Your comment on the pointy tool which "you don't think anybody know what to do with" made me burst into laughter! It's comforting hearing this from someone as experienced as you. I turned mine into a parting tool, since it was only about 3mm thick.
Like many on here I am a novice woodturner, and I know I am not alone in my appreciation of your generosity in passing on your invaluable knowledge and experience. Many many thanks.
Thank you Sir Richard. I have to say you are one of my heroes. The fact that you are still producing informational videos to encourage people to turn is simply awesome. I have learned so much from your books and videos over the years and am very grateful. My current series of ash bowls are borne from your inspiration. Live long and prosper❤️
Hi Richard, I started turning about 18 months ago, having retired in 2019. I have watched many of your videos and was intrigued that your most used tool seems to be the half inch spindle gauge. I acquired one recently and now appreciate why you use this tool so much. Thank you for your wonderful instructional videos.
Thanks for a very fact oriented video. You can buy a cheap set and if lucky enough to get enough good out of them to get you hooked on the enjoyment and satisfaction of making something with them, you can then buy some good tools for the type turning you enjoy. Of course you have to add the cost of the cheap tools to the cost of these in the overall cost of your new found hoppy. If you can find someone to pawn off the cheap tool on, for pennies on the dollar, you may get a Michael or two back. It always helpful to have an established turner to give you advice on tool selection, or even better join a turning club (even before buying anything) when you can probably try out different tools. But it never hurts to get an expert, long time turner, highly regarded by the turning community, who has a TH-cam channel opinion. Thanks for a very useful video. Hope a lot of wannabes view it before doing what I did (at least my club got a bunch of tools to use in their sharpening classes). Thanks again. Please keep the lessons/demos coming. Cheers, Tom
I started with a craftsman lathe my father had..I made a pool cue..I used the craftsman tools he had...I had no clue what I was doing..I took a class after work for several weeks...learning how to use the tools has been the most important part...its not just poking a sharp steel into the wood...I enjoy my hobby now..I watch your videos all the time richard...thank you for your insight and years of knowledge you share...it has helped me alot..
Turning a pool cue as a first project is really jumping in the deep end, especially on a Craftsman lathe using Craftsman tools. I reckon most projects after that would seem relatively easy.
Very good info Richard. I got given 2 sets of those exact same no brand tools, and very quickly purchased better Robert Sorby Tools from Carbatec, and they made a world of difference. The no brand ones were awful to use, and after this video I think I'm going to change my mind about regrinding them to at least make them useful.
Richard, thank you for the video. I’m sure many of us have been bitten by the urge to purchase less expensive tools. My dad always told me you get what you pay for.
So I turned my first stuff with tools from a 5 tool 100$ set. Then got a 150$ m42 bowl gouge and whoo boy did that improve the experience. Not that I didn't have fun with the other tools, or still not use them occasionally.
I started out 5-6 yrs ago with a harbor freight 10x16 lathe and a set of their “HSS” tools. Initially, I just wanted to use it for making handles for chisels and other parts for my woodworking. It was frustrating at first. I ended up buying the penn state upgrade to make it variable speed, as the belts are not easy to get to on that lathe and I added a digital tach readout. That motor, however was underpowered. I did learn the basics on it and don’t entirely regret it, but when it died recently, I bought a record coronet herald which has really been worth it - so much more power, 14 inch swing, etc. I’ve slowly and steadily been adding good quality HSS tools from hurricane, crown, sorby, etc. I don’t use the old HF ones anymore - they really don’t hold an edge, although like Mike Peace suggests, I have reshaped some into tools I rarely need or that get little wear. It would have been cheaper to get the better stuff up front, but so many of us go down this path and start cheap. Since I am now spending at least 4hrs/day at the lathe 7d/week, and sometimes 12h, it’s well worth putting some money into it.
Good to hear you discovered the benefits of genuine HSS. Your turning journey is the route many of us undertake to some degree. In my case it was buying a not-very-good lathe that after three weeks I realized was not up to what its manufacturer promised. The vastly superior replacement took 12 weeks to arrive but was well worth the wait, and I never looked back.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning It really does make a difference. I don’t need 100 tools or the very best of everything, but a certain level of quality really is necessary to enjoy the craft and really learn it.
Love the videos. Not as much as when I was fortunate enough to have lessons live in Calgary 🇨🇦. Richard, with all the types of tool steel out there, have you settled on any one or two that are clearly best? Best with cost in mind and with cost as no problem?
I'm using Henry Taylor, Sorby, Hamlet, D-way, and have one Thompson. I can't say one steel is better than another. I stick with these manufacturers because I prefer the shape and dimensions of the tools.
Thanks for making these great videos. I spent all day yesterday turning bowls with some success, thanks in large part to your books and videos. Still haven't made a bowl I'm fully happy with, but it was much less frustrating than previous attempts. One question: when you talk about gouge sizes, are you giving the flute size or the rod diameter? It's hard to tell sizes well in the videos, but your 3/8" bowl gouge looks more like my 1/2" bowl gouge. And are bowl gouges the only turning tools where there are 2 conflicting ways to measure?
I"m using Sheffield gouges that are defined by the flute width like other European gouges, whereas American manufacturers go by rod diameter. It's very confusing. I've no idea why Americans chose to be different but I"m sure there's some history in there somewhere.
thanks for the information you share always. Referenced to old iron tools, can you tell if the sharpening process its diferent for you?. Not only to no heat the tools, but, I feel that I need to honing the tool after grinding. In contrast, in HSS its rare that I feel unhappy with the tool as result of only the grinder. apologies for my english best regards Richard from Spain.
I grind the carbon steels on my Tormek or aluminium oxide on a high-speed grinder. Never the CBN wheels. The best edge comes using the Tormek. I only hone a skew or gouge when using it to scrape or shear scrape.
Richard, can you give a bit of general advice concerning branches? Starting from maybe three inches? Even green ones? There are a couple videos out there, especially on the more despiccable get-rich-quick-by-woodturning channels, and they use that kind of wood to make any number of things, from spindle turnings to bud vases, as well as small crossgrain and endgrain bowls. But of course they never show what these pieces look like after the wood dries out. It seems if you tried to avoid the pith and heart in that kind of wood then you could only turn very small things, like beads and wands and maybe the odd honey dripper.
There are species that rarely split as they season, like horizontal scrub or cotoneaster and similar large shrubs / small trees with dense and fairly hard grain. The endgrain bowl made in th-cam.com/video/EayQJu1jIvE/w-d-xo.html distorted and you'll see it in upcoming videos as my oil bowl. In general it pays to assume whole logs will split so it's worth cutting out the pith.
I've really been enjoying your videos and balanced advice given. Thank you…. For PPE I use a 3M Versaflo unit from my last employment, but I am mindful of fine dust in the air building up in the workspace, especially from the later sanding stage of a turning session, and the need to minimize it in the workshop. So many of the units out there appear to be expensive and rather noisy… An ambient air filter would also seem to be wise investment... What would your advice be on extraction please?
Turning full time I wore a Racal Airstream that's relatively quiet as well as comfortable. I also had good dust collection around the lathe to gather it at source and similar to my current setup. th-cam.com/video/kHBqja9GXEs/w-d-xo.html I had a small very effecient air filter for ambient dust but found it far too noisy - inevitable when you move a big volume of air through a small opening.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning Thanks for your quick response… collecting dust and debris as close to source as possible seems the way to go... Plus the TH-cam link with a tour of your workshop set up… Lots to inspire there! 🙂
Thank you, I have been bingeing your videos and am learning a lot. For bowl work, you mention a 3/4" round nose scraper, and a 1" bowl scraper. Would it be possible to get away with having only one? If so, which would you recommend?
For bowls I'd go with the 1-in scraper with a slightly radiused edge. My bowl scrapers are mostly 1 ⅜-in x ⅜-in (35mm x 9mm). Don't be tempted by tools thicker than ⅜-in - they are tedious to grind and present other problems when hollowing.
I am a long term woodworker, but new to the lathe. My tools are a budget Carbatec HSS set & sharp. Initially, I made progress with the spindle tools but had a recent layoff for a few months. When I started again, I started to become apprehensive & each catch has increased my reluctance. Any advice, Richard?
You should take a look at beads for beginners where loud catches cannot occur: th-cam.com/video/s-6syy_LYSE/w-d-xo.html. And it also helps to practice skew chisel catches to help come to terms with them. th-cam.com/video/2joWFELkFTI/w-d-xo.html
I started with a drill lathe and carpentry chisels, upgraded to a little chinese lathe and a roughing gouge, half inch spindle gouge and a blasted (oval skew chisel ! still have it). I disagree with your initial premise, unless you are just trying the craft out.I bought just enough to do what I needed to do on repair jobs, and got more interested, I now have a serious lathe and tools, because I bought cheap tools,and wanted to find out more. If I had not had the need, I would not have done it at all.
I've met a lot of hobby turners who regretted wasting money purchasing a very cheap set of tools and very cheap lathe to get started, rather like yourself, but turning as a hobby in mind rather than a specific project. Not everyone has your tenacity.
In use I've rarely been able to tell one quality HSS from another as woods vary so much, although one did stand out. That was Vascoware gouge made of sintered steel by Jerry Glaser in 1982. Jerry was always experimenting with different steels. Unfortunately that one never went into production.
May I ask what do you wear as safety glasses when turning , are they magnified or a prescription type glasses , I now have to wear glasses as I have got older it’s annoying when doing detail bits . thank you .
I have prescription lenses for the lathe. For very detailed work, like finials on small box lids, I have clip-on x3 magnifiers. The problem with those is that there's a limited depth of field so your head is only a foot from what you're turning and turning becomes a bit surreal.
Ha I certainly took the bait, and had a full set of worth to avoid "tools". Fortunately, I just received my first real skew chisel for the amount of money I purchased my lathe... or, as I usually say, an object looking like a lathe, from an angle, if you squint. I hope to have my real lathe very soon, on the shoulders of giants.
@@downsouthwoodturning Not always. Mostly I've used well-seasoned timbers known for their stability, then I can use flatsawn boards with more interesting grain.
Hi Richard Thanks for another informative video,I bought a full set of Sorbey when I started on the turning journey,but hardly use any of them, as now we have the choice of buying replacement tips (rather expensive)that can be changed over in minutes it’s been a game changer for me. Of the twenty odd spindle,and bowl gouges etc I have built up over the years I find about six tools cope with most bowl box or spindle turning I do. Thanks for the videos always full of gems Regards
@@denvermiller3780 You can join on the WCG website www.woodcraftguild.org.au. If the tools are still available you'll need to collect them from The Shed. There's a turning SIG next weekend.
One of the problems of cheap Chinese tools as you pointed out is that some are sold as HSS but really are not. A struggling beginner may not appreciate the difficulty in sharpening a worthless tool that won't hold an edge and not realize how a poor tool can rob them of the joy of turning. I have had some success with some cheap Chinese tools but some were absolute rubbish. Better to stick with those from Sheffield England or North America.
Your comment on the pointy tool which "you don't think anybody know what to do with" made me burst into laughter!
It's comforting hearing this from someone as experienced as you.
I turned mine into a parting tool, since it was only about 3mm thick.
Like many on here I am a novice woodturner, and I know I am not alone in my appreciation of your generosity in passing on your invaluable knowledge and experience. Many many thanks.
Thank you Sir Richard. I have to say you are one of my heroes. The fact that you are still producing informational videos to encourage people to turn is simply awesome. I have learned so much from your books and videos over the years and am very grateful. My current series of ash bowls are borne from your inspiration. Live long and prosper❤️
You have been my inspiration for over 20 years, I am finally good enough to help others but I always learn from watching you. Thanks.
Thank you Richard for another great the video. No hype or selling, just straight forward information that helps us all.
Hi Richard, I started turning about 18 months ago, having retired in 2019. I have watched many of your videos and was intrigued that your most used tool seems to be the half inch spindle gauge. I acquired one recently and now appreciate why you use this tool so much. Thank you for your wonderful instructional videos.
If you could afford only one tool, the ½-in spindle gouge would be it - then a skew chisel.
Thanks for a very fact oriented video. You can buy a cheap set and if lucky enough to get enough good out of them to get you hooked on the enjoyment and satisfaction of making something with them, you can then buy some good tools for the type turning you enjoy. Of course you have to add the cost of the cheap tools to the cost of these in the overall cost of your new found hoppy. If you can find someone to pawn off the cheap tool on, for pennies on the dollar, you may get a Michael or two back. It always helpful to have an established turner to give you advice on tool selection, or even better join a turning club (even before buying anything) when you can probably try out different tools. But it never hurts to get an expert, long time turner, highly regarded by the turning community, who has a TH-cam channel opinion. Thanks for a very useful video. Hope a lot of wannabes view it before doing what I did (at least my club got a bunch of tools to use in their sharpening classes). Thanks again. Please keep the lessons/demos coming. Cheers, Tom
Thanks for the info Richard.
What a brilliant video, Thank you Richard for once again sharing your knowledge and experience
Great advice Richard. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.😀😀
Thank you, very informative!
Super video. I very occasionally find something good in a flea market but now I feel much more confident about what to look for.
I started with a craftsman lathe my father had..I made a pool cue..I used the craftsman tools he had...I had no clue what I was doing..I took a class after work for several weeks...learning how to use the tools has been the most important part...its not just poking a sharp steel into the wood...I enjoy my hobby now..I watch your videos all the time richard...thank you for your insight and years of knowledge you share...it has helped me alot..
Turning a pool cue as a first project is really jumping in the deep end, especially on a Craftsman lathe using Craftsman tools. I reckon most projects after that would seem relatively easy.
Great video as usual Richard!
Too many people ask for cheap good tools, not quality.
Very good info Richard. I got given 2 sets of those exact same no brand tools, and very quickly purchased better Robert Sorby Tools from Carbatec, and they made a world of difference. The no brand ones were awful to use, and after this video I think I'm going to change my mind about regrinding them to at least make them useful.
Richard, thank you for the video. I’m sure many of us have been bitten by the urge to purchase less expensive tools. My dad always told me you get what you pay for.
Your Dad was absolutely correct and that's particularly true with both woodturning tools and lathes.
So I turned my first stuff with tools from a 5 tool 100$ set. Then got a 150$ m42 bowl gouge and whoo boy did that improve the experience. Not that I didn't have fun with the other tools, or still not use them occasionally.
I've just started turning, recently bought a nice bench top lathe from axminster. This advice is extremely helpful. So thank you.
I started out 5-6 yrs ago with a harbor freight 10x16 lathe and a set of their “HSS” tools. Initially, I just wanted to use it for making handles for chisels and other parts for my woodworking. It was frustrating at first. I ended up buying the penn state upgrade to make it variable speed, as the belts are not easy to get to on that lathe and I added a digital tach readout. That motor, however was underpowered. I did learn the basics on it and don’t entirely regret it, but when it died recently, I bought a record coronet herald which has really been worth it - so much more power, 14 inch swing, etc.
I’ve slowly and steadily been adding good quality HSS tools from hurricane, crown, sorby, etc. I don’t use the old HF ones anymore - they really don’t hold an edge, although like Mike Peace suggests, I have reshaped some into tools I rarely need or that get little wear.
It would have been cheaper to get the better stuff up front, but so many of us go down this path and start cheap. Since I am now spending at least 4hrs/day at the lathe 7d/week, and sometimes 12h, it’s well worth putting some money into it.
Good to hear you discovered the benefits of genuine HSS. Your turning journey is the route many of us undertake to some degree. In my case it was buying a not-very-good lathe that after three weeks I realized was not up to what its manufacturer promised. The vastly superior replacement took 12 weeks to arrive but was well worth the wait, and I never looked back.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning It really does make a difference. I don’t need 100 tools or the very best of everything, but a certain level of quality really is necessary to enjoy the craft and really learn it.
Love the videos. Not as much as when I was fortunate enough to have lessons live in Calgary 🇨🇦. Richard, with all the types of tool steel out there, have you settled on any one or two that are clearly best? Best with cost in mind and with cost as no problem?
I'm using Henry Taylor, Sorby, Hamlet, D-way, and have one Thompson. I can't say one steel is better than another. I stick with these manufacturers because I prefer the shape and dimensions of the tools.
Thanks for making these great videos. I spent all day yesterday turning bowls with some success, thanks in large part to your books and videos. Still haven't made a bowl I'm fully happy with, but it was much less frustrating than previous attempts. One question: when you talk about gouge sizes, are you giving the flute size or the rod diameter? It's hard to tell sizes well in the videos, but your 3/8" bowl gouge looks more like my 1/2" bowl gouge. And are bowl gouges the only turning tools where there are 2 conflicting ways to measure?
I"m using Sheffield gouges that are defined by the flute width like other European gouges, whereas American manufacturers go by rod diameter. It's very confusing. I've no idea why Americans chose to be different but I"m sure there's some history in there somewhere.
thanks for the information you share always. Referenced to old iron tools, can you tell if the sharpening process its diferent for you?. Not only to no heat the tools, but, I feel that I need to honing the tool after grinding. In contrast, in HSS its rare that I feel unhappy with the tool as result of only the grinder. apologies for my english best regards Richard from Spain.
I grind the carbon steels on my Tormek or aluminium oxide on a high-speed grinder. Never the CBN wheels. The best edge comes using the Tormek. I only hone a skew or gouge when using it to scrape or shear scrape.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning thanks,
Richard, can you give a bit of general advice concerning branches? Starting from maybe three inches? Even green ones? There are a couple videos out there, especially on the more despiccable get-rich-quick-by-woodturning channels, and they use that kind of wood to make any number of things, from spindle turnings to bud vases, as well as small crossgrain and endgrain bowls. But of course they never show what these pieces look like after the wood dries out.
It seems if you tried to avoid the pith and heart in that kind of wood then you could only turn very small things, like beads and wands and maybe the odd honey dripper.
There are species that rarely split as they season, like horizontal scrub or cotoneaster and similar large shrubs / small trees with dense and fairly hard grain. The endgrain bowl made in th-cam.com/video/EayQJu1jIvE/w-d-xo.html distorted and you'll see it in upcoming videos as my oil bowl. In general it pays to assume whole logs will split so it's worth cutting out the pith.
I've really been enjoying your videos and balanced advice given. Thank you….
For PPE I use a 3M Versaflo unit from my last employment, but I am mindful of fine dust in the air building up in the workspace, especially from the later sanding stage of a turning session, and the need to minimize it in the workshop.
So many of the units out there appear to be expensive and rather noisy… An ambient air filter would also seem to be wise investment...
What would your advice be on extraction please?
Turning full time I wore a Racal Airstream that's relatively quiet as well as comfortable. I also had good dust collection around the lathe to gather it at source and similar to my current setup. th-cam.com/video/kHBqja9GXEs/w-d-xo.html I had a small very effecient air filter for ambient dust but found it far too noisy - inevitable when you move a big volume of air through a small opening.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning Thanks for your quick response… collecting dust and debris as close to source as possible seems the way to go... Plus the TH-cam link with a tour of your workshop set up… Lots to inspire there! 🙂
Thank you, I have been bingeing your videos and am learning a lot. For bowl work, you mention a 3/4" round nose scraper, and a 1" bowl scraper. Would it be possible to get away with having only one? If so, which would you recommend?
For bowls I'd go with the 1-in scraper with a slightly radiused edge. My bowl scrapers are mostly 1 ⅜-in x ⅜-in (35mm x 9mm). Don't be tempted by tools thicker than ⅜-in - they are tedious to grind and present other problems when hollowing.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning Thank you very much!
oh man those marples are just perfect pity i joined a year after they would be for sale
I am a long term woodworker, but new to the lathe. My tools are a budget Carbatec HSS set & sharp.
Initially, I made progress with the spindle tools but had a recent layoff for a few months. When I started again, I started to become apprehensive & each catch has increased my reluctance. Any advice, Richard?
You should take a look at beads for beginners where loud catches cannot occur: th-cam.com/video/s-6syy_LYSE/w-d-xo.html. And it also helps to practice skew chisel catches to help come to terms with them. th-cam.com/video/2joWFELkFTI/w-d-xo.html
What steel are the Marples made of?
I've noticed you using a round sided shear scraper on the outside of bowls, what brand would that tool be?
Henry Taylor, but it's easy to round the side of a standard scraper on a disk or belt sander.
I started with a drill lathe and carpentry chisels, upgraded to a little chinese lathe and a roughing gouge, half inch spindle gouge and a blasted (oval skew chisel ! still have it). I disagree with your initial premise, unless you are just trying the craft out.I bought just enough to do what I needed to do on repair jobs, and got more interested, I now have a serious lathe and tools, because I bought cheap tools,and wanted to find out more. If I had not had the need, I would not have done it at all.
I've met a lot of hobby turners who regretted wasting money purchasing a very cheap set of tools and very cheap lathe to get started, rather like yourself, but turning as a hobby in mind rather than a specific project. Not everyone has your tenacity.
Do you see an advantage in buying tools made from m42 or other metals that are touted to hold an edge longer?
In use I've rarely been able to tell one quality HSS from another as woods vary so much, although one did stand out. That was Vascoware gouge made of sintered steel by Jerry Glaser in 1982. Jerry was always experimenting with different steels. Unfortunately that one never went into production.
Are the platters you make and use all quarter sawn
Not always. Mostly I've used well-seasoned timbers known for their stability, then I can use flatsawn boards with more interesting grain.
May I ask what do you wear as safety glasses when turning , are they magnified or a prescription type glasses , I now have to wear glasses as I have got older it’s annoying when doing detail bits . thank you .
I have prescription lenses for the lathe. For very detailed work, like finials on small box lids, I have clip-on x3 magnifiers. The problem with those is that there's a limited depth of field so your head is only a foot from what you're turning and turning becomes a bit surreal.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning thank for your reply very helpful
Ha I certainly took the bait, and had a full set of worth to avoid "tools". Fortunately, I just received my first real skew chisel for the amount of money I purchased my lathe... or, as I usually say, an object looking like a lathe, from an angle, if you squint. I hope to have my real lathe very soon, on the shoulders of giants.
Buying bad tools to try turning is like buying a secondhand wagon to try racing sport
Is the set going for £40 or $40?
Are you in the uk or have you settled elsewhere?
I do say forty dollars. They'd still be a very good buy at £40. I've been in Australia since 1982. You'll find a bio on www.richardraffan.com.au
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning it's a beautiful website, Richard! I love the 1970's works of yours. And current ones... everything, everything!
Are the platters you make and use all quarter sawn
@@downsouthwoodturning Not always. Mostly I've used well-seasoned timbers known for their stability, then I can use flatsawn boards with more interesting grain.
Hi Richard
Thanks for another informative video,I bought a full set of Sorbey when I started on the turning journey,but hardly use any of them, as now we have the choice of buying replacement tips (rather expensive)that can be changed over in minutes it’s been a game changer for me.
Of the twenty odd spindle,and bowl gouges etc I have built up over the years I find about six tools cope with most bowl box or spindle turning I do.
Thanks for the videos always full of gems
Regards
Hi Richard are those still available
As far as I know. You need to be a member of the ACT Woodcraft Guild to purchse.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning how do I join?
@@denvermiller3780 You can join on the WCG website www.woodcraftguild.org.au. If the tools are still available you'll need to collect them from The Shed. There's a turning SIG next weekend.
@@RichardRaffanwoodturning ok thanks
Is there a way to buy those Marple chisels for $40 + postage to Sydney? Looking for a beginners set
They were to be sold to one of the novice turners belonging to the ACT Woodcraft Guild.
One of the problems of cheap Chinese tools as you pointed out is that some are sold as HSS but really are not. A struggling beginner may not appreciate the difficulty in sharpening a worthless tool that won't hold an edge and not realize how a poor tool can rob them of the joy of turning. I have had some success with some cheap Chinese tools but some were absolute rubbish. Better to stick with those from Sheffield England or North America.
Another great video. Are the Marple set still available to buy
I think so. They were to be sold to one of the novice turners belonging to the ACT Woodcraft Guild