I often get asked by new turners, after they are over the sticker shock of their new shop and lathe, "What tools do I need, for a reasonable cost?" Well, here is my <>$500 recommendation, and it has stood the test of time. What is your list, or recommendations for change in mine?
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Opinionated list. Of course good alternatives (tools and suppliers) exist, but these will work well for you for around $500 and could well last you a long time (but won't!) I have updated this list based on the feedback in this thread.
Penn State HSS Tool Set at $85 a true bargain: http://www.pennstateind.com/store/lxwm1007.html
Individual tools: http://www.pennstateind.com/store/woodturning-tools.html Good and long steel, fine handles.
Grizzly 4 Jaw Scroll Chuck $99:
http://grizzly.com/products/4-Jaw-Ch...-X-8-TPI/H7820
Take the link to the catalog page for different spindle sizes. This is a copy of the respected Vicmarc 100 and is compatible with Vicmarc jaw sets. I have heard that it takes the Nova jaws also, but can't confirm this.
Woodcraft 8" Slow Speed Grinder $95: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4605
Two very decent Al Oxide wheels included. Later you can upgrade it with the Oneway balancing system and Norton 3X wheels when your originals wear out. But this grinder may well last you for your turning career.
Wolverine Sharpening Jigs: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx...s=4605&pcs=fam
Diamond "T" Wheel Dresser $15: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx...e=details#tabs
Norton 3x Sandpaper:
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11761
Later you can look into various powered sanding disk systems. I make my own with a $40 Harbor Freight close quarters 3/8 drill and 3M Roloc discs with foam and hook and loop fastening and a glue gun. The Harbor Freight drill has the air intake down low, and has run well in dust for near 2 years. See Darrell Feltmate's great tutorial on making sanding pads:
http://aroundthewoods.com/sanding.shtml
Get rolls of hook and loop sandpaper and cut different sizes as needed.
Many essential no-cost tool ideas and projects at Darrell's site:
http://aroundthewoods.com/contents.html
Safety and Dust Control
Face shield and/or polycarbonate glasses or goggles available from suppliers listed above. Dust control minimum: throw-away surgical face mask, washable mask. See post 7 below for fuller discussion. Available from any good hardware or big box store. Or Shield HERE, Dust Mask Choices HERE
Other future items:
Don't think you can go wrong on these. Has worked well for me. My $00.02 No charge.
______________________________________________________
Opinionated list. Of course good alternatives (tools and suppliers) exist, but these will work well for you for around $500 and could well last you a long time (but won't!) I have updated this list based on the feedback in this thread.
Penn State HSS Tool Set at $85 a true bargain: http://www.pennstateind.com/store/lxwm1007.html
- 1/2 bowl gouge (If you buy their individual tools get the 3/8, too or instead)
- 3/8 spindle gouge
- 1/8 Parting Tool
- 1" Skew (I don't like this oval skew. Somewhat hard to sharpen, and less meat. But OK. You might price out individual tools and get the rectangular shape skew, at little or no more cost, and ease the edges on a grinder.)
- 1" Roughing Gouge
Individual tools: http://www.pennstateind.com/store/woodturning-tools.html Good and long steel, fine handles.
Grizzly 4 Jaw Scroll Chuck $99:
http://grizzly.com/products/4-Jaw-Ch...-X-8-TPI/H7820
Take the link to the catalog page for different spindle sizes. This is a copy of the respected Vicmarc 100 and is compatible with Vicmarc jaw sets. I have heard that it takes the Nova jaws also, but can't confirm this.
Woodcraft 8" Slow Speed Grinder $95: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4605
Two very decent Al Oxide wheels included. Later you can upgrade it with the Oneway balancing system and Norton 3X wheels when your originals wear out. But this grinder may well last you for your turning career.
Wolverine Sharpening Jigs: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx...s=4605&pcs=fam
- Grinding Jig: $80
- Fingernail Jig: $48
Diamond "T" Wheel Dresser $15: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx...e=details#tabs
Norton 3x Sandpaper:
- 80g
- 100g
- 150g
- 220g
- 320g
- 400g
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11761
Later you can look into various powered sanding disk systems. I make my own with a $40 Harbor Freight close quarters 3/8 drill and 3M Roloc discs with foam and hook and loop fastening and a glue gun. The Harbor Freight drill has the air intake down low, and has run well in dust for near 2 years. See Darrell Feltmate's great tutorial on making sanding pads:
http://aroundthewoods.com/sanding.shtml
Get rolls of hook and loop sandpaper and cut different sizes as needed.
Many essential no-cost tool ideas and projects at Darrell's site:
http://aroundthewoods.com/contents.html
Safety and Dust Control
Face shield and/or polycarbonate glasses or goggles available from suppliers listed above. Dust control minimum: throw-away surgical face mask, washable mask. See post 7 below for fuller discussion. Available from any good hardware or big box store. Or Shield HERE, Dust Mask Choices HERE
Other future items:
- 1/2" MT2 Drawbar Drill Bit Chuck
- Different size tool rests
- Chain saw (Electric is nice in the shop. I like the Ryobi for cheap and powerful from a big box store.)
- Band saw. 12" minimum resaw height. Good power. 14" throat will do the job, but larger is nice. 3/8" - 3TPI bands. See post 7 below for more comments.
- Hollowing tools
Don't think you can go wrong on these. Has worked well for me. My $00.02 No charge.
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