I bought this Sorby spindlemaster a couple of years ago but never really gave it much of a try. Now that I'm retired, I have more time, so I gave it another try. I must say, this may be my new goto pen turning tool. In the past, I was trying to use the tip, making it very hard to control. I watched a few videos and found out the correct cutting edge is on the sides. Huge improvement, easy to control and it leaves a tool mark free surface. It's very simple to sharpen, as you only hone the flat side. The picture of the piece in the lathe, is straight from the tool, absolutely no sanding. The one I have is the micro size. Cutting edge is about 1/2 inch and the overall tool length is 10 inches. They make different sizes. I'm glad I gave it another shot.
Turning Tool Revisited
- Thread starter KenB259
- Start date
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Dieseldoc
Member
Ken: Great tool for shear cutting like using a skew .
sorcerertd
Member
Is that the same concept as the PSI Versa chisel?
No idea. I tried looking up a versa chisel at PSI, but I didn't find anything.
jttheclockman
Member
Thanks John. It looks very similar but I think the Sorby has a more fingernail grind and it has a very highly polished bevel. I can't tell how the versa chisel is but it is very similar.
Looks like a wonderful tool for turning all sorts of projects. I'm glad you are enjoying it so much.
I'd like to buy a fingernail gouge to turn with, but one really needs to invest in a good sharpening system, and jig.
I don't have either, and have run out of space for more benchtop tools.
I'd like to buy a fingernail gouge to turn with, but one really needs to invest in a good sharpening system, and jig.
I don't have either, and have run out of space for more benchtop tools.
That's another thing I like about this tool, to sharpen it you just need to hone the flat side, no special sharpening jig needed.
jttheclockman
Member
I bought one years ago when the hype was when they first appeared on the market. It is collecting dust now. maybe used a few times. When I learned to use the skew that was the end of scrapers for pens. The skew to me is still the king of the turning tools and most versatile tool and highly recommend others to learn this tool.
I agree with you except for the fact that a spindle master is not a scrapping tool. If that's how anyone is using it, they're using it wrong. I've seen people use skews as scrapping tools, so there's that.
jttheclockman
Member
Call it what you like. If you want to buy a sorby one let me know.
Dieseldoc
Member
John: Any turning tool that used in shear mode is very effective in clean no tear of fibers cutting.
Nope I got one.Call it what you like. If you want to buy a sorby one let me know.
jttheclockman
Member
Great.
mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
I had a 1/2" Sorby Spindlemaster and used it occasionally. I am not sure why, but it was not a preferred chisel (I had other chisels I liked - Red handled Sorby mini set - I loved them), but when I used it, it was superb! As noted above, easy honing kept it sharp. I loved cutting coves and finials with it. When I bought it at a local Woodcraft store, the salesman/demo master said "it looks unimpressive, but the title - "Spindlemaster" says it all - it is a great tool for many applications."
RichAldrich
Member
Agree with John! Skew is the way on spindle turning!