuck to go onto the new one.

   http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11552 Otherwise, a knock-off brand would serve you well. Research to be sure there are plenty of accessory jaws and such that you can add down the road.

   Re: chisels, yes Penn State -- Benjamin's Best. Check the descriptions before ordering, make sure the length of the iron is decent (i.e., not a "mini" chisel).

   http://www.pennstateind.com/store/lathe-accessories.html

   I hang out at Sawmill Creek, also, for turning info -- lots of serious turners there -- and several of them use the Ellsworth gouge for bowl turning and seem to get almost all the cuts done with that one tool, which makes it an economical choice in the long-run.

   Have fun!

3. 
   BruceS | Jan 31, 2010 05:28pm | #4

   I have a 3/8" bowl gouge and use it on smaller turnings. But my "go to" is my 1/2" bowl gouge then the 5/8" bowl gouge. Both which have a very long side grind.