Source For Inexpensive Lathe Chisels?

[bobgroh]

Just got back on the forum's and read through this thread and would like to chime in in support of some of the observations already made by others:
1. It is absolutely essential to have some way to sharpen your turning tools (unless you are using carbide) so do budget something for this. Using the SS sanding disk with either a simple jig to hold the chisel (or use the SS sharpening jig or a homemade approximation) is more than adequate. BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE SHARP TOOLS!!! I am using a low speed grinder from Woodcraft (bought on sale for $100 with 2 decent wheels) plus Wolverine jig setup (don't ask - pretty expensive). With decent steel chisels you should plan on sharpening a couple of times when doing a small bowl.

2. Carbide tools are .... well, IMHO, disappointing. I was initially very enthusiastic but now not so much. Very difficult to get a really nice surface. So I use mine for roughing in. I do have a carbide detail chisel with a diamond shaped tip which I really like.

3. Used sets on eBay are probably your best bet for low cost. I rather like the SS chisel sets.

4. PSI's line is fairly decent for beginner stuff. I got several of the scrapers that I regrind to suit my fancy plus a 3/8" spindle gouge.

5. As you indicated just go for a basic set: skew, roughing chisel, 3/8" spindle gouge and a 1/2" or 5/8" bowl gouge.

6. Get a few books and read, read, read. Also some great video's on YouTube.

[benush26]

I am replying late for a couple reason...
First I am not certain of your definition of inexpensive. If it is something like used and $20 a chisel then the following is NOT in that ballpark

However , don't you just hate when someone says "however"... .

The second reason is, Rockler is having a decent sale on Robert Sorby kits at 25% off. 10% is common and 20% from time to time.

The conventional chisel kit (aka Sovereign Deluxe) retail 320 on sale 239
http://www.rockler.com/robert-sorby-sov ... -with-case

or the Sovereign TurnMaster (what I have) retail 300 on sale 224
http://www.rockler.com/robert-sorby-sov ... -with-case

Since it is over $35 it's free shipping.

I will warn you that the Sovereign TurnMaster with it's head system is a bit difficult to get used to if you are concerned with the tool rest being a fair distance from the work (usually 2+ inches) . However I do like the system plus for me it was easy to get comfortable with. I also use conventional chisels since I have too many and like them also, but most of my work I do with the TurnMaster because of its versatility.

If $240 (or $224) is WAY bast your price comfort range, I apologize. Just thought I would pass along this idea since the kits are currently on sale.

Be well,
Ben

[suntower]

Thanks, Ben.

Those prices are out of my league. BUT it's great information and I appreciate you making the effort. I was taught turning by my grandfather and I used his tools until I gave up woodworking years ago. So I'm like Rip Van Winkle... a LOT has changed!

Anyhoo... I never thought I'd have a lathe again. If I can ever get this 'Greenie' working, I'll ask Santa for some of the items you mentioned.

Cheers,

---JC

[rpd]

Hi,

Not really a 'beginner' but I just 'inherited' an ancient Mark 5. Wasn't even aware of 'Shopsmith' before. Anyhoo, I'm trying to get it running again but I realised that the one thing I don't have are turning chisels.

I've done lathe work before, but not in 40 years. Not trying to get something for nothing (well something for almost nothing ) but money is ultra-tight. I did a quick Google 'shopping' search and immediately got major sticker shock. I had NO idea chisels were so pricey.

So: Looking for any sources for used or inexpensive chisels. I just need the 2-3 basic gouges, skew etc. nothing fancy. If anyone has some ideas I'd be MOST appreciative.

Oh... come to think of it, probably calipers would be needed as well. Sorry. I've forgotten even the basic stuff one needs to do this. I -am- a beginner!

TIA,

---JC

Looking on Craig's list Seattle I found this listing http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tld/5704324964.html , first picture bottom row is a set of ShopSmith lathe chisels.
The vendor also has them listed on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-5-SHOPSMITH ... SwQupXXFLk.
The CL listing says will sell for less than the Ebay price on a private/local sale. I would think some where around $50.

There is also this set http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shopsmith-Lathe ... U#shpCntId in Ellensburg .

[bobgroh]

Although my 'pricing' is a bit dated, my price point for a set of 3 or 4 used SS chisels was somewhere in the $25 to $30 range (new a 5 piece set is $100). Right now on eBay, there are a number of Shopsmith chisel sets and probably they will wind up in $30 (plus shipping costs) area.

Penn State Industries sells their Benjamin Best chisels (new) for somewhere in the area of $12 (scrapers) to $25 (gouges). Sorby (which represents a very solid mid range) sells (new) in the range of $ 30 (without handle on sale) up to $100 or so. Carbide tools are from $50 to $150 (new).

So there you go. Your best bet: just buy a Shopsmith set on eBay probably $40 in the door. Don't forget to buy a way to sharpen your tools! Absolutely essential!! I speak from long experience.

[masonsailor2]

I agree with Bob. If you can get a basic SS set for $40 that will set you up to do some great turning. The quality of the steel is more than adequate to produce quality turnings. I have some of the high end chisels ( power record and Sorby) which are great and made of better steel but the only real difference is that you have to sharpen the SS chisels a little more often to maintain the edge. Turning all boils down to how sharp you can get your chisels and then learning the art and in that order. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get razor sharp chisels. I use the belt sander technique which works well for me. There are other methods out there that also work just fine. You can build a world class sharpening system with any hand held belt sander. HF sells them cheap and they will work very well. The main elements of a sharpening system are producing a quality edge and doing it quickly. When you start turning really hard woods you will be sharpening every few minutes and if you spend five minutes sharpening you won't get much turning done. I have it down to about 10-15 seconds which works for my purposes. The other advice I think everyone agrees on is find a local turning club. You can learn a lot in a couple hours with an experienced turner that will save you countless hours of experimentation.
Paul

[suntower]

Thanks again.

I would love to hear about any turning (or other shopsmith or general woodworking) clubs in the South Seattle area.

---JC

[Mike907]

How about this club?

http://www.spswoodturners.org/about/location

If you want to check for other locations, go here:

http://www.woodturner.org/?page=Chapters

Mike

[suntower]

Wow. I had no idea there were clubs like this. I learned from my grandfather (a furniture maker). No idea it was a big hobby thing. Cool!

THANKS!

---JC

How about this club?

http://www.spswoodturners.org/about/location

If you want to check for other locations, go here:

http://www.woodturner.org/?page=Chapters

Mike