Hi all,
I don't turn often but occasionally turn a piece to use as part of a furniture item - maybe once every few weeks. To date it's been spindle work but I'd also like to try a bowl or two sometime. I've got an old beast of a lathe, WMS Tekny from Germany (heavy!!) but have just been using some no name chisels I was given by a mate. I'm sure they were the cheapest possible - they've gone kind of blue at the tips (from heat, using when blunt?) and don't seem to hold an edge long. I compensate by lots of sanding. Not ideal!
I'm sure I'd feel more like turning with some better quality tools - these days I try to buy the right tool once only where possible!
I'm looking to buy a few high quality chisels. I suspect anything will seem like a massive improvement from what I have now.
So, what would be in your everyday toolkit, the ones that you reach for all the time?
My thoughts are:
* Spindle gouge say 10mm
* Skew chisel
* Parting tool
* Bowl gouge
I haven't put roughing gouges on the list because I use mostly rectangular stock that I can easily rough out on the bandsaw first - I think this is better practice from a safety perspective. But perhaps I should still get them?
Also would love brand recommendations... drowning in info at the moment, honestly just want to know what will serve me well for a long time.
Thanks for any input!
Pat