Shopsmith Forums

I am shopping for some turning tools. In some cases the tools seem similar with the exception is the price. As an example, Rockler has some turning tools that have great recommendations, similar features, cheaper - by about 40 bucks each - but made in Taiwan.

Here is the question - Do you value tools that are made in the USA enough to pay 30% more assuming similar quality. As a Vet - I tend to lean towards made in the USA. BUT want your thoughts. To add clarity I am looking at:

1. Easy Wood Tools
2. Woodpecker
3. Rockler

I know there are others but this is the list.

-- wrecker

A simplistic question regarding a complex decision.

What makes you think any of the steel is of USA origin?

What type of turning tools are you looking for? Carbide or conventional HSS? Here are some of the places that I have found.

Simple Woodworking Tools are carbide and they have a hollowing system specifically for use on a SS. https://www.harrisonspecialties.com/car ... ing-tools/

Eddie Castelin sells carbide cutters and bars for them but you have to make your own handles. http://www.eddiecastelin.com/combos_and_other_items

For conventional HSS tools there are:

D-Way Tools http://d-waytools.com/

Thompson Lathe Tools http://thompsonlathetools.com/

Forgot NC Woodturning Tools,LLC as a place for carbide tools. https://www.ncwoodturningtools.com/

Hope this helps as places to look for what you are wanting.

I started using my lathe again last summer. The Shopsmith lathe tools I had were from my father-in-laws which he got when he bought the Greenie in 1954. They were still usable but I decided to buy a cheap set off Amazon. I bought the PSI chisel set, which are Benjamin's Best. I see a lot of negative remarks about them but after the first sharpening they work great and I didn't spend a fortune to get started again. For occasional turning like I do, I couldn't see spending a lot of money. Some of the lathe tools out there cost more than my entire set but I am sure the results are much better, too.

I think purchasing lathe tools is like deciding what golf clubs to get.

Hi
This chart may be helpful. It was first published by the American Association of Woodworkers and Daniel Ellsworth.
Also note that the Benjamin's best bought on E-Bay differed from the ones sold directly by Penn State.

Bill V

Actually the ones sold on Amazon are made by PSI, Penn State Industries. Not sure about the ones on Ebay though.

I am really new to turning. I thought I would expand my use of my Shopsmith by doing some turning projects. I always admired turning so I thought I would get into it. It would be fun to work on next years Christmas gifts instead of buying someone else work.