When I’m teaching students to use a lathe, sharpening is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. Like any woodworking tool, a sharp chisel is much easier and safer to use than a dull one. You just can’t expect good cut quality, or an enjoyable turning experience, from a dull chisel. Unfortunately, lots of turners struggle with sharpening.
The new lathe chisels from Easy Wood Tools take sharpening lathe chisels out of the turning picture. Instead of a high speed or tool steel tip, the Easy Wood Tools lathe chisels have a replaceable carbide tip. When it gets dull, simply reposition it to get a fresh edge on the tip. Once the entire cutting surface has been dulled, the tip gets replaced. Replacement tips cost from $14 to $18.
The Easy Wood Tools can be used for bowl or spindle work, and are available with both square and round cutting tips. I’ll be ‘test driving’ these chisels soon, but I recently watched a group of brand new turners make pens using these chisels, and they worked great. No catches, great cuts, easy to use. You really can’t ask for more from a lathe chisel. Prices range from $90 to $172, depending on the chisel.
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Im new to the wood lathe.I have made some carbide cutters.I bought a set of 4 pry bars from harbor freight and used a tap set and bout the carbide tips.My wife ordered me so 1/2inch round carbide chisels but they have no handles on them.I cut down a very small tree and i believe its ash.I know about checking / cracking but was wondering how long do i need to wait before i can make my new handles? Can i turn them using this freshly cut wood or do i need to wait like 6 months or a year?
I have some cheaper wood lathe chisels but im not great at sharpening them, I have tryed using my bench grinder but ive found i can use my belt sander to put an edge back on them. The carbide cutters im making has round square and pointed tips.
Hi Gary,
Thank you for the question, here is the experts reply:
You should wait until the wood is fully dry, which usually takes 6-12 months for a shorter piece when dried properly. Be sure to inspect VERY closely for cracks before turning tool handles. If there is the slightest bit of cracking, the stress of turning will cause problems for sure.
Paul
Woodworkers Guild of America
Will your tools work as a bowl gouge or all of them used as scrapers?
I have some cheaper wood lathe chisels but im not great at sharpening them, I have tryed using my bench grinder but ive found i can use my belt sander to put an edge back on them. The carbide cutters im making has round square and pointed tips.