Thread: newbie chisel sets

G'day Robert

Welcome to the world of turning
After looking at all the sets, I would go with the $109 set from Hare & Forbes
This set contains all the basics you need to get started
It is also $10 cheaper than the Carbetec set which looks exactly the same
It might pay to see which works out cheaper after postage and handling
It also has a bowl gouge as well which the $99 set dosen't have
Help this helps you

Cheers DJ

hi, i got the $119 set from ct ( but i got it before when it was $99, before it went up). they are great tools ( at least for beginning) the h&f set looks the same. i would recomend getting them if your budget doesn't extend to the brand names.

as well as chisels you also need a way to sharpen them, you need preferably an aluminium oxide wheel ( white) on a bench grinder.

Gary Pye has a set of six tools for $ 110.00
That are much the same as the carbatec ones..

Or you could go for the $269.00 set from Hamlet!!!!

I bought my set for $99 from Timbercon (now $119) and they are very nice. See http://www.timbecon.com.au/details/6...-set-9948.aspx
I think the brands for this price are all the same, just different labels.
Terry B

Here is an alternate set that I purchased from Penn State Industries for $69.00. They are made by Benjamins Best and the set has been good to me and really fit my price range. They also offer a anniversary set that is a little shorter but looks a little diffrent. Same company and same metal just fancy'er looking.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/lcsixw.html

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/lcan6s.html

The postage out here might be punitive Cypher ;-}

thanks everyone,

probably go with the H&F $109 set. thanks for the advice re bowl gouge, i literally have no idea which chisel to use for which type of cut. i got a white wheel from the sydney www show recently.

i have seen a few videos (from the library!) and borrowed a few books, so now time to give it a go. i will have to pay more attention to what they say rather than being mesmerised by how quickly the form comes into being!!

robert

good stuff. have fun

Originally Posted by robatman

i literally have no idea which chisel to use for which type of cut

OK, in general, you'd be starting with a roughing gouge. Its job is to make square bits of wood round

Once you've got a long round bit of wood, make one end of it narrower than the rest, and viola! you've made a mallet.

That's how I started, and the mallet sees service every time I go into the shed (OK, sometimes my 3 y.o. is using it)

FWIW, I started with a $28 set of chisels from SuperCheap. They are pretty nasty, but they are an option. Also, check the bigger markets, as they often have sets of turning chisels similar to the ones you've mentioned, but cheaper. I've seen them at Parklea, and Morriset markets.

Cheers,
Andrew

Originally Posted by robatman
"i literally have no idea which chisel to use for which type of cut"

Robatman, what area of Sydney are you in? Chances are there is a turner on this forum who lives nearby that would be happy for you to bring a couple of beers and drop round for a chat re all things wood, and offer some tips.

Woodtuners groups/clubs are always a good way to go, but don't dismiss the opportunity for a one on one discussion with another turner. They don't have to be a pro, just someone else who's been there, done that, and can point you in the right direction.

From there, you can choose your own path.

disclaimer: Don't drink and drive (err... ok, don't drink and turn)....
well, not too much anyways!

Well I got the H&F chisles - the $109 set, thanks for your help.

Stood there gazing at both sets and was tempted to buy the 8 piece set, just cos there was 2 more chisels, but my first impressions after my first play this afternoon was having more gouges is definately a plus.glad i listened to all your advice.

my other impression is how crap is that $35 4 jaw chuck!!!!!

i have read the thread is not a standard size but do i have any options?

pls bear in mind i dont have much hobby cash (otherwise i would be using the MC900)

thanks
robert

timbernut- i'm in como, near sutherland.

Robatman,

The woodturners guild has Southern region that meets at Oyster Bay which is right near you. Well worth contacting them and dropping in to get some advice/ assistance.

http://www.sydneywoodturners.com.au/...r details.html

Otherwise, I'm near Bankstown if you are inclined for a drive and feel like dropping in. Am always keen to catch up with other turners and talk timber all day.... PM me if interested.

The woodturners guild has Southern region that meets at Oyster Bay which is right near you. Well worth contacting them and dropping in to get some advice/ assistance.

http://www.sydneywoodturners.com.au/site/regions/southern/sr details.html

Robatman,
Yeah they meet every third Thursday of the month. Bruce Leadbetter goes there and does a lot of free demos/instruction. Bruce is highly approachable and very knowledgeable. well worth the visit.
hughie

thanks Hughie/timbernut,
checked out the site and may have a visit- the the only complicating factor is that we are expecting our first baby in the next few weeks- shed time may go out the window for a while!!

I also had a good suggestion from stuart lees re GMC chuck options- may end up mounting another chuck in the GMC one!

robert