Good set of Woodturning tools

Me too!

I saw a set at penn state industries on line and wondered if they are better or equivilent to the Harbor frieght tools that have been listed before as "acceptable" for new turners.

Please advise.

Mike

I'm not a Sears fan but their set of turning tools are pretty decent. See:

If the link doesn't work, Sears item #00928596000 Mfr. model #28596.

I have a couple of the PSI spindle gouges. They seem OK but don't seem to hold an edge as well as my more expensive tools. Harbor Freight also offers a set of tools for just under $40. I haven't used them but a number of people say they are good. BTW, don't buy any turning tool that is not made out of High Speed Steel. And...you need a way to keep those tools sharp. So put some money in your budget for a grinder with white wheels and possibly a good grinding jig.

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I recommend the Harbor Freight High Speed Steel (HSS) set. It may not be as good as the best on the market, but it is equal to most HSS sets you'll pay

2-3 times as much for. You'll also need to pick up a bowl gouge since the HF set does not include one. HF at one time had 2 different HSS sets, one for about 34$ and the other for $39. I think they only have the $39 set now, called the Windsor brand. For a bowl gouge, Woodcraft and Lee Valley have some unhandled tools (K&N ? brand), that appear to be pretty good at a bargain price. Only problem is visual, since they are black oxide finish, but if you don't need the conventional chrome color.... After you use these tools for a few months, then you can decide what else you need, which may include a few high quality carbon steel tools for finishing cuts. Just MHO, YMMY.

Ken Moon Webberville, TX.

I have both. I started out with the HF HSS 8 piece set, bought a couple of Crown bowl gouges and then saw a special from PennState ($60 for an 8 piece set). They are of similar quality, but just enough difference in the two sets to make purchase of both worthwhile.

Given that I am not the world's greatest turner, the choice is simple - both give good quality (remember good, better best?) and a very reasonable price.

Deb

I bought a set of the Penn State tools, then bought several more of them individually. I have Crowns, Sorbys, and Henry Taylors that I use for me, but was looking for a cheap alternative for teaching.

In my wildest dreams I would not let someone practice with my good stuff... I am thinking of the monster catch > I < had on a piece where a knot secured with CA blew out anyway and the resulting catch bent my gouge and broke the ferrule!

Nor will I let someone practice sharpening any of my good tools. When I started I bought a Delta set, and ground those babies relentlessly experimenting with angles, styles, and techniques. They were perfect, and a bargain at $59 at the Borg.

The Penn State sets are an excellent value, much better than I expected, but they cause a lot of grief. I now have several that I have ground differently for different functions, and I hate the fact that they cost only 1/4 to 1/5 the price of my Sorbys, but work 98% as well.

It galls me to no end that I can buy a set of 8 for what ONE 1/2" bowl gouge from Sorby costs. So when I have a class or demo, I use those so the students won't be thinking that they will NEVER be able to afford good tools, and I don't have to worry about leaving my bag out with 6

-7 tools in it that make the bag worth more than my Jet mini with the Vicmarc chuck combined.

Robert

thx for the info.

Mike

Ken,

I believe you mean P&N, Patience and Nickleson. I have one of their detail gouges in a Kelton handle. The combination is a bit pricey but I have other plans for the handle. But I really like that gouge. It holds and edge for quite a while and seems to work better for me than any other gouge that size.

No connection other than a satisfied owner.

I believe you mean P&N, Patience and Nickleson. I have one of their

detail gouges in a Kelton handle. The combination is a bit pricey bu I have other plans for the handle. But I really like that gouge. I holds and edge for quite a while and seems to work better for me than any other gouge that size.

No connection other than a satisfied owner. I have the P & N 1 1/8" Skew from Lee Valley. I made a hickory handle fo it an now it's one of my favorite tools