Thursday, March 6, 2008

Chisels used on the mini lathe to make pens

Which lathe tools do you use to turn pens on your mini lathe? There are four main chisels I use when turning pens.
1. A parting tool 1/8"
2. A roughing gouge 3/8"
3. A. Skew 1/2"
The 4th tool is more a choice than something you really need.
4. A spindlemaster by Robert Sorby tools.
All tools should be made of (HSS) high speed steel, they will stay sharp longer and will have less heat build up. I use a Delta slow speed grinder to sharpen my tools.
And you will need sharp tols if you every turn plastic pen blanks.
Let's go back to the spindlemaster, I have both the 1/2" version and the micro version. The micro version has become one of my favorite tool for turning pens and other small projects. The advantages over the skew are: easy of use, no sharp corners to dig in, it will plane, cut coves and beads and it is easy to sharpen.
Randy
http://www.nokeswoodworks.com

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