Tools

[Bigblackdog]

There are obviously many ways to skin a cat but I am interested to know what turning tools people use for pen turning- from taking the square blank to the finished pen. If a skew is used, is it the traditional rectangular shape, oval or round in section?
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[bellringer]

I use which ever one I pick out

 

[Chilprufe]

I use whatever is sharp

 

[Dalboy]

I use a roughing gauge and a skew. If it is just wood then the skew from start to finish

 

[bassethound]

Any skew I lay my hands on!

 

[Twister]

just a roughing gouge

i havent progressed pass that yet

Steve

 

[Barry]

I use 15mm carbide at 45 degrees then to finish 2inch round carbide

 

[yorkshireman]

1 inch roughing gouge then skew for the final 1mm

 

[Jim]

I use a roughing gauge and a skew, either round or flat depending on the sharpest at the time ..

 

[Buckeye]

I use the skew mostly, I have flat, oval and round and use whichever one is sharp at the time. When all are blunt I sharpen them all and have 3 to use.

Peter

 

[chas_41_uk]

Roughing gouge to start with, then maybe a skew (if I'm feeling brave) or a small spindle gouge

 

[Terry Q]

Start to finish 3/4" spindle gouge with the wings swept back.

 

[ni9eofse7en]

Roughing gouge then small skew.

 

[Penpal]

One inch and five other configurations courses for horses.

Peter.

 

[Jimjam66]

Skew - straight square 3/4" if memory serves. Occasionally I will rough a blank to round with a roughing gouge but only if it puts up a fight.

 

[rayf6604]

I really like my Ashley Isles miniature 9mm roughing gouge and I'll use it for almost all my pen turning. However, if I do use a skew I like my Robert Sorby mini skew. To me it has more control than a larger tool

 

[paulm]

Mostly a 1" oval skew which is always kept sharp and then I don't have to do much finishing.

 

[brody2123]

Rolled edge 1 inch skew. As Paul says, just to reduce the amount of sanding/finishing needed. It's a great multi tool. A skew, a detailer and a scraper all in one tool.

 

[Walter]

Usually a 3/4" roughing gouge from start to finish. Occasionally a 3/4" oval or 1/2" round skew.

 

[wm460]

This is my favorite from start to finish.

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