Shopsmith Forums

Does anyone know who makes the specialty lathe chisels for SS. It was hinted at a T/A that they were made by Robert Sorby. They appear Identical, so I wouldn't be surprised. Also, if true, this would make the current email specials a tremendous value. Even if not made by Sorby, the Bowl Turning set I have are excellent tools; If they are , though, it's like getting four tools for the price of one if you bought Robert Sorby's at retail. At the sale price, I plan on buying 1 or 2 more sets to keep as backups and/or regrind to other shapes for more options during turning.

If anyone knows for sure, please let us know!!

Also, If anyone has any of the other specialty lathe chisel sets, let us know what you think of them. Sale ends Midnight 9/27!

Hi, Alan- I just received the 5-piece miniature turning set last week, and it came in a box which was boldly stamped "Made in China". Maybe the box was made in China, but the chisels were made elsewhere? I don't think they're Sorby's, although all five chisels are stamped HSS. I haven't yet sharpened any of them to try them out- they definitely need sharpening before use. I'm a bit disappointed in the skew, the blade is way off-center in the handle. (Although as bad as I am with a skew, it may not make much difference anyway.):rolleyes: Anyway, for the price I thought they'd be worth experimenting with.

I bought the 3-piece hollowing set a while back, and those were very sharp right out of the box. Don't know where that set was made. I haven't used them either, mostly because I have no idea how to use or sharpen them and PTWFE doesn't mention the use of those hollowing tools. I'm hoping for a Sawdust Session in the future, although that may be too much of a specialty topic for general interest.

At our T/A, I think it was mentioned that the regular spindle and bowl sets come from Sheffield, England, but the manufacturer was not mentioned.

Hope that helps,

Gary

When I purcchased my bowl turning set, I was told the maker was in Sheffield Steel (England). I have not had a problem with either that or the pen set. They do seem to hold their edge well.
BPR

Hi again, Alan- I sharpened the 5-piece miniature set last night, and they all sharpened up nicely. Still haven't used them but I'm sure they'll work fine.

Just as a side note, my spindle set is marked "Shopmate" as well as having just the Shopsmith logo, but not the name Shopsmith. My bowl set and the miniature and hollowing sets are marked "Shopsmith" along with the logo, but no "Shopmate". And the handles of the "Shopmate" set look like they are made of a different wood than the other sets.

Gary