Turning tool help

The tools you bought are probably carbon steel. I got a set with my Sears Craftsman tube bed lathe and I am still using them. I doubt that the weight of the tool is the problem. More than likely you need lottsa practice. Start out on some 12 to 18 inch lengths of square stock in the spindle turning mode and use these for practice pieces. If you have a nearby turner friend, ask him to help you with the use of the different tools. I didn't have one at the time, so I studied up on it from some basic turning books. Good luck and good turning.

Leif

chuck - that cost as

steel turning tools

the tools are so light

tools. WoodCraft supply

much as he has some

budget is the key

I don't think the weight of the tools would make any difference if they were handled correctly. I would get Keith Rowley's book Woodturning a Foundation Course, or one of Raffan's books on basics. If you can get a video, or better yet find someone who can assist you in proper practice procedures. If you are lucky there might even be a club somewhere close by. Most woodturners that I have met are more than happy to assist a new turner. As far as making tools, it is possible, but it would probably be easier to learn on the ones that you have. I think that scrapers are pretty easy to make, but gouges would be more difficult. The time you would spend on making the tools, would be better spent on practicing with the ones that you have. Good luck, and keep trying, Don Hart

chuck - that cost as

steel turning tools

the tools are so light

tools. WoodCraft supply

much as he has some

budget is the key

What sort of work are you doing? If bowls, buy a 1/2" bowl gouge for $50-$70. Then you can get the

set.You can grind the larger skew to use as a 1/4" thick x 1" wide scraper.Also, to prevent chatter remember to keep the toolrest close to your work. Check out some videos from your library such as the video "Bowl Turning" by Del Stubbs and "Turning Wood" by Richard Raffan. You will learn the principles of tool use.

If you got the 1/8" thick carbon steel set from Harbor Freight that cost between 5 and 10 bucks, I can understand your problem. I do actually use two pieces from this cheap set for special operations where they are ground to custom profiles. But they are a disaster for general use.

That 8 piece set from Harbor Freight is a very nice one. I've had them sharpened recently and everyone in the shop that did the sharpening, seemed to be shocked at the quality. They are made of HZ and sharpen real nice.

Dan

That's HSS not HZ! Bad spell checker! BAD!

I agree with Leif, the lack of weight is not causing the kick back. Kick back is caused by the cutting edge grabbing because the bevel is not being used to limit the depth of cut. The bevel needs to be in contact with the wood directly following the cut. Bring the bevel into contact with with the turning and "slowly" raise the handle until the cutting edge just begins to cut. A light touch with a delicate hand will make maintaining just the right bevel/cutting edge contact easy. A "white knuckle" grip is totally counter-productive.

Sharp tools and good bevel contact will help to limit tear out. High carbon tools can made be just as sharp or sharper than HSS tools. The edge just won't stay sharp as long. You'll just get more practice sharpening. Grind away a your cheap tools until you are very good at sharpening. When there is no more tool to sharpen, you'll be ready for the more expensive HSS tools.

The best way to start to aquire a set of tools is one at a time after you have enough experience to know which ones that you really need.

Find a mentor to look over your shoulder; he or she will teach you more in an afternoon than you'll learn by yourself in a month or two.

I have used the HF tools. The really cheap ones are carbon steel and take a good bit of work to sharpen so they can be used. I got them to practice sharpening and to try different grinds. HF also sells the "Windsor" tools that are HSS for about $30. These are not a bad set, especially for the price. I took the time to clean up the grinds on them but found that they work quite well and hold an edge.

Do they compare to the Sorbey or other good tools that I have gotten from Woodcraft--maybe.

I certainly don't regret the $30.

Brian

Loose the wife!

chuck - that cost as

steel turning tools

the tools are so light

tools. WoodCraft supply

much as he has some

budget is the key

Get your own checkbook!