The first question that comes to mind immediately after adding a professional woodturning lathe to your shop is, “What woodturning tools/chisels should we use?
In this case, the best practice would be to start with tools that will allow you to do most general tasks, and then move up to the premium tools for more intensive projects.
Choosing the right wood lathe chisel is vital for achieving professional results in your woodturning projects. Each chisel is tailored for specific tasks and materials, using the incorrect one may result in uneven cuts, rough finishes, and even harm to your wood or the chisel itself. To aid you in making the best selection, we have assembled a list of the top-rated 05 wood lathe chisels.
Types of Woodturning Tools and Their Uses
Roughing Gouge
This chisel is typically wider than other chisels and is used to remove large amounts of wood quickly. It has a curved blade that allows for deep cuts and is best used for shaping and roughing out the initial shape of a piece.
Spindle Gouge
This chisel has a flatter grind than a roughing gouge and is used for shaping spindles and other cylindrical shapes. It’s great for creating smooth, even curves and is best used for detail work on small projects.
Skew Chisel
This chisel has a slanted edge that allows for smooth cuts and fine details. It’s perfect for cutting and shaping and is best used for making precise cuts and creating intricate details.
Parting Tool
This chisel is very thin and pointed and is used for making precise cuts to separate pieces of wood. It’s great for making clean, precise cuts and is best used for separating individual pieces of wood.
Detail Gouge
This chisel is very thin and pointed and is used for making small, detailed cuts. It’s perfect for making intricate details and is best used for small, precise cuts.
Bowl Gouge
This chisel has a large curved blade and is used for shaping the inside and outside of bowls and other hollow forms. It’s great for creating smooth, even curves and is best used for shaping and smoothing the inside of bowls.
Scraper Chisel
This chisel is very thin and flat and is used for smoothing and finishing surfaces. It’s great for creating a smooth finish and is best used for final smoothing and finishing on a project.
Best 5 HSS Lathe Chisel Set For Wood Turning [Reviews 2023]
1.VEVOR Woodworking 8 Pcs Lathe Chisel
The VEVOR Woodworking 8 Pcs Lathe Chisel set is a comprehensive collection of high-speed steel chisels that are designed for woodturning projects. This set includes 8 different chisels, each of which is tailored to a specific task, such as roughing, turning, and finishing. The chisels are made of high-speed steel, which provides a durable and long-lasting edge, and can cut through hardwood with ease. The set also comes with a wooden storage case to keep your chisels organized and protected. Additionally, this set comes with one free chisel, making it a great value for woodturners of all skill levels.
Features
- 8 Pcs Chisel Set
- Durable Brass Ferrules
- Blade Length: about 6.89″ (17.5cm)
- Wooden Case for Storage
Pros
- High Speed Steel
- Incredibly Low Prices
- Reliable & Sturdy Construction
2.REXBETI 10pc Premium Wood Chisel Set
The REXBETI 10-piece chisel set is a comprehensive collection of tools that is perfect for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. This set includes 6 different chisels that have been crafted from heat-treated chrome vanadium steel alloy, which provides a durable and long-lasting edge, and can cut through any type of wood with ease. The chisels feature narrow side bevels that allow for quick and precise flattening and sharpening. The set also includes a honing guide, sharpening stone, 2 carpenter pencils, and a hard case for storage and transportation. The rubbery handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, so you can work for hours without experiencing any discomfort or worry about the chisels slipping from your hand.
Features
- CR-V Steel blade
- Sharpening Set
- 6 Pcs Chisel Set
- Storage case
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Versatile Set Suitable for Various Tasks
- Variety of Chisel Sizes
3.STANLEY Chisel Set, 150 Series, Short Blade, Wood, 3-Piece
The Wood Chisel Set is a 3-piece collection of tools that are designed for woodworking projects. This set includes chisels with sizes of 1/2, 3/4, and 1 inch, and is constructed with carbon-steel blades that provide both durability and strength. The black polypropylene handles resist deformation and provide a comfortable grip. These chisels are designed with a 2-piece design and have a length of 7-3/4 inches. Tethering is an optional accessory that can be used with this set. This chisel set meets the standards set by ASME.
Features
- 3 Pcs Set
- Carbon Steel Blade
- Black Polypropylene Handle
- Standard ASME
- Lacquer Coated Blade
Pros
- Durable & Comfortable Handle
- Long Life Blade
- Ergonomic design for easy use
4.Narex 853053 6 pc Set
Narex blades are made from chrome-manganese steel that is fine-grained and hardened to Rc 59, which allows them to take and hold an excellent edge. The blades are ground to precision and have a slimmer cross-section that many woodworkers prefer.
Features
- 6 Pcs Set
- Chrome-Manganese Steel Blades
- Stained European Beech Handles
Pros
- Comfortable Handle
- Sturdy Material
- Economical
5. WEN CH11 6-Piece Artisan Chisel Set
WEN 6-Piece Chisel Set includes everything you need to tackle a variety of projects, such as carving table legs, baseball bats, pens, chess pieces, and more. Each chisel features an ergonomic design with a form-fitted wooden handle for comfortable use, and a high-speed 6-inch steel blade for tackling even the toughest of workpieces.
Features
- Form-Fitted Handel
- 6 Pcs Set
- 6-Inch Steel Blade
- Stained European Beech Handles
Pros
- Best for Tough Chiseling Jobs
- Easy to use
What to consider when buying the best wood lathes for your woodworking projects
When buying a wood lathe chisel, consider these key factors to ensure that you select the right tool for your needs.
Blade Material
Look for chisels made from high-quality steel, such as chrome vanadium or chrome-manganese steel, as these materials are durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Blade Shape & Grind
Different blade shapes and grinds are designed for different tasks, so consider what type of cuts you will be making and select a blade that is appropriate for your needs.
Handle Material
Look for chisels with comfortable and ergonomic handles, such as beech wood or rubber, as these will reduce hand fatigue and improve control during use.
Blade Length
The length of the blade will affect the reach and control you have when working with the chisel, so consider the size of your projects and select a blade length that is appropriate.
Set or Individual
Consider if you want a set of different chisels to have different shapes and sizes or if you need only one chisel.
Sharpening and Honing
A chisel that comes with a honing guide and a sharpening stone can save you money on purchasing those separately and also helps you sharpen and hone the chisels at the right angle.
Price
Look for chisels that offer a good balance of quality and value, and consider what you can afford to spend.
What tools should a beginner use?
The most important woodturning tools for a beginner include: a spindle roughing gouge, a spindle gouge, parting tools, skews and a bowl gouge. The exact tools you need will depend on the type of turning you want to learn.
If you want to learn spindle turning, you’ll need a spindle roughing gouge, a spindle gouge, parting-off tools and skews.
These are the blades you need to create the shapes and designs that will enhance your project. You can use these tools in different ways to get the results you want.
On the other hand, if you plan to start turning bowls, you will need a bowl gouge and another set of scrapers. These will help you hollow out the wood until you get the result you want.
But regardless of the tools you need, the common factor is to look for quality materials used in their construction. This will ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you sharpen your turning tools?
I must address the most significant drawback of HSS woodturning tools, which is that they may not come to you adequately sharpened. That is, you may need to purchase an additional sharpening tool to keep them sharp on a regular basis.
Well, how often? Well, that depends on how much you use them. I mean, you can feel right after you make a light cut on the wood to see if it catches or not.
How do I sharpen my wood lathe chisels?
Wood lathe chisels should be sharpened regularly to maintain their cutting edge. The best way to sharpen chisels is to use a sharpening stone or honing guide and sharpen them at the correct angle, which is typically between 25 and 30 degrees.
Are wood lathe chisels expensive?
Wood lathe chisels can vary in price, but a good set of quality chisels can be an investment. But ultimately, it’s worth the money since they are built to last and help you achieve a level of precision and accuracy that is hard to match with other tools.
