Gouges what to buy.

[alpha1]

I want to purchase some gouges. I have adapted my metal lathe for pen turning I can machine straight wall pen blanks using my existing carbide cutters. Some of the pen kits actually quite a lot are not straight wall but curved blanks. Im looking to buy a 1/8" parting tool,
a 1/2" Skew and a 1/4" bowl/spindle gouge. I don't want cheap then again I don't want to have to remortgage the house to acquire them. Recommendations please where is a good place get them from.

 

[Penpal]

The tools that take blades called renovating tools have various straight cutters in various widths and make idea narrow parting tools.

Peter.

 

[Phil Dart]

I'm sure that every turner will have their favourite makes. You are right not to go cheap, and speaking for myself I tend to buy Robert Sorby (from Turners Retreat) and Ashley Isles (direct from Ashley Isles) as they are both extremely good quality without breaking the bank. If they are over budget, Hamlet is another make that is slightly cheaper, but to be honest not quite as good.

I would advise though, that your first pen gouge needs to be a spindle not a bowl, and should be a half inch not a quarter inch. Quarter inch is great for tiny beads and coves, but a half inch is not only more robust, it's also much more versatile for every day turning, including the normal sort of profiling that is seen on a pen.

 

[wm460]

1/2" Skew is what I use, practise a lot before you turn a pen.
Catches will make your Sphincter muscle clench rather tightly, dont let it worry you, just practise some more.

 

[21William]

I would go for the Crown Rolled Edge Skew and the Crown Firmager 1/16” parting tool.

Crown Parting & Skew

I personally think you may be better off with a 3/8” spindle gouge (any good make) with a Cindy Drozda grind.

Cindy Drozda - How to use the Drozda Spindle Gouge for Woodturning - YouTube

You can change the grind anytime if you don’t like.

Can’t remember the make but one of the big manufacturers makes a “universal” gouge for both bowl and spindle turning.
This might be a good choice but I’ve not tried one myself.

 

[Bammer]

I use a 3/8 European Spindle gouge for 90% of my pen turning, I'm on my 5th one ...

 

[21William]

I remember who made the gouge, it’s mentioned here, it’s called the “All Rounder”:

The Brailsford Set

I can’t find anyone that sells it though so contact the maker direct if you want one.

 

[Bill Mooney]

I must admit I like Crown tools.

 

[21William]

I must admit I like Crown tools.

Yes, I quite like Crown tools as well but I also have tools made by Record, Hamlet, and Henry Taylor and they all cut wood pretty well!

 

[KevinMc]

Hi maybe

Once you decide you could try Gumtree to see what bargains you can find but of the make and type you think you want.

Kevin

 

[alpha1]

I have bought this set I dont know anything about gouges I am brand new to this. Have I done the right thing or should I of bought some thing else.
Robert Sorby Limited Pen Turning Set - Micro Turning - Set of 3 - Sets - Turners Retreat

 

[Penpal]

Dave an excellent choice when turning pens using this length and versatility . The brand is money in the bank. Enjoy,,,,,,,on with the turning.

Peter.

 

[alpha1]

Well they arrived to day along with some bushings. I have set aside Sunday as a shed day I have a couple of kits and a load of blanks. Only problem is I have no idea how you are supposed to use these gouges and what each one is for.

 

[Paul hd]

Only problem is I have no idea how you are supposed to use these gouges and what each one is for.

I have not watched this vid, but I'm sure it will give you an idea on how to use the tools.

Modular Micro Pen Turning Kit - YouTube

 

[alpha1]

Thank you.