Thread: Chisels

Hi Charl
I also started with the same set up you did
I looked at updating and bought A new wood fast midi lathe as well as some better chisels. I up graded my tools with some from carbatec & also some from woodfast down the port way
great to see another south aussie here on the forum
Regards Michael

What ever chisels you get, go for quality.
I personally like P&N, Hamlet, and Henry Taylor tools
but there are plenty of other good tools out there,
none of which are made in China.

As for a lathe, remember - you can turn small items on
a big lathe but you can't turn big items on a small lathe.
EVS is something to aim for but it does make a lathe a
bit more expensive.

Good job on the turning so far!!!

Nice couple of bowls there Charl,nice timber...can't help you with advice on Turning tools Charl as i'm only new to woodturning myself...keep up the good work..

Mick!!!

I started with a Woodfast M305 Midi Lathe and some cheap chisels. I now have mostly Robert Sorby Chisels (far more than I need!). When I bought the lathe I was asked why not a bigger lathe. I now regret not getting a larger lathe, as some said above you can turn small stuff on a large lather but......
I also took some lessons when I started money well spent!

Thanks for the help so far. I broke the faceplate for my lathe this morning. I think it had a hairline crack in it already. So now the prioroties have changed. I think I will be upgrading the lathe before I upgrade the chisels. Maybe someone will buy me some new chisels for christmas! (Looks over at wife sheepishly).

I am looking at getting this lathe.

Lathes - Wood : LEDACRAFT MC-900 WOOD LATHE

Carbatec sell the same one, but want more for it.

Carba-Tec® Economy Woodlathes : CARBA-TEC

What do you guys think of that one? Just within reach of my budget and seems like a good one on paper?

Hi mate welcome
Good to see another radeladian !!
I have an old mc900 and they are a good starting point, as they are cast and they have variable speed.
The only down side is they dont have much power and i find i have to take quite shallow cuts or i stall the lathe and the other is your limited in the size of bowls and platters that can be made but like i said very good lathe to start out with and i think there is one on gumtree for sale Wood Lathe | Other Tools & DIY | Gumtree Australia Adelaide Region - Murray Bridge Area there was another but couldnt find it also this might be a good buy if he would lower the price a tad Woodfast lathe dust extractor chuck chisel package | Miscellaneous Goods | Gumtree Australia Playford Area - Angle Vale

What area are you in if your close to brighton your more than welcome to come say hi and have a look at a mc900 in use ?
cheers brad

Hi Charl,

I an relatively new to turning as well. Started about 18 months ago. I ended up buying the Sorby starter pack at last years wood show from Jim Carroll. I reckon it was the best buy I made. I started with a similar lathe to you and then bought a Nova 16/24. Great lathe and I am forever being yelled at by the family as to when will I leave it alone. But I do recommend the sorby starter pack if your looking at upgrading your tools.

I emailed the guy in Murray Bridge about the mc-900 and got some pics. The thing is green and looks heaps old and rusty. It doesn't come with anything else apart from some chisels. I think I wwill spend the extra for a new one and a 3 year warranty!
I will keep that package in mind Bluegum.

Regardless of what chisels you use, if you can't get a good edge on them you're flogging a dead horse. passed on some great advice at a demo he did at my club when he recommended Optigrind CBN wheels. Best thing since sliced bread. I now get a really good edge on all my chisels, much better than the oxide wheels I used to use - even on the crappy tools (edge doesn't last as long but). I highly recommend making the investment.

So apart from Carbatec, Ledacraft and Woodfast, where else in Adelaide can you buy a woodlathe new?

Jim Carrol, Pop's Shed, Hare and Forbes...just off the top of my head.

Hi Charl

the 3 you mention are about it in Adelaide, I would encourage you to make contact with your local group of turners. Not knowing where you are in Adelaide if you go to Woodgroup SA Home you will be able to find a group that is local to you. Each of these groups have the capacity and willingness to assist you in your start on the exciting and addictive turning slope. Each group will be able to assist you with info on equipment and tools but more importantly you can get education especially on the safety side, just as an aside they also provide an amazing amount of camaraderie and entertainment as well as the opportunity to improve your skills. All are volunteer run organizations with differing capacities and like all the woodies on this site more than willing to assist a new, or any, turner with their knowledge and experience.
Make contact and go along to one of the sessions it may save you a lot of time and money on your search, there is a lot more to a lathe than the initial dollars

Cheers and good luck

Tony

Right place, right time. I saw an ad fora mc900 pop up on Gumtree yesterday so called straight away. Went and had a look today and just had to buy it.

MC900 lathe, set of 6 chisels plus 1, supernova 2 chuck, jacobs chuck, heaps of turning blanks and alot of other stuff for $650. Knew it was a good deal. Got home and tallied it all up and it was nearly $1500 worth of wood turning equipment and supplies.

Needless to say, I am one happy wood turner! Thank you to all of you for your help and advice. Cant wait to get stuck in!!

Now that is good to hear. You will go through that lot very quickly or you might not.