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Posted

I've been seeing a bunch of these cheap carbide cutter turning tools. Has anyone had any hands on experience with these?

I currently have traditional tools but haven't had enough experience with them to teach others. I was thinking of picking up a set like the above to shorten my learning curve and possibly get my daughter in the shop and on the lathe for some small projects.

Posted

I have both and actually prefer the traditional tools. One place where I do like them is on resin turnings but other then that really don't use them much. I learned on traditional tools and that may be why I prefer those.

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Posted

I like the carbide scrapers much better than HSS scrapers ... I find scrapers easier to use than cutting gouges and skew, but they also don't leave as nice a cut and finish. But I also don't have enough turning skills to know what I don't know.

What often seems to happen is that I'm using a gouge or skew, get a catch, then don't have enough material left to recover if I should gouge the piece again with second catch ... so get scared and finish what I was doing with a scraper and sandpaper.

The hollowing tool is really nice for bowls with an inside lip.

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Posted
On 10/14/2024 at 12:08 PM, pkinneb said:

I have both and actually prefer the traditional tools. One place where I do like them is on resin turnings but other then that really don't use them much. I learned on traditional tools and that may be why I prefer those.

I do intend to improve my skills and technique with traditional tools. I learned to use them first but had a 20+ year gap before acquiring a lathe so any previous skills are long gone.

Was hoping to take advantage of my daughter being really into Harry Potter now to get her to turn a wand before I blink and she's suddenly too cool for her Dad.

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Posted

yes, that's the type of carbide tools I've got ... The cutters cut fine, and seem to be standard sizes. The cutters will eventually need replacing, but you can get a lot of Harry Potter wands turned before then.

Buy an extra handle, swapping the handle between tools gets old quickly.

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Posted

Thanks for the information. I wasn't aware of the cupped cutters and didn't realize these tools use a smaller cutter than Carter Products or Easy Wood.

I don't expect to use these a ton, mostly just for my daughter at the moment. If she decides it's something she wants to keep doing, nicer tools can be purchased or I can learn how to properly use the traditional tools and teach her.

I doubt I'll ever use the swan's neck but thank you for looking out. I currently only have one face shield but I think my dad has one I can borrow. Safety is the number one priority all the time, especially with a child in the shop. 

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Posted
On 10/30/2024 at 12:17 PM, legenddc said:

I did end up ordering these but didn't get a chance to use them until just now. Honestly, they work pretty great, at least the square and round one that I used. The kit that I ordered has two handles that can be combined into one longer handle. The aluminum handle is light but it held up fine.

I've only used carbide lathe tools once two years ago so I'm not an expert on the cut quality, but it seemed to be fine. Certainly would need more sanding than a properly sharpened and used traditional tool. 

My only complaint is the torx tool doesn't fit the torx bolts. Not a deal breaker but you would think if they're including it that it would fit. I will need to find some replacement carbide cutters eventually.

Unfortunately the wand I was making snapped in half when I was still making it so I didn't sand it. I think a 17" long spindle closing in on 1/2" for the wand part probably needs a steady rest.

Should be a good enough set to get my daughter going with proper supervision.

 

Is the advantage with the carbide style that you do not have to also learn to sharpen the “weird” angles and edges of the tools for turning and you just replace the carbide tip when it gets dull.  I was not sure if there was another reason to use this over the HSS other than preference. 

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Posted

Yes, carbide takes out the issue of learning how to sharpen but it also takes out the learning curve of using the tools. It's not hard to learn to keep the turning tool parallel to the floor and push in. Learning the angles to hold traditional tools takes more practice. I believe traditional turning tools are quicker and if sharpened/used correctly provide cleaner cuts.

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Posted

Yes thank you!  I did a little more looking around on the differences and realized I could have kicked the hornets nest with that question. :D 
 

I inherited a small 12 x 21 lathe from my uncle who can no longer woodwork. I have not done any turning in the past but was going to see if there were some small projects I could do. I was thinking this type of tool might work best since I would only maybe do a small project here and there and was not yet ready to dedicate the time to figure out to to use and sharpen the HSS tools. Still trying to learn enough on the tools I have and getting my joints correct. 

Posted

As legenddc said, basically you trade off easier to use and maintain against a rougher surface and a lot more sanding.  There are also some curves that can be cut more easily with one type of tool than the other.  It's valuable to be able to use both types of tools, but carbide scrapers are a good place to start.  

42 minutes ago, Woodworking_Hobby said:

inherited a small 12 x 21 lathe from my uncle who can no longer woodwork.

So what make&model is this new to you lathe?  Did it come with any accessories?  

Posted
26 minutes ago, Mark J said:

So what make&model is this new to you lathe?  Did it come with any accessories?  

It is a Jet 1221VS. 

He did not get to do much with it and it only has the accessories that came with the original unit. I have not found any turning tools yet but I have not been able to look too hard for anything.

So not turning any large bowls but figured I can do some smaller things and see if I like using the tool and making a few random projects. Was going to start with turning the handle  on some spoons for the kitchen and maybe try a wooden mallet. 

Posted

I picked up these tools to try and get my kids involved. A 7 and 9 year old aren't going to want to watch me sharpen a tool. Similar to you, I have enough other tools and projects to work on and I haven't been able to spend the time needed to learn to use the traditional tools. One day I'll learn to use them properly.

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Posted
3 hours ago, Woodworking_Hobby said:

a Jet 1221VS.

That's a very nice lathe.  A lot of features in a small footprint.  You owe your uncle some extra hugs or something.

You can turn lots of different forms.  e.g. pens, candle holders, boxes, tool handles, kobs.  You can also do bowls, vases and hollow forms up to 10-11 inches in diameter, and keep in mind that most shelves are only 12" deep.

Bowls vases and boxes, etc.  will call for a chuck/s, and pens need some extra equipment, too.  But the others are all 'between centers' work.

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