Thread: Henry Taylor Tools?

Cath,

If they've got Henry Taylor on them buy them.

OK - I'll temper that - use the net to see what you could buy them for - at least what the cost of new ones are that would be of a quality of "HS" or better. Most of the sites that you look at will have an explanation of the different grades. Be inquisitive it will teach you!!

If they've got "HS" on them that means they are a tool capable of sustaining an edge (sharpness) that much longer. If not you'll have to sharpen them more often. As a newbie that's not necessarily a disadvantage. You'll get to learn the difference between sharp and not more quickly, learn how to sharpen more quickly and if you get them at the right price, do so at a reduced cost.

Two books to look at if you can:
Richard Rafan - Turning Wood and
Kieth Rowley - Woodturning - A Foundation Course

My tuppence for what it's worth.

Jamie

Sorry Cath,

The height should be, as I understand it, around your elbow height with your forearms held out horizontally, ie the centre of the drive axis. Now that we have the theorists advice out of the way. Stand up to the lathe with one of those tools and imagine if you were trying to get the flat ground surface that makes the cutting edge on a piece of broom handle between the drive centre and tail stock feels comfortable then it is the right height.

If you're shorter or taller than average then you may need some advice from someone - a club is a good resource or someone who has some experience - that may mean lessons.

I was lucky - my father taught me so while not necessarily right, it worked for him and has for me.

I'm on the Tweed and there are others around the area who may be able to help, each post has a profile that may contain their email if you want to contact them.

Welcome to the world of turning - it's great and the most fullfilling experience when you get things to turn out as you want them(pardon the pun).

Jamie

Cath Henry Taylor stamped all their tools for easy identification. In your case HS4 tells you you have a 1 1/2" roughing gouge worth about $140.00 when new.
Lathe height is usually when you stand upright lift your hand till level with the floor and that is a fair indication for spindle height.
All scroll chucks are excellent for use to do bowls. Depending on the size of bowl dictates what size jaws you use . For more info on the nova range www.cws.au.com.
Refer to your local library for more information and books on woodturning.

I found a set of four Henry Taylor tools and 3 P&N Tools in a Hock shop for $100 the lot. I have joined the local woodcrafters guild and am learning heaps. Thanks so much for all the help, it is very appreciated.

re - henry Taylor tools.
by scrounging through trash and treasures and garage sales I've amassed some 60 gouges. Though I lke the Swiss Pfiel and the German Herz-something I have to admit that I reach for the Taylor tool whenever I can. They keep an edge longer and though I'm probably biased they seem to sharpen quicker on my felt buff.
In short I figure that at $110 for a dozen gouges was one of my best buys.