collinb Posted November 23, 2018 Report Share Posted November 23, 2018 Is it best to start with (a) an inexpensive full set of tools or (b) two or three nicer carbide tools and grow the set over time? ** If not (a), why? Convenience only? Or is there a qualitative usage difference? If (b) what are the basic tools one starts with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted November 23, 2018 Report Share Posted November 23, 2018 4 minutes ago, collinb said: Is it best to start with (a) an inexpensive full set of tools or (b) two or three nicer carbide tools and grow the set over time? ** If not (a), why? Convenience only? Or is there a qualitative usage difference? If (b) what are the basic tools one starts with? My opinion: 2 carbide tools, a radius square and a round. And a parting tool that can be high speed steel or carbide (though a HSS parting tool will require a means of sharpening). Go with carbide or high speed steel and avoid high carbon steel for turning tools. The learning curve on carbide tools is much shorter than for traditional HSS. Carbon steel does not hold an edge long in this application and easily looses its temper on a grinder. HSS holds an edge well, and grinds well, but will still need resharpening during the course of any single turning. Carbide holds its edge through multiple projects. Then you replace the cutter. There are things that you can do with traditional HSS tools that are more difficult with Carbide, and vice versa. You will eventually want some good HSS tools, but that is not where I would suggest starting, particularly if you don't have a big budget and don't already have a set up for sharpening lathe tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bankstick Posted November 23, 2018 Report Share Posted November 23, 2018 I bought the set of six HSS tools from HF. In addition, I bought a bowl gouge at our Christmas party last year- have only used it to try it. But I only use the 3/4 roughing gouge, spindle gouge, and the parting tool. I hear a lot of good about the carbide tools. When one part gets dull, turn the blade to a new spot. I have a friend who is an expert turner and recommends Hunter tools. Lots of tools to make a decision. I do have a sharpening system for the HSS tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Dylder Posted November 23, 2018 Popular Post Report Share Posted November 23, 2018 To go on the frugal side for carbide tools. I just bought the replacement bits. Took some square stock steel, tapped a hole in the end, a little careful grinding and filing. Then turn yourself a handle and a copper plumbing cap for a ferrule 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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