First tool and grinder recommendations...

[PAC]

Just ordered my new lathe . Now I'm looking for a few tools and a grinder to get me started. I would rather buy a small number of fairly good quality tools, than a cheap set of low quality ones. Don't want to go for top quality at this stage just in case I abuse them :? . Any recommendations would be very helpful. Also, I need a grinder. Do I need to search further a field than B&Q for this? I've read that high speed grinders with aluminium oxide wheels are good. Again, would really like your advice.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TEP]

Hi Paul.

You can buy a 6" grinder for less than £20, but I would suggest you get at least one white wheel for it. So what you need to do is price up a grinder and wheel, against, a grinder fitted with a white wheel and choose which is the cheapest.

Cheap tools, just buy the standard Hamlet or Crown H2 HSS tools to get started with, but just buy the tools you need. Don't go and buy one of these sets that they market, half the tools never get used in those boxes.

You can get H30, and H60 steel tools but you don't need to think about them at this stage. If and when you do you only need to buy your favourite tools in these hard steels. I only have three, the rest are still standard H2 steel.

Good luck with your turning! Another one on the slope :twisted:

 

[sooty]

Hi Paul
I started with this
http://www.axminster.co.uk/pricing/INC/ ... 789070.htm
and these
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Perf ... -21761.htm
and after using them for 2 years I am still happy with them.

Phil

 

[CHJ]

That's where I started 3+ years ago,and although some of the the perform tools are not my preferred shapes today they still have their uses mixed in with others I have collected as a need was identified.

 

[PowerTool]

Another vote for the Axminster wide-wheel grinder.
Most of my chisels are Crown HSS - mainly acquired at the rate of one a month.My 3/8" bowl gouge gets most use - as said,you don't need to buy a set,just get a few essentials and add to them as required.

Andrew

 

[Bodrighy]

Tool wise I tend to buy as needed so don't have that many. I was lucky and was 'lent' some decent Sorby ones when I started but the ones I have bought I have done by hefting it around in my hand. Don't know if makes sense to anyone else but sometimmes the tool jsut doesn't feel right no matter who made it. I also have 2 Sorby skews I grabbed off fleabay for a tenner. Find them really useful and a real bargain.

Pete

 

[user 5053]

Yes, get some quality brand individual tools rather than a set and don't waste your money on a lot of the gimmicky tools and products which are aimed at the amateur market.

 

[Scrums]

Definitely stay away from anything that's not a 'brand name' and especially those complete sets in a presentation box at a silly price.

Most of mine are Crown, though I'm tending to go for Ashley Iles unhandled nowadays. Whatever you do - don't add an oval skew to your initial shopping list !

Chris.

 

[hpl]

I buy mostly Ashley Isles as they seem to be the most constant in quality, and most of the time I still use a Sealey 6" bench grinder that my father paid very little for about 15 years ago. The pink wheels are the best I have tried. I have a tormek but I have worn the wheel down and haven't bothered to replace it yet.

Chris, what is the problem with an oval skew? I find them much easier to control than square one.

I am mostly spindle turning with some faceplate work and the tools I use all the time are as follows.
1 1/4" roughing out gouge
3/4" and 1/2" bowl gouges If buying one would be 1/2"
Diamond Parting Tool
1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" spindle gouges If one would be 3/8"
1/2" skew chisel.

I then have many others that I use but those are the tools I use all the time. That is my preference for how I work and I guess that everyone has their favourite tools so you will need to experiment to see what works for you.

Johnny B

 

[Scrums]

No problems with an oval skew - one of the best tools I have, in fact the only one I have in different sizes - 1/2", 1", 1 1/4".

But the easiest way to put yourself off turning before you've actually started as a newbie, they're not at all forgiving when you get them wrong.

Chris.

 

[PAC]

Thanks for all your advice. My lathe has just been delivered. It's still in the box and I've got a few back twinges after helping the delivery guy lift it into the garage. :shock:

All I need now are some tools, a grinder and a pile of experience. At least I have some fresh walnut logs to play with.

 

[loz]

Great News !

Well be careful its addictive.

Have you had a look at the local school for night classes ? or asked for any local turners for some tuition ?

Did me wonders !! ( not that you can tell from my photos ) but on a confidence, and tool handling etc..

Have fun !!

Loz