I recently purchased a lathe which came with a 3 jaw chuck, jacobs chuck,spur & live center. I'm also in the process of ordering a 4 jaw utility chuck from psi. I would like some opinions on "middle of the line tools" to use for turning reel seats. Not the least expensive & of course, not over the top. The tools will be, a spindle gouge, parting tool, round nose scraper & skew.

Thanks, Jim

BEnjamin's Best from PSI or Woodcraft, I forget which. THEy are perfect if all you plan to do are reel seat inserts. HSS I don't know the price now, I think I paid like $25 a while back.

Thanks Billy. When I purchased this outfit from a neighbor, he also gave me 5 tools that came in a small wooden box. Belive it or not, box says PSI woodworking. The tools have HSS M2 stamped on the shaft. They might work out pretty good although they look to be pretty small. I'll probably get a couple large ones. Any idea what the M2 stands for? I'm new to the lathe. Quality of the steel maybe?

Thanks, Jim

Jim,
There are two things that I would highly recommend right away.[woodturnerscatalog.com] Order their free print catalog. Thsi is a great catalog and is an education in it self. It will explain every tool out there. You might want to get Andy Dear's video on woodturning for rodbuilders. Be aware that you are getting into a very addictive area You might want to strongly consider a sharpening system such as the Wolverine.
You will get a lot of help here!


If you need any help, feel free to holler anytime!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike,

I already have an idea where this is heading. I got a pretty good deal on a Turncrafter VS with some accessories. Looking into the sharping system and a buffing system from psi along with the utility chuck. Already have Andy's DVD. Funny thing is, when I tried to watch the DVD, my DVD player fried. $70 bucks later my pretty good deal kinda evened out. LOL.
Thanks for the tip on the woodturners catalog. Will have to check that out.

Jim

the small tools you have are most likely for turning pens. they make a set of small tools to get people into turning pens without breaking the bank. they are probably good tools. if you stay with turning you will probably like the full sized tools better, but what you have will suffice. i use the benjamin's best tools from PSI and they are good tools. you will need a sharpening system and the wolverine is what i use. good luck as you are starting a very addictive venture

A word on sharpening - no matter what tools you buy, if you are unable to properly shape them, you are throwing money into teh toilet. I wasted money on Sorby tools, and tried grinding free hand, and using a belt sander, before I just sold the tools to someone who knew what tehy were doing since I dont' need them for EVA and cork. THose small tools I recommended, can be sharpened with cheap $7 files Woodcraft sells very easily. THose tools are NOT for turning anything but small 1" blocks, as previously stated they really are too small for anything except that.

One Tool tip that Tom Kirkman shared, and which I'm trying to find one that I can afford, is to invest in a Bedan Tool. It's basically a parting tool that is about 5/16 to 3/8 inches wide. But leaves square strait shoulders, and helps you to accurately level sufaces. Thanks Tom for the tip.

Bill in WV

Jim, The M2 stands for #2 Morris Taper ( #2 is the size). The Morris Taper should be on the back end of your drill chuck or the live center on the tail stock or both.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Just find it odd that M2 is listed on the tools. Shows how much I have to learn.

Thanks everyone for the responses,

Jim

M2 is the standard high speed steel material used in turning tools

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Billy, you mentioned Sorby tools.........are they difficult to sharpen? I looked at these tools while in Woodcraft and considered buying a couple but not if they can't be sharpened by the rookie that I am?


Tim