vig129 Posted January 9, 2012 Report Share Posted January 9, 2012 I just bought an old lathe from a friend and would like to start turning. Does anyone have any suggestions on what chisels i should start with , I would like turn bowls and some spindals.I would like to stay in the middle with price . It came with a faceplate and some craftsman chisels that dont look to bad. Thanks vig129 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmykx250 Posted January 10, 2012 Report Share Posted January 10, 2012 shop on craigs list. Buy what your budget will afford. The harbor freight stuff is worth what you pay for it (not much) trust me!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rgraham888 Posted January 10, 2012 Report Share Posted January 10, 2012 FIrst, get some wetstones. Sharp tools will make your life soooooo much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Roger T Posted January 10, 2012 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 10, 2012 Sorry to be contrary but, forget the whetstones, and get a proper grinder setup. Learn how to sharpen, whether it be freehand or jig assisted. A 5 or 6 piece set of tools that includes a bowl gouge and a spindle gouge from Benjamins Best will get you started. Find some wood, sharpen your tools and turn alot. Its the only way to get better. I dont know what you want to turn, but bowls and spindle type work are good starting points. If you are interested in bowls, I did a live webcast on Bowl Turning 101, and tried to provide enough information for the new turner to get going. I forgot to include to get a GOOD Faceshield. and wear it religiously. There is nothing like bouncing a hunk of wood off your noggin at 70mph to ruin your day, or snuff out your life. Be safe and have fun. Roger 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbarton22 Posted January 11, 2012 Report Share Posted January 11, 2012 I second that. Faceshield is #1 purchase. frankly, I don't even care if it is the $16 kind, just get something in front of your face before you turn it on. Until you are able to understand the what, why and how that causes something to come flying off the lathe, you need to think safety first. Then, once you understand it, you will know why you want safety first. Don't worry, they aren't cumbersome at all. I've actually tapped my shield iwth my hand trying to scratch my face forgetting I was wearing it. After that, no loose clothing, especially sleeves. After that, get some gouges and go have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaBear Posted January 11, 2012 Report Share Posted January 11, 2012 I'll third that. Faceshield is a must. As for sharpening, get a grinder set up, and get a jig (imho). Set things up so it's easy to sharpen your tools so that you don't try working with dull chisels, as that's unsafe, and no fun.. Working with good sharp tools is such a pleasure.. For the chisels themselves, one school of thought is to start with cheap, even old carbon steel chisels as it forces you to sharpen more often . Also means that you won't cry (as much) when you mangle your tool a bunch of times on the grinder and quickly find yourself with no steel left. Once you find the type of tool you like, then you can look to buying a 'premium' of whatever that is (gouge, scraper, carbide cutter, etc..). In any case, welcome to the brotherhood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vig129 Posted January 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 Thanks everyone ! I do have a faceshield and I wear it with my safety glasses . I just ordered some chisels and cant wait to start turning . I am also going to to build a jig for my grinder so i get consistent bevels. The video Roger has was very helpful and i learned a lot. vig129 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Reckner Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I an new to turning also and just wanted to say sharpening is key if everything is sharp then the turning is effortless, but I hate sharpening so while I am learning and getting better at it, I bought a full set of the easy wood tools with the changeable carbide replacement tips. They last at least 10 times longer than my high speed steel chisels and the price was a lot less than most and did I mention they cut like a dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckkisser Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 get the wolverine sharpening system i just got one of the jigs and it makes sharpening a snap slip it on touch up and go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
croessler Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 When I started turning a few years ago I bought the Lathe used but the tools and jig where new. The best investment I made for my turning was the Wolverine system and a slow speed grinder. In my opinion it's just about the best option out there.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowdymon Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 A small lathe is something I"ve been wanting to play with... A good friend of mine gave me a couple of the Easy Wood Turning tools that have removable and replaceable carbide cutting tools... Here's an article on them http://www.renaissancewoodworker.com/wood-turning-is-fun-again/ I'll let you know when I get the shop straightened out and can put them to the test... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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