Tools for the lathe

[TB Roye]

Last week I got my Delta LA200 Midi Lathe. I purchased a set of pen turning tool from woodcraft. They are the short handled and short blade type suitable for the lathe. I would like to buy another set of tools to do other turning. Should I get a standard set, long handle, long blade or get one with the short handle and blade? I have seen some short handled one at Woodcraft and Amazon, managed to get my self confused. I know I will not be able to turn big stuff because of the swing and length of the bed, although I am thinking of buying the extention bed for the lathe at a later date.

Tom

[MikeMcCoy]

My first set was the 8 piece (I think) from Harbor Freight. You can always turn small work with the larger tools but it's a little harder to turn large stock with the mini tools. The Pinnacle brand that Woodcraft carries was an economical alternative for me for the more specialized chisels until I quit screwing up metal with the grinder.

[Uncle Cracker]

I have never been disappointed with my Sorby tools, but I have a full-size lathe, and bought the big tools in the very beginning. With a midi lathe, you are probably going to want mid-size tools. Get the tools that are the best suited to the type (and size) of work you will be doing. And even more important than the tools is your ability to sharpen them. A good edge on a cheap tool is still better than a dull edge on a high-dollar tool.

[BigguyZ]

I got the HF HSS set (dark handles). I'm happy with them. I read something online about the cheaper tools, and the writed talked about how there aren't many different types of steel classified as HSS, so really there's not a huge difference between the cheaper and more expensive chisels. Makes sense to me. I think the fit and finish or a more expensive set might be better, but the HF set suits me fine.

And as already stated, the larger tools are fine for smaller work. Larger tools have more mass, and will chatter less than a smaller tool. Also, you can usually get a better grip on the bigger tools too.

[bmyers]

Get whatever chisel looks like a good deal and don't worry about the handles too much. With a lathe, you can make any kind of handle you want for your chisels.

The lighter colored HF chisels are not that bad. There is a REAL cheap set with lighter colors handles but skip those. The HSS set is pretty decent and good to sharpen you sharpening skills with.

I've always like Sorby but also Crown is good too. These guys have an inexpensive set that's about the same if not a little better as the HF stuff.

http://www.woodturningz.com/ This is the same as PSI only cheaper. (you order from the PSI book)

Just checked and I don't see chisels there. Ask them, they might sell them still...


Bill