Christmas coming...tool help!
 

Hope you all had a fine Turkey Day!

Well with Christmas coming around and being bugged each second about what specific tools I need for my lathe, I gathered that I need a Gouge, Skew, and a Parting Tool.

Problem is I don't know where to buy the cheapest, quality tools from.

Sorby I know is the best however we don't have the money to pay 100 bucks for each tool.

Also, where to look for decent lung and face protection?

Help is always appreciated!

Sears
woodcraft
toolsplus.com

woodcraft and amazon. try the 3M 7503 (get the right size) Half Facepiece Respirator with glasses and a nice faceshield.

Seems that Sears doesn't carry the tools anymore, tools-plus has only 1 kit for 40.00 bucks but that gives me the feeling that they won't last that long given you get what you pay for.

Tried Home Depot but that's a swing and a miss.

Only place seems to be woodcraft which is a bit hefty.

Has anyone had experience with the Sorby Spindlemaster tool? I keep seeing it floating around on Amazon and the claim made is that it works better than a skew because it can shape like one and avoid dig ins.

If you know what you what...

roughing gouge, 3/4 inch skew, parting tool, etc

you can get great deals on used Sorby or other top quality turning tools... tools when cared for last 2-3 lifetimes...

take the time to learn how to sharpen your tools properly


look on Craigslist and woodcentral.com classified section

a lot of serious turners hang out at the Woodcentral turning forum

turning tools for sale

I recommend the toxic dust respirator and the adjustable face shield available from Woodcraft. Woodcraft also sells a 5-piece Mini turning tool set for a pretty low price ( ~ $43). I bought one of these sets a few years ago and think the tool quality is pretty nice. If you can find a full size version of these tools in their catalog, I'd give them a shot. The mini set is also worth having as a supplement to your full size tools. Also, keep your eyes open for the sales they have from time to time. By the way, you shouldn't have to pay $100 a tool for the Sorbys. More like $50-$70 each for the three tools you need. Even less if you can wait for a sale.

Well given all your information and digging around online I found:

Buy Beginner's Turning Set, 5 pc. at Woodcraft.com

and

Buy 5 Piece "Mini" Turning Tool Set at Woodcraft.com

Would these 2 sets suffice? Or can I get away with just the Beginner kit?

Why only Toxic dust respirator? Why not the Multipurpose to deal with paint fumes too?

The 2 tools that I use the most are a 3/4 skew and a 1/8 " parting tool. I sharpen my skew with a radius to minimize catches. You will want to have an adjustable platform in front of your grinding wheel to help you sharpen your tools.

If you're going with the Sorbys, I'd get just three tools - 3/4" roughing gouge, 1/4" parting tool, and 3/4" skew. I recommend the 1/4" parting tool because if you went any narrower you might have trouble fitting your measuring calipers into the groove.

The 5-piece mini set is handy to have and a very good value, but certainly not essential. I only use the toxic dust respirator because I spend very little time around paint fumes. I only do a couple plugs at a time. I spray them quickly with rattle cans, then leave the room.

Look at Penn State Industries (PSI). They have some real nice "cheaper" chisels for your lathe. They also sell teh other gear you need.

Another great source for a HUGE selection of turning tools (Including their own cheaper label) is Packard Woodworks.

here is the link to their turning tools... I have several of their turning tools and and see no diff from the Sorby's tools that I also own

Packard Woodworks: The Woodturner's Source: Woodturning Tools

If you are looking for a good respirator that is comfortable to wear... this one is available from woodcraft... the replaceable filters are available for just dust or paint fumes/dust...

2003705