On 10/4/2021 at 5:50 PM, smitty10101 said:

Easywood carbide large set. Using all 3 cutters at some time during the turning. 

Is it possible that I need to turn or sand  at a higher speed? I've been turning/sanding at the lower end of speed scale. I don't know what the rpm is. Is a Harbor Freight "big" lathe. probably @ 600 +.

Easywood tools are scrapers they do not cut they scrape. The best way to get rid of tear out is to cut the wood. Learn to use and sharpen gouges or get Hunter carbide tools which cut not scrape. The most often place where tear out begins is the transition area of a bowl where the side transitions to the bottom of the bowl. This area if it happens is best cut with a gouge sharpened about 85° with a bevel rubbing cut.

45 minutes ago, Bill Blasic said:

Easywood tools are scrapers they do not cut they scrape.

Actually, they do cut. Increasing the turning speed and a sharp carbide edge can produce a surface that rivals any “traditional” tool. 

I have never used the carbide tools but for me 600 would be for roughing only. For the finish cuts and sanding I am usually at 1200-1600 depending on the wood. I have been known to really crank up the speed for sanding. 
Paul

2 hours ago, lew said:

Actually, they do cut. Increasing the turning speed and a sharp carbide edge can produce a surface that rivals any “traditional” tool. 

Your opinion, what I have seen for the last 13 years are folks like the guy who is having problems with tear out using Easy Wood scrapers. My opinion is that conventional gouges when learned can and will do a better job in all aspects of woodturning. I have never suggested that anyone buy a Easy Wood tool and I never will.

Have to agree with Bill on this one.  The EWT style carbide tools have their uses but don't and can't replace a gouge.  They are excel at making turning accessible to a new turner but their effectiveness dwindles as that turner advances and wants to take their work to the next level.  The training of a new turner must include the gouge but the EWT style tools can help with the learning curve. I still use one of the diamond detail tools fairly regularly but the round and square cutters are in a drawer.  

 

On the other hand many of the Hunter carbide tools are setup like a gouge and do actually cut like one.  Push, pull, scrape, and shear scrape all achievable with those.  The main difference is the cup shaped cutter set on an angle to the axis of the tool.  In other words they have a bevel.

 

.40 

6 hours ago, Bill Blasic said:

Your opinion, what I have seen for the last 13 years are folks like the guy who is having problems with tear out using Easy Wood scrapers. My opinion is that conventional gouges when learned can and will do a better job in all aspects of woodturning. I have never suggested that anyone buy a Easy Wood tool and I never will.

I respect your your opinion. Did this walnut bowl this afternoon. 

 

Easy Wood cutter R2 end grain side of bowl. Not sanded 

Edited November 12, 20223 yr by lew

All opinions are welcome folks, just be kind, remember Easy Wood Tools are a major sponsor of this woodworking community, without them, and Woodcraft and Laguna Tools, this community would not exist, not only that, they are staunch supporters of our veterans and active duty.

I am not saying "hands off", I believe good constructive feedback is good for any manufacturer, but perhaps some decorum and respect for our sponsors is always in order. Thank you folks!

All due respects to Easy Wood and they and other similar carbides do have a place. However for the "Best" finish on end grain I used both Easy Wood and Hunter #4 and the Hunter was definitely better. Not to put either down as Easy is less catchy and that is good for new turners.

I think the carbide tools are great to get people into the turning process quickly and they get good results quickly. At a certain point most people will want to go on to the next level which involves standard steel gouges etc. But that step involves buying quality tools (Thompson etc ) and most importantly learning to sharpen them. That’s a big step for many that is costly and has a learning curve some will choose not to take. I think they both have their place in the turning world. 
Paul

I like my Easy Wood tools when it comes to hollowing.  They really shine for me there.