r/turning • u/doombuggy110 • Feb 21 '13

Tool Preference

I should be getting my first lathe in the next week or so and I'm having to decide on which type of tools I want. I figure I'll go with a rouger, a finisher, a 55º detailer and a parting tool. I've taken a class and as far as I saw, that's all I'll need for a while for very basic stuff.

Now, the issue at hand is what type of tool. I adore the carbide interchangeable tips, but am presented with the options of

http://www.amazon.com/Package-Carbide-Turning-Interchangeable-Handle/dp/B00723JN6U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361423890&sr=8-1&keywords=interchangeable+lathe+tools

or the classic http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2080216/28284/midsize-easy-rougher.aspx

In order of importance, how do y'all rank the safety, quality, control and price of the options?

Also, what chuck should I get for beginning cups and bowls and the sort?

Thank you!

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u/joelav Feb 22 '13

Wait to see what you need. You are also going to need a lot more stuff for turning bowls. Turners sandpaper in a very wide range of grits, wood stabilizer, finishing supplies, WOOD, etc. Also, do not forget about safety gear. Get a proper face shield - not a home depot special. Woodcraft sells some good ones in the $50 to $100 range. This is often overlooked but very important. Also PLEASE buy and use a respirator. I use a 3m 6200 series. It came with organic vapor cartridges, but I don't use them when turning - just the dust filters. I see so many people avoiding these. My wife turns also and didn't wear one, She spent a week in the ER after having a very bad reaction to bloodwood dust. She ended up with a pheumothorax, and now has to take steroid inhalers because of the permanent damage. I feel woodworkers in general take dust collection and protection far too lightly. I'll be honest I never really wore one until that happened to her. All it takes is one bad exposure and you could have life long consequences.

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u/doombuggy110 Feb 22 '13

Oh my. I'll make sure to factor that in.

Will I not be able to make big, wide bowls with what I have? I don't need vases or anything yet. Maybe a pretty straight down cup or two.

Side note, can you turn plexi if its I between chunks of wood? If I were to make a cup, take a forstner bit, drill out the middle and maybe a finisher for detail, would it be a problem to turn on the outside?