Wood Turing Chisels for beginner

[DaveVman]

Hi guys, I must be using the wrong search terms because I can't find this question although it must have been asked many times before.
Keep in mind that I know absolutely nothing about turning.

What starter set is best for an absolute beginner?
Carbatec have a set for $180. (More than I spent on my lathe but I was warned about that.)
https://www.carbatec.com.au/woodturning/chisels-and-lathe-tools/wood-turning-chisel-sets/chisel-set-hss-6pce-bmc

eBay have some very cheap sets. e.g. $33
https://www.ebay.com.au/p/8-Wood-Turning-Lathe-Chisels-Woodturning-Chisel-Skew-Tool-Carving-Parting-Knives/27021082037?iid=323327207892&chn=ps

- but am I wasting my time going that cheap?

HAFCO have this set of 8 for $121 - would this be a good compromise? These are the ones I'm leaning towards.
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W301?gclid=CjwKCAjwvNXeBRAjEiwAjqYhFpb9lKmKyybbf23YYPfXXKh-QIB3oWx8zj_ZS1WFIbtAD3W3yj9GTxoC_QUQAvD_BwE

Does it matter what grinder I have to sharpen with?
Here are some photos of my mighty grinder.
444980
It draws a whooping 150W when it really gets going.
444981
Again, with a ruler to show it's imposing presence on the bench. (Don't worry I'll find something to bolt it to before using it on chisels.)
444982

It's been used once, when I hand made some hooks. Which was enough for it to get warm.
So yeah, I'll see how that goes.

[coffenup]

The third set is what I started with and still use them I find them a little bit large. The second set from Ebay I would try and avoid them. Later on get a better set when you can afford to. I would see if you like turning before spending to much money

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[Fumbler]

Dave, the machinery house are perfect beginner tools, and the grinder is fine. I'd replace the lowest grit with a white oxide wheel from CWS, give Jim a call and order one. And when your ready send me a pm (private message) and I'll send through a grinding jig plan. It's very simple that you probably wouldn't need it. It will help get those edges atleast uniform whilst you learn.

dont forget dust extraction though, and it doesn't need to be a giant, just a cheap and nasty vacuum braced behind the lathe, fabricate a cone of some description to fit the hose. Just remember though it takes dust not chuncks or chips.

youve done exactly as I have done and entered on the cheap only to upgrade as I've gone. I now make my own handles etc.

[coffenup]

When you get the money get a 200 mm grinder at least look for a slow speed grinder helps keep the tool steel cooler

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[arose62]

You could just go to the Woodturning forum, and then scroll through the thread titles looking for anything appropriate:

Woodturning forum top level:
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/

You should see threads like:
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/new-to-turning-138660?highlight=beginner+chisel

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/new-to-turning-138660?highlight=beginner+chisel

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f69/chisel-brands-selections-77682

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/chisels-beginners-74452

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/tools-help-please-222503

P.S. did you mean "Turning", or is the "Turing" some clever reference to computing/code-breaking/Alan Turing :)

[Dalboy]

I would buy known names of tools. Many of those have been producing tools for a long time. If you ever decide to give up turning you will get a better return on those than what you would for the unknown/cheaper brands.
Not knowing what brands you have where you live makes it harder to suggest a brand. I have a Robert Sorby set of tools which I found to have everything in it to get someone started in turning, they are known pretty much worldwide.
As people say "buy cheap buy twice"
I have only ever used a 6" grinder with a white wheel just don't over heat the tools when sharpening light touch is needed

Good luck in your new found hobby and enjoy the journey if you can find someone to show you the basics it will help make it much easier and will avoid frustration

[NeilS]

Borrow a set to start to learn what they can and can't do, but then get good individual tools one at a time when you start buying for yourself.

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[DaveVman]

Look at what an awesome community we have here. A beginner like me asks a question and within 4 hours gets a wealth of information from the experienced. It's another great aspect of wood working.

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[poundy]

wait, what? You didn't buy the advertised Aldi ones at the same time as the lathe? :) :roflmao2:

[orraloon]

I started with the Hafco set then got better tools when I had mastered sharpening them. I still have the starter set and some have been reprofiled to suit particular jobs. My grinder is just a $50 job from Super Cheap Auto but an 8''. I put a white wheel on it and made an angled tool rest.
Some good sharpening tips on this site.
Wood Turning Lathe tips, techniques, instruction (http://aroundthewoods.com/)
Regards
John

[DaveVman]

wait, what? You didn't buy the advertised Aldi ones at the same time as the lathe? :) :roflmao2:

I hope no one does that. I hate to think what nasty injury could result.

[DaveVman]

cut

[DaveTTC]

Oh I bought 4 sets of the Aldi chisels

I saw a review which put the hardness of the steel on par with Irwin Maples. At that price they make a good cheap set for work and keep my better ones at home.

Was quite happy with the edge once honed and took very little to flatten the backs. I must say when repeatedly hit into a 3” nail the 25mm chisel did not keep that edge so well. Off to some serious stone work as there was no grinder on site.

The other 3 sets are for my kids


Dave TTC
The Turning Cowboy

Turning Wood Into Art

[justonething]

I bought two sets. Half the price as the comparable ones in Bunnings.

[smiife]

wait, what? You didn't buy the advertised Aldi ones at the same time as the lathe? :) :roflmao2:


Aaaa......poundy...............you beat me to It !,!!!:U

[poundy]

Oh I bought 4 sets of the Aldi chisels




I bought two sets. Half the price as the comparable ones in Bunnings.
I am actually jealous. And surprised I feel that way :) If only I didn't have to travel so far to get to an Aldi...