Reintroduction and basic wood turning tools question

[spilperson]

Folks, I have been a member for a while, and even made some posts here and there, but I feel like I amstill a newbie to the forum, pen turning, and wood turning in general. Plus, I have a question that definitely falls in the newbie category, so I thought I would post here.

I have up to now done most of my pens on my 12x36 metal lathe using a combination of metal turning tools, files, and rasps to do the basic shaping, after that sanding polishing and finishing just like everyone else - as much as everyone else does it the same way, that is.

I really want to do some bowl turning, and in the near future I am going to start doing that type of wood turning, still on my metal lathe tostart, but using more traditional wood turning tools, tool rests, etc.

My question is, if I wanted to buy a few, like three or four, basic tools to get started, what should it be? Should I go for carbide right away, or start with more traditional steel tools at first?

Any help appreciated. If this is in a FAQ or previous thread, point me there! I looked but did not find.

Thanks,

Frank Spillman

 

[Wingdoctor]

First off, turning a bowl on a metal lathe will not be easy. Unless you have a large lathe that will allow you to mount some kind of height adjustable tool rest at right angles to the lathe ways turning the interior will be difficult. The tool of choice will be a 1/2" bowl gouge, HSS, and the normal position will be over the tool rest with the bowl gouge parallel to the ways. A good example of bowl turning would be the Richard Raffan videos on turning. They may be available at your local library.

The 1/2" bowl gouge will turn the whole bowl. A thick, round scraper can be helpful to finish the interior, but it is not necessary.

 

[plantman]

The makeup of the tool is not as importent as the sharpness of it is. Both HSS and Carbide will do an excellent job if they are sharp !! I would look in the library for some advice on sharpening tool to begin with. As for the tools of choise, it usualy is what you feel most comfortable with while turning. I have complete sets of turning tools, but find I only use three. Scraper, gouge, and parting tool. Some people, like Bruce only use one tool that they have mastered the use of. Others will use every tool they have. That's what keeps the Vendors in the black. Besides Richard Raffn's videos, and You Tube, you might want to pick up an issue of Woodturners Design, or go on line to see articals in back issues that may be of interest to you. If you want to go to carbide, get one or two handles with 4 sided replaceable cutters. One good turn deserves another !!! Jim S