dave
New Member
Posts: 3 
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Post by dave on May 13, 2014 19:05:34 GMT
Hi there,
I'm new to turning (8months) and have just been getting my feet wet with a bunch of spindle turning. I have a small midi lathe that came with some old tools from a previous owner that are pretty shabby by most standards. I bought a Sorby roughing gouge and the slim parting tool and have been blown away by the quality. I probably 'cheat' a bit too much using the roughing gouge for anything I can except end grain work.
I'm looking to get a few additional tools to keep the collection going. I could really do with a quality spindle gouge but wondered what peoples thoughts were on the regular spindle gouge vs something like the spindle master. What would be the next couple of tools you would purchase if you were starting out again.
To give you an idea of the projects I see myself doing, I'm loving the spindle work and want to continue developing my skills on vases, peppermills, bottle stoppers as well as doing some beginner faceplate work like platters and small bowls.
Thanks for any input!
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Post by Jeff Farris on May 13, 2014 19:42:14 GMT
Dave,
Welcome to the forum and to woodturning. Given what you've told us about yourself, I would encourage you to look at a couple of tools for your next step. I'm a big fan of the SpindleMaster. An experienced turner can create finer detail with a spindle gouge ground to a fingernail than he can with a SpindleMaster, but the SpindleMaster is easier to get a feel for than the fingernail gouge. It also does many of the jobs of a skew, making it a good value for money.
I would also take a close look at the new TurnMaster. It has a short learning curve, is very versatile and offers excellent value for money with its interchangeable tips.
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Post by malcolm1309 on May 13, 2014 23:41:37 GMT
Hi Dave,
I haven't found problems with any Sorby Woodturning tools, but there are others available that are just as good for less money. If you want value for money check out eBay you will find Sorby tools as well as other makes for much less than new retail prices. They may be second hand but Sorby and all the other well known british makes of HSS tools are "good to the last inch". Just watch out for the older carbon steel tools as these won't hold an edge for anywhere near the same length of time as HSS. I would recommend that you try out the traditional tools such as spindle gouges, both normal and fingernail profile, skew chisels, bedan, etc. It would be worth seeking out other woodturners who may have tools you can try out as well as give you advice.
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ross
New Member
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Post by ross on May 14, 2014 2:19:35 GMT
Dave
I agree with Jeff when it comes to the spindlemaster, it is very easy to use and it gives a good finish. My other favorite is the hollowmaster.
Ross
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Post by stephenbeneke on May 14, 2014 4:25:50 GMT
Hi Dave,
My favourite tool for spindle work is the Skew Chisel, it takes a bit of getting use too but once mastered is a great bit of kit.
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dave
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by dave on May 14, 2014 15:18:51 GMT
Thanks everyone for the great responses!
Jeff - I'll be sure to check out the Turnmaster as it's not something I was aware of until today. Looks like it can handle a lot!
Malcom1309 - good to know about the range of tools out there. I'm also inclined to want to start with the 'traditional' set of tools and learn from the ground up so to speak. That's the only reservation I have with some of the newer tools. I can't decide if it's the purist in me or whether I should be more open to the new technology that can get the job done just as well, and with greater ease. I guess it's like the hand tools vs power tools debate.
ross - good to hear another in favor of the spindlemaster. It does seem almost like a perfect hybrid tool that can do a lot of things for the price of one. You have me curious about the hollowmaster. I was frankly a bit confused about all the hollowing tool options available out there and not knowing where to start. Maybe the hollowmaster fits the bill perfectly.
stephenbeneke - ahh the skew! I wondered if anyone would comment on this. I need to get over my nervousness for a novice like me, but would like to become more adept with it. The one I currently have doesn't give me a lot of confidence as it's more of a home made tool someone passed down to me. Do you or anyone have any recommendations for the best size to start with? I'm also wondering what the differences are between the standard and oval varieties.
Thanks again everyone!
Dave
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Post by offcut on May 14, 2014 19:06:41 GMT
Dave
There is much that can be said for all the tools mentioned, but it is learning to use them that is the first step. Getting a lesson will help, but you should definetely join a club where you will benefit from the experience and generosity of time the members will give you.
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Post by Pat Murphy on May 15, 2014 6:40:37 GMT
Definitely join a club as early as possible ,it could help you avoid costly mistakes. Don't be too eager to get lots of tools There is an old turner (Reg Slack I think) who turns up with 4 tools and says what do you want me to make,
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Post by Pete on May 15, 2014 10:49:56 GMT
another vote for the spindle master here, waiting for my birthday to get the other sizes, on skew's I recommend oval ones, probably 3/4" to get started with (still my most used size) I did a 15" trembler with mine as part of my journeyman training, spindle down to 3mm with droplets, bottles and glasses along the length about 12mm diameter, could not have done that with a square profile, but relatively easy with the oval.
My other stock tool for spindle work is the half inch spindle gouge, I replaced a worn one last year with the Sorby titanium plated one, not sure if it was worth the extra cost as I don't record how often I sharpen tools, do them as a set before turning away from home, or when they stop performing when at home. It will last me years so I will forget the cost long before I struggle to sharpen a stump.
As for old tech v new tech, I recommend new most of the time, they are mostly developments from experience, the exception is hollowing, for this I recommend multiple courses with different tools, it really is a case of which shape works for you.
Much of my collection has come from wish lists for birthday & xmas, problem is when you get them all on the wall, its fine... when away from home I seldom take more than 6 so really that should be all I need.
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woody
New Member
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Post by woody on May 15, 2014 14:55:14 GMT
I am of the old school and use the same ol tool or home made tools including some carbide tipped tools oh and Robert Sorby Medium Sovereign Ultima System for deep vases also I now do most of my sharpening on the Pro edge which I love
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Post by Fettler on May 16, 2014 15:48:57 GMT
I'm a bit old-school as well...I do most of my turning with just six tools, two each of skew and spindle gouge, plus narrow parting tool and a deep-fluted gouge. You certainly have to get a bit creative if you don't have the wonder-tool that would do the job..!
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Post by edbanger on May 28, 2014 5:38:56 GMT
I have lessons with an old RPT he's 73 and he has taught me that all you need is a good set of gouges, learn to keep them sharp and there's not a lot more that you will need.
I would second recommending joining a club and taking a lesson.
Ed
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Post by Rob on May 28, 2014 9:23:07 GMT
I'm the first to respect traditional approaches to all forms of wood working. I also embrace new technology and approaches when they give a genuine benefit. On the roads, there were once only horses and carts....
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