February 7, 201313 yr First let me say thank you to EWT for loaning the turning tools to us for evaluation.A bit of a disclaimer: The extent of my turning is small bowls and pens so I will limit my review as it pertains to those items. I don't do any spindle turning.Pros:1. EWT tools are well made. The handles are of good quality, fit and finish is very good. The inserts for each tool are of good quality and machining and are very sharp cutters.2. Carbide insert tools are a Godsend because they don't require sharpening and carbide cutters are a must for some materials.3. The EWT are well balanced and there was virtually no vibration when rounding stock. The tools cut very well and slice through stock.NOTE: If you are limited in your ability in metal working or access to a drill press these might be the tools for you.Cons:1. For my taste the cutting inserts need to be a bit larger and in comparison to my Wood Pen Pro which has a larger insert the EWT finisher doesn't leave a smooth finish I believe because it's round whereas my  Wood Pen pro has square inserts with 2 deg and a 4 deg radius that virtually leaves an extremely smooth finish.2. I believe the price for these tools is a bit over priced. There are other manufactures that produce carbide tip tools that perform just as well at much cheaper prices and there are several that allow you to use the same base tool that accepts differing shaped cutters.3. If you are able to purchase HSS square stock you can make your own tools and just purchase the inserts at a much cheaper price. If you don't then these might be the tools your looking for but shop around for the carbide insert tools and compare prices.Please note: Any carbide turning tools won't eliminate catches or blow-outs but they do decrease them. www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops
February 7, 201313 yr Great review, Mike!One thing I did find in the box was some 2° roughing bits. They worked a lot better then the square ones, for me.Lew Kauffman-Wood Turners Forum HostTime traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!
February 9, 201313 yr Author Lewis those are the same radius inserts I use on my wood pen pro but they're larger than the EWT inserts. I also have 4 deg. inserts that I use for roughing and the 2 deg. I use for finishing and they come out very smooth.www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops
February 9, 201313 yr Yes, the square ones are nice for turning tenons- like on the pepper grinder head but the radiused ones were better for everything else.Mike Dillen said:Lewis those are the same radius inserts I use on my wood pen pro but they're larger than the EWT inserts. I also have 4 deg. inserts that I use for roughing and the 2 deg. I use for finishing and they come out very smooth.www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops
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