Hey Guys,
I finally have things in place to turn some wood. Went down to home depot yesterday and picked up some poplar dowels. I need to pick up a nice lathe tool or two to start carving. Any advice as to which tool will be the most versatile. Thanks, PB

If your just turning dowels and you need one tool,a 3/4 or 1 in skew will get you started. For turning square wood you will
need a 1/2 to 3/4 in gouge. I use a 1/2 in gouge and 1 in skew.
Main thing is,buy the best you can afford. Alot of guys buy Sorbys as they are one of the best. You can also try a used tool shop where sometimes you can find English Sheffield steel tools at a good price.

As JPI stated, you can do a lot with the skew. It will depend some on what type of plugs you are making and how much wood you need to remove. I still use a 3/4 inch gouge when turning dowels if I need to remove a chunk of wood on one section. 1 inch skew for everything else. I've been using Sorby tools. Good stuff, not cheap either. Also pick up a face shield and a respirator designed to filter out fine dust particles. Sandpaper too.

Jigman

Thanks Guy's,
My local wood working store just sells the Sorbys so thats what I'll be getting. For now I will be getting just the one tool because of the price. Thanks again, I think I'll go with the 1 inch skew. PB

Just a note of caution, the skew is probably the hardest turning tool to learn to use. Keep practicing, get a video, or better, watch someone else use one. Once you get the hang of it, a skew is a great tool.

Sears has a complete set of high speed turnining tools for 80 bucks. If you can afford it. Quality tools.:D

Woodcrafters in East Greenwich has a great woodturning dept. Expensive but I just sprung for a 3/4" gouge for $56.00. It is the finest tool I have ever used. They also have some great buys on Forstner bits. 3/4" and 5/8" for $9 and $12. Perfect bits for drilling eyes in big Dannys.