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Good lathe tools?

2K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  GJP60 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Looking for some good lathe tools that I can use to turn anything from big bowls to table legs and chair legs, pens, cups, etc. I want some that are good, but don't cost a a lot. I looked at Thompson and Sorby, but not sure if I want to spend that much right now. I am considering getting the Thompson and just making my own handles. Is that a good idea, or is there problems that can occur? Such as handles breaking due to not using right wood and or not setting it deep enough into the wood etc. Is it a headache to make handles or pretty easy and straight forward?
 
#4 ·
Few years back made a handle for new Thompson bowl gouge. Beauty of making your own handles is can make them fit your hands better. Given the choice would buy all my tools unhandled.

Have a mixture of store bought tools that came handles and tools bought unhandled. I have replaced few store bought handled tools with my own handles when became loose.

Many vendors will give percentage of if buy more than one tool at a time. Many will let you mix and match depending upon page tool listed on, but check and make sure when placing your order.

I know both Craft Supplies (woodturnerscatalog.com) and Packard Woodworks do that. Both places have a house brand that might be few dollars cheaper than other brands. Craft Supplies offers the Artisan brand made by Henry Taylor, and Packard offers their house brand made by Hamlet. Both Henry Taylor & Hamlet share same address in Sheffield England.

Do not forget to shop the sales Sorby often goes on sale at least once a year.
 
#5 ·
It seems I can never have enough turning tools. Making handles is fun and easy. There are lots of online videos. I have a little blog post on LJ about making a handle for a big Alan Lacer Skew. I've been looking at the Thompsons too. One of the things about his tools is that they can fit into the same handle.
Cheers
Glen
 
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