Some of you know I recently bought a variable speed 12" Rikon wood lathe.

Now I need some turning tools, so my question is..

Is there a decent set of HSS turning tools that contain all the basic shapes for about $100?

Amazion has a set, "Benjamin's Best" for about 80 bucks that contain a bowl gouge among the other 7 tools in the set.

What do you recommend?

Larry

When I purchased my first lathe, it came with a set of seven tools- standard stuff. Separately, the tool kit sold for somewhere in the neighborhood of $70. The tools would not hold an edge and constantly needed resharpening.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=682

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Neck-800-Piece-Turning/dp/B000CNO79U

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-wood-lathe-turning-tool-kit-3793.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-high-speed-steel-turning-set-35444.html

 

The last link claims to use HSS. 

I have been very satisfied with Pinnacle turning tools, although all of mine are prior to their introduction of their Cryogenic Series. These tools were not as expensive as some of the more "popular" makers but they hold an very well. Unfortunately, they are more expensive than your price range. 

I know turners that make some of their flat tools from old files- skew, parting and scrapers. Files, however, are brittle and could shatter if a major catch occurs. 

Lew

I am not a turner Larry so I cannot recommend anything. As a reminder though, check out our affiliates on our site for your tools as well, remember, when you enter the retailers through our site, we get a small commission that helps keep us afloat.

 

 

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker

Larry, I purchased a set at Woodcraft. I think they were on sale from somewhere around 100.00 dollars. Could have been 149.00 though. I started with then and still use many of them today. Most of the sets will have the basic tools you need then you can fill in with other tools as you see what you really want.

 

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com