after getting my new (to me) lathe set up I’m now looking into some turning tools. I’ve read several articles in FWW and I have a basic idea of what I want to start out with. my list so far includes:
1. 3/4″ roughing gouge
2. 3/4″ oval skew chisel
3. diamond parting tool
now what i’m not sure about is whether to get a 3/8″ bowl or a 3/8 spindle gouge. right now I only want to buy one, although I’ll probably end up getting more down the road. I’d like to do some bowl turning, but I’ll probably end up doing more spindle work, so would it be a good idea to use a bowl gouge in place of a spindle gouge? I’m thinking that the only difference between a bowl and a spindle gouge is the grind and the length, and that I’d be better off with a longer bowl gouge as it could be more versatile. So should I go with a spindle gouge or a bowl gouge? also, is there anything that you expert turners would add or change to this list?
All of these will be Henry Taylor HSS tools, unless someone can point me in the direction of something better. I don’t mind spending a few bucks on good chisels as my lathe was free (it’s an old cast iron base General 160)
I’m also thinking about making some of my own scrapers in the future. I’ll probably use O1 tool steel unless i find a deal on some HSS. Has anyone done this and if so are there any unusual problems that i should take into consideration before making them?
thanks
andrew
Replies
Andrew,
If you're a novice turner, I'd say get the spindle gouge and stick with making spindles for now. Get the bowl gouge when you start those projects. Don't know if it makes a whole lot of difference, but trying to use the wrong tool for the job can easily lead to frustration and bad habits.
Didn't you write about your free General 190 a couple weeks ago? I hate you! (Bear in mind that the only thing I've ever gotten for free is what the bird left on the pump handle.)
Jeff
Hi Andrew ....
I'm not too far ahead of you in the turning game, but I think you'd be OK with the spindle gouge first if that's your primary interest at this time. The main difference between the two is the bevel angle (and perhaps the grind coming back along the flutes further to produce the 'fingernail' grind/shape). I have both and sometimes find that the spindle gouge works better on some bowl hollowing operations than the bowl gouge does. It's when you're deep inside a vessel and need the steeper angle on the bowl gouge to get a rubbing bevel cut that it works better.
What type of spindle turning are you planning on doing?
[email protected]
Andrew,
Your starter tool list looks good. Just a couple comments:
I have used both oval and plain rectanglar skews, and now prefer the rectangular type for its greater mass. The rectangular skew has less tendency to bounce around, and if you generously round the corners and make sure your tool rest is smooth, as you should anyway, there is no problem with it snagging on the toolrest. I also find I have better control with it for rolling beads. Another disadvantage to the oval skew is the lack of a flat reference- makes it more difficult to grind.
The diamond parting tool is nice, but you could also make one of those thin parting tools easily. I used a lawn edger blade that I found. Hacksaw/grind an edge like on the one Crown sells, put on a handle, and you have a parting tool.
You really need a spindle gouge for spindle turning; a bowl gouge won't do because it has an entirely different cross section- much heavier for rigidity.
Scrapers are very easy to make. I made a set of heavy bowl scrapers out of 3/8" thick O1. Just make sure you anneal them properly after hardening. There are also HSS metal turning tool bits available, although the ones that I have seen are a little too short. Enco is one source. There are also Allen wrenches, leaf springs, old files (anneal it first)- if it's hard and not too brittle, someone has made scrapers out of it.
Henry Taylor is probably ok, but also check out http://www.packardwoodworks.com/ . Their house brand looks like a good value, and I have heard good things about the company.
Have fun with your "new" lathe- I read your tool gloat and I'm still green with envy by the way. Don't you have a metal lathe also? I need a part turned on a metal lathe- email me if you want to do some horse trading for lathe stuff.
Rick
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