Thread: Cheap Turning Tools

Maybe I missed the point here, all I can see are 5 square edged negative rake scrapers?
Rgds,
Crocy.

or just standard wood chisels, the first one looks interesting to use

nice handles.

The one on the right looks to be the only one with a shaft & ferrule? The rest are tapered sockets?

Ordinary chisels aren't normally subjected to sideways stresses... unless they're being used as screwdrivers or paint-can openers, but that's abuse, not use. So, for bench chisels using a tapered socket for the handle makes sense.

But woodturning chisels are expected to see unexpected sideways forces, which is why they're almost invariably a shaft & ferrule type set-up into a long handle. Even then, the shaft embedded into the handle is typically much heftier in diameter and longer than that for a bench chisel.

What I'm getting at is that even though these can only be used as scrapers, which are one of the safest (or more forgiving) woodturning tools, ones made from bench chisels are not the safest for use.

The rightmost one, from what I can see, should do fine. The one just to the left of it looks not bad... there's a bit of length to it so the 'joint' is a fair distance from the fulcrum point (ie. where it'd sit on the tool-rest) but I definitely wouldn't use it for deep cuts where more than half of the blade is over the rest.

The rest? I really don't recommend using 'em for turning, especially if you're not an experienced turner.

looks like the chisels Aldi advertised with their $150 lathe. as suggested above, these are wood chisels, not lathe tools, and should not be used as such.

Another issue is that all of the chisels in the photo are likely to be Carbon Steel which is fine for regular carpentry but rapidly becomes a PITA for turning where tools constantly require sharpening without bluing the ends. Maybe keep those chisels for regular carpentry and consider buying some 300mm long HSS blanks and turn these into turning chisels. They're still not exactly cheap (~$20 a piece) will save you lots of trips to the grinder.

It is a sad fact that turning tools cost a bit but there are some reasonably priced ones out there. HSS is far better than carbon steel at keeping an edge like Bob pointed out. Best bang for your buck would be Mcjings.
Woodturning Chisels - HSS Blanks - Handles - Woodturning
Regards
John

I should clarify the tools have not been reground when the photo was taken.