Turning tool set for a beginner

[CHJ]

So many beginners don't have the luxury of an experienced turner to help them choose a set of basic tools that won't cost them a fortune or cause them a lot of unnecessary grief, I thought it might be an idea to put a sample list in the assistance for newbies thread.

Here's my thoughts based on easy to use, suitable for small lathe tasks, but still valid items as the confidence and size of project deems bigger or more specialist tools necessary.

See if we can all come up with a sensible half dozen or so that won't break the bank and lead someone off on an exotic spending spree that just results in a rack of never used items.


• 3/4 or 1” Spindle Roughing Gouge
• 3/8” Spindle Gouge
• 1/2” Flat Skew Chisel
• 1/2” Round Nose Scraper
• 3/16” Diamond Parting Tool
• 3/8” Bowl Gouge (standard grind)

 

[Vulthoom]

I was wondering at the "standard grind" for the bowl gouge.
As a beginner I have found the standard grind very awkward to use and it was only when I reshaped the gouge completely that I have started getting anywhere with it.

Just a thought.

 

[hpl]

A very good idea, so here are the tools I couldn't do without.

Roughing Gouge. I use 1 1/4" but 1" may be more suitable
Diamond Parting Tool 5mm
Bowl Gouge 1/2" kind of finger nail grind
Bowl Gouge 3/4" Ground straight across
Spindle Gouge 1/2" Fingernail grind
Spindle Gouge 3/8" ditto
Skew Chisel 3/4" ground at an angle.

It's 7 not 6 but that's what I use all the time. Most people would want a half round scraper in there as well I guess, just that I rarely use mine. You could drop the 1/2" spindle gouge and use the 1/2" bowl gouge for most things so we aren't getting too many over the half dozen.

Johnny B

 

[PowerTool]

I'd probably swap the round scraper for a flat one,but agree completely with the other five.

Andrew

 

[Paul.J]

I bought This set when i first started,and i know most say don't get buying a set like this as you don't use them all but i do use most of these,depending what i'm doing.
I don't use the skew as much but i do have a little go with it now and again just to try and get used to it.So it is their to do that
As most beginners start off making smaller pieces,i think this set or similar is ideal until you get the confidence to go bigger than buy bigger

 

[sooty]

I started with these from Axminster http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Perf ... -21761.htm
I think they are ideal for anyone starting out
After 3 years of use I am still happy with the tools and they are the most used tools in my rack.

Phil

 

[mikec]

Like Paul J. I started with the Sorby set and although I have now acquired many more (some not a very wise choice) the basic Sorby set gets used on a regular basis. The mix seems to be just right.

Regards,

Mike C

 

[duncanh]

Like Phil I started out with the Perform set although I still use most of the tools in it I have to say that the bowl gouge is pretty awful - the flute is way too shallow compared to other bowl gouges and it's more like a long spindle gouge, in fact that is what it's now ground and used as.

Duncan

 

[tekno.mage]

I was wondering at the "standard grind" for the bowl gouge.
As a beginner I have found the standard grind very awkward to use and it was only when I reshaped the gouge completely that I have started getting anywhere with it.

Just a thought.

I agree, Vulthoom. I bought a Record Power 3/8" as my first bowl gouge, which was supplied with a standard grind & I found it difficult to use until I ground the wings back a bit. My second bowl gouge was a Record Power 1/2" which got the same treatment. I like the Record Power gouges, they are reasonably cheap and come with decent long handles.

Since then, I have inexpensively added to my bowl gouge collection by buying second-hand on Ebay which has let me experiment with different grinds & gouges (Crown, Robert Sorby, Henry Taylor) but I still use my original Record Power ones & a Crown 1/2" one ground to a steeper bevel the most.

tekno.mage

 

[big soft moose]

So many beginners don't have the luxury of an experienced turner to help them choose a set of basic tools that won't cost them a fortune or cause them a lot of unnecessary grief, I thought it might be an idea to put a sample list in the assistance for newbies thread.

Here's my thoughts based on easy to use, suitable for small lathe tasks, but still valid items as the confidence and size of project deems bigger or more specialist tools necessary.

See if we can all come up with a sensible half dozen or so that won't break the bank and lead someone off on an exotic spending spree that just results in a rack of never used items.


• 3/4 or 1” Roughing Gouge
• 3/8” Spindle Gouge
• 1/2” Flat Skew Chisel
• 1/2” Round Nose Scraper
• 3/16” Diamond Parting Tool
• 3/8” Bowl Gouge (standard grind)

I bought essentially that set when i started (8+ years ago) and it seems about right except that i have never used the skew. What i did/do find very useful is a 3/8 parting/beading tool - used principally for cutting chuck recesses

 

[Rob_H]

Thanks -I'm just about to order a a lathe and this is very useful.

 

[boysie39]

I started with the Sorby set and still use whats left of them. I should have got some advice on sharpening before I eventully did. I have restocked with other tools but still reach for the old reliable most of the time. REgards Boysie

 

[wabbitpoo]

If money is tight, could not the roughing gouge be dropped? I dont have one and manage quite Ok to round out blanks.

 

[Bodrighy]

Whilst you can round off blanks with a bowl gouge which is stong enough (a decent sized one) I wouldn't advise doing it with a spindle gouge personally as these are not strong enough unless you have rounded the blank off with a band saw first. If one of the gouges snaps you could be in serious trouble.

Pete

 

[CHJ]

If money is tight, could not the roughing gouge be dropped? I dont have one and manage quite Ok to round out blanks.

I assume you are referring to spindle blanks wabbit, a cautionary note to new turners, a Spindle roughing Gouge should never be used on Bowl Blanks, the tang is not robust enough to stand the shock loads that may be encountered with end grain.

A roughing gouge is intended for spindle work only, but the work can be accomplished with a Solid Shank Spindle Gouge (as opposed to tanged) or Bowl Gouge.

 

[Richard Findley]

• 3/4 or 1” Roughing Gouge
• 3/8” Spindle Gouge
• 1/2” Flat Skew Chisel
• 1/2” Round Nose Scraper
• 3/16” Diamond Parting Tool
• 3/8” Bowl Gouge (standard grind)

To add my penny's worth, I tend to use a 10mm (3/8") Beading and Parting tool rather than the narrower version (although at times the thinner type can be handy!).

I prefer a 3/4" Skew (from Ashley Isles), although I am currently experimenting with the round type.

I don't use Scrapers unless using very dense timbers or box making and even then a Skew on it's side works quite nicely so I'd probably drop that one.

I'd also agree with the earlier comment about Bowl Gouge grinds although the more swept back wing takes a little practice to grind well.

I think that most of us seem to agree on the basic tools but each of us develops their own style and way of using the tools, it's interesting to see what we each do in our little workshops!

Richard