People who work regularly on lathe machines know how important the right tools are. If you like sharpening or smoothing your vessels, it is essential to get the best tools. Perfection depends on the quality of tools you use. There are many lathe tools available for each unique aspect of woodworking. There are many options for you to choose from.
Your level of expertise is an important factor when selecting the appropriate lathe tool. There are some tools suited for professionals and are too advanced for beginners. But there are many that could be used by professionals and beginners.
Also consider the material of your tools. Today, high-speed steel is very popular for its durability but that does not discount other materials.
Cost is another thing to consider when selecting tools. You surely want a tool that will give you value for your money. Below is a review of our top six lathe tools.
1. HSS Wood Chisel Set
A set of HSS Wood Chisels consists of eight pieces, each of length 16 1/4 inches with a wooden handle of 10 inches. The blades are made of M2 high-speed steel. This is a highly durable material keeping your tools in shape for years. The following types of chisels are included:
- Parting tool
- Spindle gouge
- Roughing gouge
- Round nose scraper
- Spear scraper
- Bowl gouge and
- Two skew chisels
The product is packed in a wooden box and comes with a two-year warranty.
Specification:
- Material: Woodworking, Blade made of M2 high-speed steel.
- Weight: 7.17 pounds.
- Packaging: Beautiful wooden box
- Set: Set consists of 8 chisels
- Comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- It contains many essential tools.
- It comes in a closable wooden box for proper storage
- Blades are made from M2 high-speed steel
- It has a two-year warranty
Cons
- The tools may require sharpening before you start using them
2. Robert Sorby 67HS 6 Pieces Lathe Turning Set
- 3/4 inch standard skew chisel
- 1/8 inch parting tool
- 1/2 inch round nose scraper
- 3/8 inch spindle gouge
- 3/4 inch spindle roughing gouge
- 3/4 inch bowl gouge
They all vary in length, with the longest having a length of 19 1/2 inches and the shortest being 14 3/4 inches.
Specifications
- Set: Consists of six essential tools.
- Material: steel
- Manufacturer: Grizzly
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
Pros
- Both beginners and professionals can use it without any difficulties.
- Blades are made of high-speed steel.
- It does not require sharpening before you start using it.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with any storage box.
3. PSI Woodworking LCSIDE 2 Round End Inboard Side Scraper 2pc Chisel Set
- A 19 inch scraper chisel, and
- A 16 inch scraper chisel
PSI Woodworking LCSIDE 2 Round End Inboard Side Scraper 2pc Chisel Set comes with a two-year warranty.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: PSI Woodworking
- Box: two heavy-duty scraper chisels
- Material: steel and Its handle is made of highly durable wood
- Weight: 1.54 pounds
- It comes with a two-year warranty
Pros
- They are handy
- tools are made of durable materials
- It is very affordable
- It comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- It contains only two tools.
- They cannot be used effectively for the outside walls of a bowl
4. Savannah HSS Woodworking Lathe Chisel Set 8 Pieces Set
The following types of chisels are included:
- Parting tool
- Scraper
- Spindle gouge
- Roughing gouge
- Round nose scrapper
- Spear scraper
- Bowl gouge and
- Skew chisels
The product is packed in a closable wooden box and it comes with a two-year warranty.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Peachtree Woodworking Supply Inc.
- The material of Blades: M2 high-speed steel.
- The material of handles: Highly durable wood.
- Weight: 5.2 pounds.
- Packaging: Closable wooden box
- Set: consists of 8 chisels
- It has a two-year warranty.
Pros
- It contains eight essential tools.
- It is fitted with brass ferrule to keep the handle and the blade working perfectly together.
- Tools are made of durable M2 high-speed steel.
- It has ferrules for the proper balance between the handle and the blade.
- It comes in a closable box.
- It has a two-year warranty.
Cons
- You may need to sharpen the tools before you start using them.
5. Simple WoodTurning Tools Carbide Lathe Turning Set
- A rougher
- A turner and hollower
- A 55o detailer
The handle of each tool is 17 inches long with an overall length is 26.5 inches. The rougher is 15 mm x 15 mm. The turner and hollower is 9/16 inch in diameter with a flat top cutter, while the detailer has a 55o diamond.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Harrison Specialties LLC
- Set: Three essential tools
- The material of Blades: CNC machined stainless steel.
- The material of Handles: CNC machined aircraft aluminum
- Weight: 7.54 pounds.
- The product comes with two years of professional guarantee.
Pros
- The handles are made of aluminum covered with soft rubber for comfort.
- The handles are also covered with soft rubber for comfort.
- It does not require any level of professionalism before it could be used.
- It can be used by both beginners and professionals.
Cons
- It can only be used for the turning and hollowing of vessels.
6. Easy Wood Tools T25584 – Easy Start Rougher
The tool is ideal for beginners and schools who teach students. It is also very cheap.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Easy Wood Tools
- The material of Blades: Steel and carbide
- The material of Handles: Durable wood.
- Weight: 5.6 ounces.
Pros
- It can be used effectively by learners.
- It uses an EWT replacement cutter.
- It does not require any level of professionalism for use.
- It is ideal for schools and beginners.
- It uses a genuine EWT replacement cutter.
Cons
- It only comes with a square cutter but not with a radius cutter.
Best Lathe Tool For Beginners Buyer’s Guide
The Easy Start Rougher is an ideal tool for those just starting out. It is used in schools for teaching students the process. It is also very affordable. This tool consists of only one rougher with a replacement carbide. You can easily rotate the carbide as it dulls and it does not require any level of professionalism before use.
Best Buy
If you are looking for a product that will give you value for your money, then the HSS Wood Lathe Chisel Set is the product to go for. This set consists of two skew chisels, a parting tool, a spindle gouge, a roughing gouge, a round nose scraper, a spear scraper, and a bowl gouge. All packed in a beautiful wooden box. These tools don’t require much skill before using. You can also use them on any size lathe. The blades are made from highly durable M2 high-speed steel and the handles are made of durable hardwood. It also has a two-year warranty.
Best for Large Vessels
Simple WoodTurning Tools Carbide Lathe Turning Set is designed for the turning and hollowing of vessels. It works best on medium to large vessels, but you can use small vessels as well. It consists of three tools: a rougher, a turner and hollower, and a detailer. The blades are made of CNC machined stainless steel with tips of carbide. Its handle is made of CNC machined aluminum to ensure the best comfort of the craftsman. The handle has a soft rubber cover for comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What material is the best for lathe tools?
A: The most common material now is M2 high-speed steel because of its durability. But the type of material depends on the particular purpose of the tool.
Q: Do I need to be a professional before I can use a lathe tool?
A: No. There are many lathe tools designed for beginners.
Q: Do lathe tools come sharpened or do I need to sharpen them?
A: Thebest lathe tools come sharpened, but you may still sharpen them to your desired taste.
Q: How long can a lathe tool last?
A: It depends on how often you use them. Lathe tools from most of the popular manufacturers come with a two-year warranty.
Q: What are the safety precautions necessary when using lathe tools?
A: Safety is very important. The first precaution is that you must choose the right tool for your job. Secondly, you must always wear a face shield or google when using these tools. Keep your hands and body behind the cutting edge. The manual will give you directions on properly handing their product.
Conclusion
Lathe tools are essential. That is why it’s important to select quality tools. Buy a set that fits your level of expertise and your particular needs. You must also consider the durability of the tools you are buying. Check the warranty that comes with the tool and the material the manufacturers use to make the tools.
The cost of your tool is also very important. If you follow proper guiding and the review of other users, you can get lathe tools that will perfectly satisfy your need for a considerable cost.