I have been looking at carbide lathe tools lately. Man are they expensive. I went on YouTube and watched some videos on how to make your own. I went to the store and bought two 18 inch prybars, a square cutter and a round cutter. I haven't used them yet. Pictures and update to follow.

I use carbide tools only sparingly for specific needs and I have made some of my own as well. With that said I also have two easy wood tool carbide offerings. A small hollower and a small detailer. The fit and finish on their tools is first rate and they produce a very quality product made in America. Add to that, they support this forum and that definitely counts in their favor.

 

Steve

I have a mini and got a set of 3  on sale for around $100.  At first I didn't use them much and as I got on to technique, I started to use them . more and more. They are now my primary tools. I still use my old ones, especially the parting tool and small gouge.  I also have made a good parting tool out of an old saw blade. I also sharpen mine. I remove the cutters, lay them flat on diamond dust stones (HF) and move them around for about a minute 

This does a good job and sure beats replacement.  

 

I also found out that they dull quickly when introduced to a spinning lathe chuck

No advertising or sales pitch here....  I promise.  I will share what I know about carbide and carbide used for lathe turning.  It makes a huge difference to use a carbide tool that has been made especially for turning.  I'm not talking about having a pretty handle or shiny stainless steel bar, I'm talking about a carbide cutter that has been formulated especially for this application.  The proper grade of carbide and the grinding and polishing techniques used to from the cutting edge are critical.  Turning on the lathe is a VERY different application than being used on a 10" saw blade or a spiral planer blade.  I've studied carbide cutters under the microscope, cutters that are right out of the retail package and the edge looks like a jagged edge from a moon rock.  I've also seen carbide cutters that even after hours of use look straight and sharp.  You get what you pay for has never been more true in this case.

<<<<now dismounting soapbox>>>>

+1 for the Easy Wood Turning Tools!

I'm with Steve.  I use mainly the traditional tools and use the carbide tools for special uses.

7 hours ago, Jim from Easy Wood Tools said:

No advertising or sales pitch here....  I promise.  I will share what I know about carbide and carbide used for lathe turning.  It makes a huge difference to use a carbide tool that has been made especially for turning.  I'm not talking about having a pretty handle or shiny stainless steel bar, I'm talking about a carbide cutter that has been formulated especially for this application.  The proper grade of carbide and the grinding and polishing techniques used to from the cutting edge are critical.  Turning on the lathe is a VERY different application than being used on a 10" saw blade or a spiral planer blade.  I've studied carbide cutters under the microscope, cutters that are right out of the retail package and the edge looks like a jagged edge from a moon rock.  I've also seen carbide cutters that even after hours of use look straight and sharp.  You get what you pay for has never been more true in this case.

<<<<now dismounting soapbox>>>>

I did buy the easy cutters I just couldn't afford the extra $200 for the rest. I have been off work for six months since my last neck surgery and am on 60% disability from work.

7 minutes ago, RustyFN said:

I have been off work for six months since my last neck surgery and am on 60% disability from work.

Hope your on the mends "rusty" toward a full & complete recovery.

7 hours ago, Jim from Easy Wood Tools said:

You get what you pay for has never been more true in this case.

<<<<now dismounting soapbox>>>>

Well just be careful there are no nails or screws left just in case you plan to mount it in the lathe. Those can leave a mark on you & the carbide.

20 hours ago, RustyFN said:

I did buy the easy cutters I just couldn't afford the extra $200 for the rest. I have been off work for six months since my last neck surgery and am on 60% disability from work.

If you bought the Easy Cutters, then you are using a great tool...  doesn't matter about the rest.  The carbide is where the rubber meets the road.  ;o)

I hope you are well soon!

Edited March 25, 20179 yr by Jim from Easy Wood Tools

When I came back from the SWA, I was pretty stressed out, actually really stressed.  My teenage daughter got me into pen turning. Our first tools were Easy Wood we purchased at woodcraft, based on an associates recommendation.  We would later take a bowl turning class.  Because of my mental state, I would never had the patience to learn how to sharpen a traditional tool. If not for Easy Tool I would never have taken to woodturning, and woodturning was a tremendous outlet to realeve my anxiety. Because of this, I've turned woodturning into a money making hobby.

11 minutes ago, Kurt said:

If not for Easy Tool I would never have taken to woodturning, and woodturning was a tremendous outlet to realeve my anxiety. Because of this, I've turned woodturning into a money making hobby.

Woodturning is really calming. Glad your daughter had the foresight to get you started!

12 hours ago, Kurt said:

When I came back from the SWA, I was pretty stressed out, actually really stressed.  My teenage daughter got me into pen turning. Our first tools were Easy Wood we purchased at woodcraft, based on an associates recommendation.  We would later take a bowl turning class.  Because of my mental state, I would never had the patience to learn how to sharpen a traditional tool. If not for Easy Tool I would never have taken to woodturning, and woodturning was a tremendous outlet to realeve my anxiety. Because of this, I've turned woodturning into a money making hobby.

So glad you were able to find some joy and relief....  what a success story for you!  This made my day, thanks

Edited March 26, 20179 yr by Jim from Easy Wood Tools

On ‎3‎/‎25‎/‎2017 at 7:30 PM, Kurt said:

woodturning was a tremendous outlet to realeve my anxiety. Because of this, I've turned woodturning into a money making hobby.

Sounds like things have taken a "turn" for the better.  Sorry, I couldn't resist.  God bless you!

I used the homemade carbide tools today. I love love love them. They were so nice and easy to use. 

Apparently I am doing the whole turning process wrong.  I am wound up tight until the pen is ready for sanding, but then again I have splintered many a pen...

 

I go back and forth between traditional and carbide tools.  I began on a cheap set traditional set from the online retailer, upgraded to a carbide set with 1 handle and 3 cutters.  Smooth cuts but it seemed to double my turning time.  After watching yet more YouTube videos I have currently settled with a Sorby Bowl Gouge for my turning.  I got a knock off wolverine sharpening jig and use it before every pen.  I am looking at trying a full size skew next, but for now the gouge works well for me.  For the carbite cutters I purchased the EWT replacements and simply run them over a diamond sharpening card once I have rotated them as much as I can.  Than 'freshens' up the edge enough for me to get another lap on the ETW cutter.

3 hours ago, Joe Candrilli said:

whole turning process wrong

You know, I don't think there is any "right" or "wrong" way of turning something. It is what works best for you and isn't dangerous.

 

There's lots of opinions out there. Keep experimenting. 

20 minutes ago, lew said:

You know, I don't think there is any "right" or "wrong" way of turning something. It is what works best for you and isn't dangerous.

 

There's lots of opinions out there. Keep experimenting. 

I agree 100% with Lew.  To me one of the wonderful things about woodworking is that there are just about always 10 ways to accomplish the exact same thing.  Only two rules never change:

1.  Be safe

2.  Have fun

 

If you are "wound tight" while turning, I would suggest more practice with scraps from your cut-off bin until you gain more confidence and experience.  Turning can and should be relaxing and enjoyable.  Hang in there and play with some scrap wood that doesn't matter....  you'll get there.

 

 

Jim from Easy Wood Tools        Quote

"I love the smell of carbide in the morning"

Don't breathe to much of it in, it is a carcinogen.