Here I walk through the basic set of woodturning spindle tools that you need. No need to buy a complete starter set, as you can do nearly anything that you want to do with this set of tools. More importantly, by selecting each tool carefully you will end up with much better quality tools, and not so much clutter in your shop.
Tools similar to the ones shown in this video:
spindle roughing gouge: amzn.to/3myilW2
3/8" spindle gouge: amzn.to/3mwJkkU
1/2" spindle gouge: amzn.to/3szvfae
Super thin parting tool: amzn.to/3Emdptq
Skew chisel: amzn.to/33Ys9lO
My Turning Favorites Amazon List: a.co/08xCS6Y
Other Turning Products commonly used:
Turning smock: amzn.to/3Bb123t
Laguna 2436 lathe: amzn.to/31Ar7qA
Robust 14" J-Rest with long post: amzn.to/2KYJlZY
Minwax wipe-on poly: amzn.to/2FhLSvn
Bowl sanding with a drill setup: amzn.to/39PBFZc
Husqvarna Rancher 460 chainsaw: amzn.to/2WkgR3p
Husqvarna 2 cycle fuel: amzn.to/2PnJWJK
Positively HUGE face plate: amzn.to/2JyJOGK
Thompson bowl gouge, 1/2"
1.5" scraper, ground to Negative Rake : amzn.to/3EvmaST
Milwaukee right angle drill: amzn.to/3dtTuO6
Mylands Friction polish: amzn.to/3ry6XKH
Video equipment used:
Canon Rebel 7i DSLR amzn.to/3pKXxuV
Camera mounted mic: amzn.to/36CZZLl
Studio Mic: amzn.to/3epZIiR
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I think actual starter sets of spindle turning tools are a terrible idea. If you go that route you will end up with some tools that are less than ideal, and others that are simply worthless. Rather than trying to completely outfit your gouge collection in a single click, I recommend making a careful selection for each of the tools that you will actually need. A good set should include the precious few tools that you will actually use, and if you choose carefully you can produce just about any spindle project with a collection of tools that you can hold in one hand. Unfortunately I have amassed a large collection of spindle turning tools, which creates a disturbing level of clutter in my shop. In reviewing my tool inventory, I have found that there are only five of my traditional tools (as opposed to carbide insert tools) that I use with any regularity. And if I challenged myself, I would admit that I could turn anything with just these five tools. I will write a separate blog about carbide tools at a later date, because I feel strongly that there are a lot of reasons for considering starting with those rather than traditional tools, but for those who want to start with traditional tools I’ll provide a list of the ones that I think you should buy first.
#1. Spindle Roughing Gouge. Most spindle turning projects begin with a blank that has square corners, so the first step that you need to take is to make the blank round. The early stages of this rounding process can be produce some jarring, so the spindle roughing gouge requires a couple important characteristics. First, it is typically the largest and heaviest duty tool in a spindle gouge collection. Second, it should have a nose grind that is more blunt than spindle gouges that are intended to produce a finished surface. The roughing gouge has a single goal; make the square object round. Once that heavy lifting is completed, other tools that are designed for more finesse and a sheered surface finish will take over.
#2. A 1/2” Spindle Gouge. This is my primary shaping tool, allowing me to create medium to large sized beads along with gentle swooping convex or concave shapes. The 1/2” spindle gouge is ground to a more aggressive point, typically ranging from 40 - 55 degress, which allows it to sheer the wood and produce a near finish-ready surface.
#3. A 3/8” Spindle Gouge. When final details are required, I pull out my 3/8” spindle gouge. This allows me to turn much smaller beads and create details that are finer than the larger 1/2” gouge. While it might sound like a 3/8” and a 1/2” gouge are nearly the identical, you will find that the capabilities of the two tools are quite different and complementary to one another. If I could only have one I would choose the 1/2”, but having both of these tools gives you much more flexibility.
#4. Parting tool. The humble parting tool is used in nearly ever spindle turning project. If you only have one parting tools, I would suggesting getting the thinnest one that you can find. These make it easy to part the project from the waste as a last step prior to removing from the lathe. They are also useful in turning tenons onto projects, or adding fine detailed grooves as an accent.
#5 Skew Chisel. This tool is optional, and I would suggesting getting the other four first, and once you feel confident in using all four, then add a skew chisel.