Is there anyplace that one can trial various turning tools?
I purchased a hollowing tool, and it's frankly a pain in the rear to use. Subsequent to buying that tool, I met a gent who turns and has Robert Sorby's hollowing system, replete with arm brace and side handle. I love it. Hindsight is 20/20.
Do any shops offer tool trials, or must one learn through the trial-and-error method?
Max
Hello Max,
Not many places want to give you a trial because then their tools would be used and no longer new. Your best bet is to join and woodturning club and then talk with other turners and try tools at their shop before you buy.
Another possibility would be to go to the annual AAW Symposium in July and visit the vender area. Most turning tools will be available and many of them will be being demonstrated at the booths. You might get a chance to try a tool there.
Otherwise, you might try doing a search of the newsgroup archives before buying. Most tools have been cussed and discussed here many times over. You can access the archives at: . I believe that address still gets you to the much longer Goodgle address.
Another good place to learn about some tools is to go to my domain address listed below and select Lyn's page. He has a number of tool reviews there that are very unbiased and in detail. They were originally published in More Woodturning.
Fred Holder
Some woodturning shops will let you do this. You just have to ask. The problem is that most of them don't have a complete lineup of tools in order to do a good comparison. They have deals with 1, 2 or maybe even 3 tool makers to carry their tools and that's all they'll have available.
Better yet is to join (if you haven't already) a woodturning club if it's available to your area. You'll most likely find many different kinds of tools from a variety of manufacturers that club members already own and are willing to let you try out.
- Andrew
On Fri, 06 Feb 2004 14:19:52 GMT, "Maxprop" wrote: Try looking up to see if there are any turning clubs in your city and join. Usually many of the guys bring their tools to the meetings for show and tell of their pieces and you can try using them at the meetings. We do that alot in our group. Start here:
Max,
I always recommend that turners "borrow" from others to try out expensive tools before purchase. The other option is to make sure that the vendor has a money back guarentee so that if you don't like the tool, you can return it.
you to
Your website has been a favorite of mine since re-beginning to turn, Fred. Thanks.
Max
So far I haven't determined if we have a woodturning club in my area: South Bend, IN. But your suggestion is sound, and something I surmised before posting my query. Thanks, Andrew.
Max
Max
It looks like you've got one about 2 hours south of you in Fort Wayne. I found it listed here...
Good luck in your tool search,
- Andrew
Hello Max,
I don't know how close these are to you, but there are two clubs in Indiana:
Central Indiana Chapter-AAW Serving: Central IN Meeting Date: 2nd Sunday Chapter Web Site:
Hope this helps.
Fred Holder
I found these as well. Both are about two hours away--certainly not inaccessible, but not particularly convenient either. Perhaps what I need to do is organize turners in this area. Of course as a beginner I'm not exactly in a leadership position, but I'm sure we have some experienced folks hereabouts.
Thanks, Fred.
Max
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