Watch this before buying carbide turning tools

Which turning tools should you get- Carbide or Steel?
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★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★

★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★

★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★

★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★

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[StumpyNubs]

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*Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!*
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★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★

★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★

★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★

★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★

(If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

[raytice]

I use a mix of the two, each where they shine. Carbide tools are quite cheap if you buy the insert & matching screw and make a handle. Easy beginner turning project.

[oldtom]

I want to compliment you on your video. It is straightforward, without the sarcasm I see in other videos. No inserted camels grinning or animated bunnies jumping up and down. Just plain, unadorned information carefully gathered and presented. Thank you. I’m a fan and a subscriber and very appreciative.

[timmorris]

I am a brand new woodturner. And on my second attempt using traditional tools I was able to turn a more than passable bowl. I take great pride in it including the flaws because I know I made it. Learning to use the traditional tools isn't that terribly hard. Mastering them is a different conversation. I do agree with one thing that stumpy said which is that cheap tools are not going to be what you want. As my dad used to say buy the best tool that you can afford. I have since modified that to buy the best tool that you can justify. And having used cheap traditional tools and expensive ones I can tell you that it is very easy to justify buying a more expensive turning tool.

It's also worth noting that I am 100% YouTube trained when it comes to woodturning. I do have a lifetime of experience using tools and working with wood but turning was never one of those skills that I pursued until I was in my 50s.

[outlandishprofessor]

It's also not an either/or situation. I use both, choosing the best tool for the specific circumstances.

[Festus]

Excellent advice as always. I spent the pandemic learning woodturning from YouTube. I am a traditionalist, and I thoroughly enjoy the process of learning a new craft the "hard way". Having said all of that, I do like the concept of carbide tips for deep hollowing. Otherwise, I love how I can get a beautifully smooth surface by using a sharp, traditional tool. Your comment about expense is spot on. I have invested more time, focused learning, and expense on making properly sharped turning tools than I have the lathe itself. Also, I have enjoyed this journey immensely. It really is the love of crafting something that drives us. Thanks again for your great insightful video.

[clifforddavidson]

I know you hear this all the time. But you truly have the best woodworking videos. To the point and clear concise information.

[RemoteHogg]

I think a little of both meets most of my needs…besides, more tools, more better! 🤣🤣

[jayscott]

I began with carbide. Decided to quit limiting myself, learned to sharpen, and never looked back. The pleasure is 10x greater with traditional, for me. Now, I occasionally need carbide, and happily use a negative rake round cutter to finish resin, but they are a last resort and I'm more likely to get a catch with carbide. They have a place, but the sooner they become your backup or special circumstance tools the better.

[tummytub]

I started wood turning when carbide or exchangeable tools weren't available as much as now, the good hand-me-downs and second hand tools and machines (this also goes for my other woodworking machines) Made me get pretty experienced in tuning, but if I had the option of affordable carbide tools I would have been able to make a lot more FINISHED pieces, but I love the charm and character of learning something over a longer period of time to get really good at what I do. Do whatever makes YOU happy. I would recommend learning to work with traditional turning tools eventually, after ten years I didn't have to sand my work anymore, I hate sanding. Good luck all the new woodturners out there, you will get there eventually 👍

[TheTrock]

I built an open face grinder that sharpens my lathe tools quickly and easily. I learned w/ traditional tools and never considered carbide. Will definitely check out the Carter and Sons tools.

[neilgriffin]

I'm a 10 year experiaced wood turner and your video is right on the mark thank you

[HDEFMAN]

There is a lot of balanced, knowledgeable information to be had from these videos. Well done !

[jonart]

Good Infor. Beginner turner here. I'm waiting for the delivery of my 1st lathe at the end of this week so I purchased a set of carbide tools. I look forward to learning all the techniques involved in using traditional tools over time, but can get started right away with carbide.

[fernandorosales]

When I bought my first lathe, the salesman sold me on a 3 piece set of carbide tools. Mostly because I didn't have a clue. They worked for a while and the learning curve was super easy.

But then... i found this old guy on YouTube that was a master at the skew. Allen Batty. I was so impressed, I bought a skew. The first couple days I destroyed a lot of wood. Now... it's my favorite tool. No need to sand. I love to roll beads with it. I love the surface finish.

I've since invested in other traditional tools. I can't imagine I'll ever use the carbide again. I don't even like the sound they make when they're cutting. The sound and feel of a skew shaving wood is so satisfying.

[matthewitt]

I use HSS for the outsides of all my pieces, carbide for the insides of hollow forms and vases.

[wb_finewoodworking]

Years ago when I first started turning traditional tools were all that was available. I actually was able to learn to use them rather quickly with very little instruction from my dad. He had only turned with a metal lathe but was able to transfer enough knowledge from his years of doing that to show me how to turn wood. When I decided to buy a lathe a few years ago and start turning again I decided to stick with traditional tools and am glad I did. I’m really enjoying the challenges of both turning and sharpening. Yes, turning is expensive no matter which way one chooses to go but I find using the traditional tools to be very rewarding. Turning also allows fe to create a great end product in a short period of time which is one of the reasons decided to start turning again. Through turning Incan also create great presents for friends and family.

[edpretty]

I'm a professional turned and educator. Although I could get super picky, your explanation of both HHS turning tools and carbide scraper is quite valid. I would point out, however that all scrapers, - carbon steel, HSS or carbide - should always be presented to the wood at a negative rake or angle, not neutral - or parallel to the floor - as you describe. Although they can be made to remove wood at a neutral angle, it is extremely easy to err on the positive side and get a whopper of a catch.

[JohnSmith-ilwi]

I am relatively new to turning. I found an old collection of cheap gouges at a garage sale, and also purchased a decent set of carbides. I have settled with a mix of both. I use the carbides for most of my roughing in, then finish with the gouges/skews. This reduces the amount of wear and sharpening on my cheap tools.

[dougfreeman]

I've been turning ~12 years. While I may quibble a little with a few of your points, your video is excellent information and advice for new(er) turners. Personally, I was interested in both process and end result. I started with cheap hss tools (harbor freight windsor with burgundy handles, still available) and made my own carbide tool holders/handles. In a short time (a few weeks), I realized the limitations of carbide tools. I still use the carbide tools I made all those years ago, primarily because I have them, but its very limited. I agree with your summation for which path to choose. My experience with new turners is turning will not become a real passion for them, but just another thing to try. So, start cheap, and if you really like it, then join me and others in the time & $ black hole that passionate turning is! It's very rewarding, but it takes study, and practice, practice, practice to get good at it.