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  • HOLIDAY DEALS
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  • Legacy Woodturning
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    • WOODTURNING TOOLS

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    Wood Lathe Tools

    Woodturning is an art that requires practice, skill, precision, and the right tools to bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re shaping intricate spindles or turning large bowls on your lathe, having the right woodturning tools is essential for achieving the best results. At The Woodturning Store, we offer a wide variety of woodturning tools to meet the needs of both beginner and experienced woodworkers alike. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of woodturning tools, the materials they are made from, and the various brands you can find on our site to help you make an informed decision.

    Types of Woodturning Tools

    Woodturning tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each one designed for specific purposes. Understanding the different types of tools that are available is crucial to becoming proficient in woodturning. Below are the most common categories of woodturning tools that we offer, along with their uses:

    Bowl Gouges

    Bowl gouges are proabably the most widely-used tool among woodturners and are essential for turning bowls and other hollow forms on a wood lathe. They have a deep flute that allows for the removal of large amounts of material, making them perfect for shaping the inside and outside of bowls. Bowl gouges come in different sizes and flute profiles, with some having a traditional U-shape and others having a V-shape. The tool's bevel angle can also vary - or can be customized to your preferred angle using a bench grinder and CBN wheel - giving you more control over the finish and detail of your work. These tools are often the go-to choice for woodturners working on large, deep vessels.

    Roughing Gouges

    Roughing gouges are used for the initial shaping of woodturning projects. As their name suggests, they are designed to remove large amounts of wood quickly, turning a rough blank into a more defined shape before finishing. These gouges have a wide, shallow flute and are typically used on spindle work rather than bowls. They are available in different widths, with wider tools being better suited for large, stocky projects.

    Spindle Gouges

    Spindle gouges are designed for more detailed work on spindles and other long, narrow forms. They have a shallow flute and are perfect for creating smooth curves, beads, and coves. Spindle gouges offer excellent control, making them ideal for detailed work and fine finishes on spindle projects like chair legs, pens, and small decorative items.

    Parting Tools

    Parting tools are used to cut small sections of wood from a larger piece or to separate one section from another. These tools are typically narrow with a flat blade, allowing them to cut precise lines. Parting tools are also useful for creating tenons, which are often required when mounting wood on a lathe using a chuck.

    Scrapers

    Scrapers are used for refining shapes and smoothing surfaces, especially on end grain or inside hollow forms. They are flat tools with a cutting edge that scrapes rather than slices the wood. Scrapers are often used for finishing cuts and can be an excellent tool for achieving a smooth, consistent finish on difficult grain structures.

    Hollowing Tools

    Hollowing tools are specialized for working on deep vessels and hollow forms. These tools often have a long, narrow profile to reach deep into the workpiece and remove material from the inside. Many hollowing tools are equipped with adjustable tips or extensions, making it easier to work on more intricate designs.

    Types of Metal Used in Woodturning Tools

    The material a tool is made from can have a significant impact on its durability, sharpness, and performance. There are a few different types of steel that are commonly used when manufacturing woodturning tools, each with its own characteristics. On our website the type of steel that each tool is made from will be clearly listed on each product page, and is often mentioned in the title as well.

    High-Speed Steel (HSS)

    High-speed steel is the most commonly used material for traditional woodturning tools. HSS holds an edge well and can withstand the high temperatures generated by the friction of woodturning. These tools are durable and easy to sharpen, making them easy for both professionals and beginners. High-speed steel tools are also cost-effective and offer good longevity with regular maintenance.

    M2 Cryogenic High-Speed Steel

    M2 Cryogenic High-Speed Steel is a specialized type of high-speed steel that undergoes cryogenic treatment, which involves freezing the steel to extremely low temperatures. This process increases the tool’s hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. As a result, M2 Cryo tools stay sharper longer compared to standard HSS tools, requiring less frequent sharpening and providing a smoother cutting experience.

    M42 Steel

    M42 steel is an "upgraded" version of HSS that contains higher levels of cobalt, making it even more resistant to wear and heat. M42 woodturning tools hold an edge significantly longer than both HSS and M2 Cryo, making them ideal for demanding projects that require prolonged periods of cutting or for working with harder woods. These tools often come at a premium price, but their superior performance and longevity make them a worthwhile investment for serious woodturners as well as production turners.

    Carbide Woodturning Tools: A Modern Alternative

    While traditional woodturning tools have been around for decades, carbide woodturning tools have gained popularity in recent years due to their ease of use and reduced maintenance compared to traditional tools. These tools feature replaceable carbide cutters, which eliminate the need for sharpening. That means you do not need a bench grinder, CBN wheel, grinding jigs etc. Instead of regrinding the edge, you can simply rotate the cutter to expose a new, sharp edge and then replace the cutter when all of the sides are no longer sharp.

    Pros of Carbide Tools

    Low Maintenance: No need for sharpening, just rotate or replace the carbide cutter.

    Ease of Use: Carbide tools are more forgiving for beginners as they tend to stay sharper longer and are easier to handle.

    Durability: Carbide is much harder than HSS or M42 steel, making it ideal for roughing and working with abrasive woods.

    Cons of Carbide Tools

    Less Control: While carbide tools are excellent for roughing and shaping, they often don’t provide the same level of finesse and control as traditional woodturning tools.

    Cost: While the initial investment may be higher than traditional turning tools, the long lifespan of carbide cutters can make them cost-effective for a little while. Over a long period of time, however, purchasing replacement cutters can add up.

    Brands of Woodturning Tools at The Woodturning Store

    At The Woodturning Store, we offer a wide range of woodturning tools from industry-leading brands. Here’s a look at some of the top brands we carry:

    Hurricane Turning Tools

    Available exclusively at The Woodturning Store, Hurricane Turning Tools are are known for their high-quality and affordable range of tools. Among their most popular tools are the Standard Series High-Speed Steel Tools and the CryoCut Series, which is made from cryogenically treated steel and comparible in price to the Standard Series. Offering everything from bowl gouges to parting tools, Hurricane is a trusted brand among woodturners of all skill levels.

    Easy Wood Tools

    As a leader in carbide woodturning tools, Easy Wood Tools is known for their innovative designs that make woodturning easier and more efficient. Their carbide tools feature replaceable cutters, which reduce the need for sharpening and offer a long-lasting edge. Easy Wood Tools are perfect for beginners who want to focus on learning the craft without the hassle of maintaining tool edges.

    Crown Tools

    Crown Tools is a UK-based brand that has been producing high-quality woodturning tools for over 50 years. Their tools are made from high-speed steel and are known for their durability and precision. Crown Tools offers a wide range of tools, from basic spindle gouges to specialized hollowing tools, catering to both beginners and seasoned woodturners.

    Hamlet Craft Tools

    Based in Sheffield, England, Hamlet Craft Tools has been crafting woodturning tools for over 50 years. Known for their exceptional quality, Hamlet tools are made from high-speed steel, offering a good balance between durability and ease of sharpening. Their range includes bowl gouges, spindle gouges, and specialty tools that cater to both hobbyists and professional woodturners. Hamlet tools are known for their comfortable handles and excellent edge retention, making them a favorite among woodturners seeking traditional tools with modern performance.

    Henry Taylor Tools

    Henry Taylor Tools is another prestigious British manufacturer with a long history of producing high-quality woodturning tools. Established in 1834, Henry Taylor has built a reputation for crafting tools that stand the test of time. Their tools are made from high-speed steel and undergo meticulous heat treatment to ensure optimal hardness and durability. The brand is known for its extensive range of traditional turning tools, from roughing gouges to delicate detail tools, all designed with precision in mind. Henry Taylor's craftsmanship and consistency make it a preferred choice for woodturners around the world.

    Robust Tools

    Robust Tools is an American brand known for manufacturing high-quality woodturning lathes and tools, crafted with precision and durability in mind. Robust’s woodturning tools are designed to meet the needs of professionals and advanced woodworkers who demand the best in performance and ergonomics. Their tools are made from premium materials like high-speed steel and carbide, ensuring they hold an edge longer and provide superior cutting performance. The brand's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation makes them a top choice for those looking for reliable and long-lasting woodturning tools.

    Choosing the Right Woodturning Tool

    Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, choosing the right woodturning tools is essential to the success of your projects. From traditional high-speed steel tools to modern carbide options, there’s a tool for every technique and material. At The Woodturning Store, we offer a wide variety of tools from trusted brands like Hurricane, Easy Wood Tools, Crown Tools, Hamlet Craft Tools, Henry Taylor, and Robust to help you find the perfect tool for your woodturning needs.