What's a good cheap set. I was going to buy a set of Craftsman s from a guy, but couldn't meet up. Have a cheap HF lathe I'd like to put to use. Any suggestions?

 

I'm sure it's like golf, I don't need all the clubs, but I need some.. lol thx..

Edited February 11, 20224 yr by BillyJack

Wait for those in the know to answer, but i see some guys like the Benjamin's best chisels as a value tool. No personal experience.

Too bad you missed out on the Craftsman.  Look for HSS steel.  Here is Penn State Industries page of tool sets. 

 

https://www.pennstateind.com/store/woodturning-tools.html#/filter:hierarchy:Lathe$2520Accessories$252FWoodturning$2520Tools$252FLathe$2520Chisel$2520Sets

 

 

Edited February 12, 20224 yr by HandyDan

Can't help you Billy Jack, but it sure is nice to see you back & posting up

9 hours ago, HandyDan said:

Too bad you missed out on the Craftsman.  Look for HSS steel.  Here is Penn State Industries page of tool sets. 

 

https://www.pennstateind.com/store/woodturning-tools.html#/filter:hierarchy:Lathe$2520Accessories$252FWoodturning$2520Tools$252FLathe$2520Chisel$2520Sets

The craftsman were on Ebay for roughly the same price. Because I have to learn how to sharpen them as well as use them, I thought I should start out with a starter set to get use to them.

9 hours ago, HandyDan said:

 

 

 

As long as they are HSS they will work well for you. I have a bunch of Sorby tools but mostly use the Craftsman tools I started with.  I guess I just got used to using them.  The spindle gouges are thinner and shallower than the Sorby and I can get into tighter places with them. 

So the key is HSS...  I've had the lathe 2-3 years and its just going to sit there till I he get the chisels.

Edited February 12, 20224 yr by BillyJack

The older tools were high carbon steel and worked well too but the HSS (High Speed Steel) hols their edge longer.  The high carbon steel tools lost their hardness if overheated while sharpening and the HSS does not.  But, I still watch how hot I get them and I heard you should not cool them in water either.

Seems like a set was running $30-40 on Ebay for Craftsman..

No one cared for them and they used to sell cheaper.  Some of their older tools aren't HSS.  Here's a picture some of mine and they are HSS.  This picture was taken years ago but if I went down and took one today it would look the same.  The darker handles are the Craftsman.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 12, 20224 yr by HandyDan

The Craftsman will work and as you found out you can usually get them cheaper. Now the caveat on that is that the metal is shorter and may not be able to sharpen them with a jig. Penn State's Benjamin's Best is a step up but a better tool.

 

For my primary recommendation it is to start with three tools as there are tools in sets you may not need or you can make.

      1. Bowl gouge 1/2 inch is good starter

      2. Spindle gouge 3/8 inch

      3. Skew 3/4 only if you are dedicated to learning it , otherwise forget it

      4. Parting tool

Yes I know that was 4 . You can easily make a parting tool from old saw blade, butcher knife or other thin steels.

 

When you are really hooked look at Thompson Tools.

Where I want to use the latge will take some major moving, but it is where I wanted a lathe when I started the shop..Been trying to sell  the bar rail to free up some of the rack, but everyone wants just 8 ft. 

BJ, pm sent.  

Sorry I missed this.