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Parting Tools

Joined
Aug 16, 2022
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Location
Butler, PA
Is there any advantage of a fluted parting tool versus the standard one that's been around forever ? Do they cut any cleaner with less tearout ?
 

hockenbery

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Apr 27, 2004
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depends- the fluted give a nice crisp finished edge.
Most of my use of the parting tool doesn’t require a finished edge

with a traditional parting tool a peeling cut makes a fuzzy edge on entry
you can get a pretty clean edge by starting the cut with the tip pointing down below center, raising the handle to get into peeling position and completing the cut. Sort of negative rake scraper entry.

a great spindle turner I know was showing the fluted parting tool in a demo - used it to cut a darn fine pommel
 
Joined
Jul 19, 2018
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Location
Ponsford, MN
a great spindle turner I know was showing the fluted parting tool in a demo - used it to cut a darn fine pommel
I bought one about 30 years ago for that purpose but I found a much easier and cleaner method using a the leading point on a skew.
The only thing I use a parting tool for is parting and if the cut end needs help the long point on a skew or a detail gouge does a better job.
 
Joined
Aug 14, 2009
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Location
Peoria, Illinois
Proper technique helps any style of parting tool. I've seen way too many people just stab the tool straight in and use it like a scraper. Introducing it high on the work and rotating it down as the diameter reduces is really important. I have about a half dozen parting tools, and the one I reach for most often is the 1/16" crown tool that looks like a butcher knife. Personally, I don't see a marked improvement with the fluted style.
 
Joined
Aug 14, 2007
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Eugene, OR
Any parting cuts I make, I plan to clean them up with a spindle detail gouge. I think the fluted parting tools do cut a bit cleaner though.

robo hippy
 
Joined
Mar 19, 2016
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Location
Haubstadt, Indiana
I have many different types of parting tools. As far as parting off I use the Dway or Carter parting tool as they work better than the traditional parting tool in that application because they step down the thickness the deeper they go and don’t burn the wood. I also have the Sorby thin kerf parting tool I have modified, but the blade is not tapered like the Way or Carter. I use traditional parting tools, but not for actually parting off unless it is a small piece.
 
Joined
Feb 12, 2018
Messages
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Location
Millington, TN
I have many different types of parting tools. As far as parting off I use the Dway or Carter parting tool as they work better than the traditional parting tool in that application because they step down the thickness the deeper they go and don’t burn the wood. I also have the Sorby thin kerf parting tool I have modified, but the blade is not tapered like the Way or Carter. I use traditional parting tools, but not for actually parting off unless it is a small piece.
Appears the Carter parting tool is no longer sold or maybe it’s out of stock. Is the Carter parting tool much different than D-Way’s?
 
Joined
Mar 19, 2016
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@Karl Loeblein It would be the Carter and Sons parting tool, not Carter products. I can’t say that either one his better than the other. I got the Carter and Sons parting tool from an estate sale. I had the Dway, but gave it to a good friend. The only reason I kept the Carter and Son was because it was in a nice Thompson handle. If the Dway was in a nice handle I would have kept the Dway. Dway’s parting tool is tapered the length where the Carter and Sons is in. steps.
 
Joined
Aug 6, 2009
Messages
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Location
Lummi Island, WA
the. Tapered ultra-thin D-Way parting tool is my go to for parting off small stuff. The regular 1/8” parting tool (also D-Way) sees more use sizing flats in prepping spindles. If more relief is needed I break out the bedpan.
 
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