Advice on tools???

[pbrown]

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

[justplugit]

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.

[Jigman]

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

[pbrown]

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

[backcast]

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.

[ROCFISH]

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

[piemma]

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.