Hollowing Problems When Turning Wood

Woodturning Hollowing Problems

I wanted to share a post I made about hollowing problems in our facebook group called Woodturning Basics. This is what our member Pedro had to say:

I must be doing something wrong while I’m hollowing out a cup.
I got a forstner bit to get it started, but even then it’s taking hours to hollow out a small maple cup. The only thing that does a good job of hollowing it, is my parting tool. Everything else catches badly including my $100.00 bowl gouge (that was recommended I use and it’s basically useless. Damn thing catches on everything.)
So, anyone have any suggestions?

Hey there Pedro ….I feel your pain my friend!

Pedro’s Problem with
Hollowing A Wood Cup

When I first started, I turned a little candle holder. Then I did a cup. I had no idea what I was doing and trying to hollow out the cup just about killed me! I tried all my famous harbor freight turning tools ….that’s all I had …spindle gouge, roughing gouge, scraper, parting tools, a really small gouge of some kind ….I ended up hacking the inside out with a small round scraper …..the thing was extended 4 inches into the up ….diaster waiting to happen 🙂

I got it done though.

Learning by myself, it took a while to figure out what tool is supposed to do what ….and then trying to make the tool do what its supposed to do is another story. But hollowing was always a nightmare!

Some Thoughts on Your Hollowing Problems

I had a couple of thoughts on your hollowing of the cup problem. You drilled it and then tried to use a bowl gouge to finish the hollowing …correct?

You say you have an expensive bowl gouge and all you get is catches? Are you pushing into the cup, entering from the top of the cup toward the bottom and then across the bottom?

I wonder what size your bowl gouge is? Minium for me is 1/2″ or 5/8″. If you are using a fingernail grind, you can cut down the side but as you move across the bottom you will catch. You need a standard grind if you are trying to use a bowl gouge ….even then, a bowl gouge is tough to do end grain hollowing.

Use A Pull Cut When Hollowing

I WOULD NOT use a push cut into the cup, you could try to pull the gouge across the bottom using tip, and then use the bottom tip/wing to pull up the side of the cup ….kind of a scraping cut for hollowing a cup. You just need to get the feel of it ….but it can be done.

Scrapers for Hollowing
Woodturning Projects

Better yet is to use scrapers for hollowing your woodturning projects.

I get as much out as I can (after drilling) with a gouge and then I use scrapers to finish up the hollowing.

One of the easiest methods to hollow is to use carbide tools. Use a 1/2″ or 5/8″ bar with a 1/2″ or 5/8″ carbide cutter mounted to it. You can make it yourself or you can buy one already made, carbide hollowing tool!

How to Prevent Catches When Hollowing

Carbide cutters take some time to learn how to use, but once you get it figured out you will be amazed at how easy it is to hollow out a cup, vase or bowl using one of these cutters. Just don’t try to hog out too much at once, learn to take light cuts and you will avoid catches. Also the postion of the scraper, being 90° off of the tool rest and then lifting the handle a little will prevent catches dramatically!

Using Tradional Scrapers for Hollowing

Along with carbide scrapers you should consider getting at least one big scraper. I have a Hurricane Scraper 1 1/2″ wide …almost 1/2″ thick round nose scraper. At https://amzn.to/2oQBmVB. The reason you want a big scraper is so you can extend it over the tool rest a good amount and still keep control of your cuts. I imagine part of your problem is that you are trying to hollow out a cut and have your tool extended 3 inches or more over the tool rest (disaster waiting to happen) I’m just about ready to purchase a right and left side round edge scraper …you can see what I’m taking about here https://amzn.to/2Nt0T51 these are used inside a bowl or cup and outside of the same turning project.

So, for hollowing out projects get some good scrapers. Yes, spindle gouges work better on end grain but when it comes to hollowing ….you need some specialized tools. You can make these or buy them. One of the members in our group runs Yufutol, you can pick up an extra discount ….make sure you get a full size tool unless you are doing really small projects. https://amzn.to/2NndAhN

Make Your Own Hollow Tool With Carbide Cutters

Or just buy the carbide cutters ….this is what I did. Mount the cutter on a big cold steel bar. I keep one bar with a 5/8″ cabide cutter, I use this all the time. Over time I have learned how to use it …initially you will get some catches but you will learn the angle of approach and how to gouge out and how to finish cut with this one cutter. It actually becomes fun once you get a handle on it …..you just need to press on, practice, practice, …screw up, catch here and there until you master the process. At one time I thought I would start going by the name of “Catch” ….so I know how you feel 🙂

You can make your own carbide woodturning tools CLICK IMAGE to see cutters

Big Bar For Hollowing

The reason why you want a big bar is so you have some control and stability as you extend the bar over the tool rest. The bigger the bar, the further you can safely extend the tool over the tool rest. I’m thinking of making one of these carbide cutter tools with a 3/4″ bar ….just so I can have more control.

Consider A Hollowing System

Once you get into hollowing large vases, hollow forms etc …you need to think about getting a hollowing system. Just google “hollowing system” and check the same thing on youtube and you will see what that’s all about.

As I think about your problem I wanted to mention something about the tool rest. You should be at the middle of the turning with your tool, not the tool rest….but you want to tool to hit the center of your turning. You want the tool rest as close as you can to the surface you are cutting. This means, if possible, stick the tool rest into the project your are trying to hollow out. Otherwise you are left with a tool that hangs over the edge by a lot ….thus the need for a hefty scraper, whether round nose scraper or a carbide cutter on a big bar.

I’ve been just thinking out loud …hope some of that makes sense.

Again, just keep at it.

You’ll get it figured out. When you get into trouble, keep posting your problem and maybe we can help further.

As I answer questions, I learn myself ….you will too. As soon as you get it figured out you’ll be sharing your wisdom 🙂

Guil Turns A Yellow Box ….Very Quickly

Guil Turns A Round Wooden
Box With A Lid

One of the guys in our facebook woodturning group is Guil from Austrailia, calls himself Guil the Bearded Woodturner! He is quite the character and his videos are fun to watch and very informative. Worse case the get your imagination started for your next project.

woodturning how to turn a round box — Learn how to use your wood lathe to turn a yellow round wood box done by Guil the Bearded Woodturner

Turning A Round Wooden Box

Today Guil turns a round box. Made of some type of yellow wood, he isn’t talking much because he just had his tonsils removed ….poor guy, he uses his voice to make a living and now he’s out of commission for the next year. I really hope and pray he recovers and gets his voice back!

woodturning how to turn a round box taught by Guil — Making the round blank true and then cutting off a section that will be the top.

I usually watch all youtube videos on 1.25x you might want to try that because most of the time you can get the gist of what is being said or taught. I really hate to was my time watching videos when I could be woodturning 🙂

Guil The Bearded Woodturner

Keep an eye on Guil, you will learn a lot and if you think you already know everything about woodturning then you will definitely be entertained.

How to Make a Burr on a Woodturning Scraper

Negative Rake Scraper
Basics with a Burr

I’m always trying to learn new techniques, trying to learn how to use and sharpen new tools. Always looking for the flawless finish so I don’t have to get a disk sander out to get my project ready to finish 🙂

I started out my woodturning journey with some cheap tools and the only ones that I could make work were ‘scrapers’ that were ….maybe 3/16″ thick and I thought they would break in half at any moment …especially after some of the nasty catches I would get.

Getting Started With Scrapers
….An Essential Tool

In the beginning I made some homemade tools, some scrapers and some carbide tipped or carbide insert scrapers. I learned to use these and at least I figured out how to shape to a project without injuring myself, breaking the tools, cracking the tool rest or sent tools and project flying across the room!

I enjoy writing, always wanted to be a writer…..so to some of you who think I might be too verbose ….please forgive me 🙂 There is a reason behind my madness in almost all my posts. I always intend to share a lesson I have learned and something that will help you become a better woodturner.

Finally Purchased A Hefty Scraper

I like scrapers, I finally got a 1 1/2″ round nose scraper that’s almost 1/2″ thick, from Hurricane Tools …a 1 1/2″ Round Nose Scraper …every wood turner should have a good hefty set of scrapers. Once you learn how to use them you will have the courage to attack the most unruley piece of spinning wood. You should really get a set of these heavy duty scrapers, they will last many, many years. You will get a round nose, left and right scraper. If I could encourage new turners one set of tools to get it would be this Hurricane Scraper Set.

Learning How to Sharpen and Put a “Burr” on Your Scraper

Well, I started learning about the “burr” on the cuting edge of a woodturing tool, in particular, scrapers. There are many kind of scrapers and I thought you just sharpened them and you would be good to go! Now I find out that I need to have a “burr” or “bur” on the end ot the tool. OK…I figured out what a bur was and I could probably make one ….but which side do you use. Do I turn the burr up so it contacts the wood first or do I put the stupid burr on the bottom …..who knows and what’s worse everyone assumes you know where the burr needs to go.

So, I gave up and figured when the Great Turner in the Sky wanted me to know how all this burr stuff works out and how to use it, it would be revealed to me 🙂

Well…..enter Mike Peace.

A Proper Burr Makes for a Glass Like Finish

Just watch the video and everything regarding a woodturning tool burr becomes clear…. how to make the burr, what position to use the burr.

Bottom line, is that the cutting tool burr will help you make clearner cuts ( I have no idea how it does this) which means you end up with a better project, less sanding and you are now a very fine woodworker.

Mike shares a variety of scrapers and mostly talks about negative rake scrapers. If you don’t know what that is ….don’t worry, you’ll figure it out from the video pictures or his explaination. But this video will get you on your way to learning how to be a better woodturner.

You should bookmark this post or video because you will want to “perfect” this concept….that is, scraping and creating a burr on your tool.

How to Make a Burr with a Burnisher

Let me know what you think.!

How to Indentify an Ash Tree As A Source Of Wood for Woodturning

How to Indentify an Ash Tree

I’ve been turning a lot of ash …not sure if its white ash, black ash or green ash ….most if is dead ash! It’s really ashamed because I had 20 or 30 ash trees on my property …some probably 100 years old or more. Now they are all dead and in varying degrees of decomposition.

I told someone I had was turning an ash bowl ….they asked how I knew it was Ash ….it caused me to think because I just always knew it was Ash. So, I did some googling and checked out youtube. I found a really nice video on how to tell what type of Ash tree you might have.

Most Local Ash Trees Dead

As I said, I can identify some of my local trees but I have a hard time identifying ash trees. Most of them are dead so the leaves are not around to identify.

I found a great youtube video on how to identify Green Ash, White Ash and Black Ash Trees using leaves, bark, and shape. Very good video.

Ash Tree was Mis-Identified

To my surprise I wrongly identified a local tree. A neighbor had a tree go down …maybe about 24 inches at the trunk. I thought it was Beech or maybe Boxelder. My neighbor said it was Ash! The root system failed, the tree just fell down and had all its leaves ….I thought to myself, “no way this is Ash” ….after I did a little more research I am quite certain it is White Ash

ash tree leaf — Identify an Ash tree by it’s leaves.

Making wood bowls from ash trees A couple of Ash Tree Wood bowls turned from a piece of white ash tree

I always try to collect a leaf sample when I pick up wood for turning. However, if you get a tree limb or stump from a dump …you’re probably out of luck when it comes to finding any leaves.

I like turning ash, its very, very hard …can be used to make tool handles, mallets and the like. I didn’t know how useful it was or how ard it was until I started woodturning. It makes great bowls and vases. Ash finishes nicely, and even the distressed ash (worm holes and defects) look great.

woodturning shavings

It would be to your benefit to get some Ash and try to turn it. It will further help you if you can identify Ash from a log section when you only see the bark. Keep in mind, there is White, Green and Black Ash …each has a different bark. People marvel at the projects I turn in Ash and I prefer it over Oak.

If you turn an old piece of Ash that is dried ….it will be pretty tough to turn. Yet the results will be pleasing. If you are lucky enough to get a green piece of Ash …it cuts like butter, and is easy on your woodturning tools.

Here’s the video on how to identify ash trees:

Make Your Own 2 Inch Sanding Discs

How to Make Your Own
2″ Hook and Loop Sanding Discs

I made myself a little timesaver tody …for cutting 2″ sandpaper discs from a 5″ or 6″ felt backed sanding disk. In fact, you can cut 2″ discs from any source of felt backed sanding paper.

The original idea is not mine, I can’t remember who made one before me but I expanded a little on the idea.

Why Do I Need 2 Inch
Sanding Disks?

You ask, “Why do you need 2 inch sanding discs?”

I Purchased 2-Inch Multiple Grits Aluminum Oxide Wet/Dry Hook and Loop Sanding Discs with a 6mm Shank Backing Pad + Soft Sponge Buffering Pad, 5-pieces Each of 60, 240, 600, 1000, 5000, and 10000 Grits from Amazon a couple of years ago and they served me well.

A couple of years ago I purchased a drill powered (DISC SANDER) it came with a bunch of sanding pads …100 or more and I purchased extras. The sanding disk was pretty good but the sanding pads were garbage. Either the felt on the back of the sandpaper would give out prematurely or the sandpaper would clog up in minutes. You can see the Sandpaper Cleaner …just click on the link …it was only 10 dollars and had everything you needed to get started using a small 2 inch sanding disk for wood turning. I was very happy with it even if the pads wore out quickly and that they were poorly marked. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick want to start sanding their bowls and other woodturnings.

Jeteven 2 Inch Sanding Disc 100 PCS Mix Grit Sander Disc Grinding Discs for Drill Grinder

This system will give you a good idea on how to make your own 2″ sanding discs or how to use it more effectively or purchase something you might need to meet your specific needs. I did order a 100 piece set of sanding disks called “Jeteven 2 Inch Sanding Disc 100 PCS Mix Grit Sander Disc Grinding Discs for Drill Grinder” these satisfied my needs for the moment at the time and I still have some left, they were marked for size (grit) but they had the same problem, backing did not last too long on some, lasted forever on others …same with the grit, some lasted a long time, some clogged up and with some cleaning lasted a little longer. It doesn’t matter what type of sandpaper you use, you should invest in a rubber cleaner for sandpaper like this one on Amazon https://amzn.to/2OvSieN

SKATECO Belt and Disk Abrasive
Cleaning Stick (8-1/2″ 2-pack)

This is one of the best deals I have found for cleaning any type of sandpaper and getting a 2nd, 3rd or more life out of your disk sander, belt sanding …really, anything with a piece of sandpaper ….works like magic most of the time and you really need to get one….especially for these little 2″ sanding disks. It is like a big sandpaper eraser.

—Increases the life of sanding belts and disks by removing residue
—Works to clean dirt and grime off of grip tape
—Natural rubber material works to remove residue off of abrasive surfaces

Back to the 2″ Sanding Disk

Although this mandrel and sanding pad work great in a cordless drill or corded drill, I think I am going to try a air powered random rotation 2″ orbital drill from Harbor Freight…..but that’ another story 🙂

Needed Some 2 Inch Sanding Pads

So one day, I needed some 80 grit sanding pads …I was all out. I grabbed a 6″ sanding disk from my orbital sander and cut a couple of 2″ sanding disks. To my surprise they worked perfectly and lasted 10x longer than the sanding disks that came with the kit and the extra disks I purchased.

Cutting 2 Inch Sanding Disks With Scissors 🙂

So, I’ve been cutting sandpaper circles by hand. It’s pretty rough on scissors. I wrecked a pair of awesome scissors, I tried sharpening them but they had some serrations and other shapes ….just couldn’t make them work like new.

Maybe Gasket Punches Would Work?

I looked up punches, gasket punches on Amazon and Google ….a 2″ punch cost anywhere from $150 to $200, unless there is a better search term I could not find anything cheaper. So, buying a punch wasn’t the answer. I think I will have to make my own 2 inch sandpaper punch.

After seeing the post in our woodturning facebook group from someone having the same problem I started looking around to see what I had that might work.

sandpaper cutter from 2" electrical conduit — Make your own 2 inch sandpaper cutter from a piece of 2 inch EMT or electrical conduit

I found some galvanized 2 inch water pipe, looked too thick to mess around with ….I thought I had some 2″ copper water pipe laying around but I couldn’t find any. I ended up digging up a piece of 2″ thin walled electrical conduit. The inside diameter was someplace around 2 1/8″ not sure exactly what it should be because it was a little beat up.

I cut off about 6″ of the 2″ EMT with a grinder, sawzall or hack saw would have worked. I took the piece to my grinder squared off the end I wanted to sharpen with the miter guage.

PICETURE OF SQUARING OFF IN GRINDER

The other end of the pipe was a factory edge so I had to pound out a ding to get it back to circular shape and I was good to go on that end.

I had about a 60 grit piece of sandpaper on my 12″ sander, set the miter guage as far as it could go and started to put a bevel on the edge of the side that I squared up. Once I got a good bevel on it I took it over to a smaller sanding disk with a 100 grit wheel and started putting a sharp edge on the bevel.

I had a nice edge but I then took it to a 150 grit belt sander and finished the edge ….nice and sharp now!

The inside of the pipe at the sharpened end had a nice big burr on the inside, I tried to file it down and ended up using a Dremel tool with a little sanding drum on it. I removed the burr perfectly and the inside was nice and smooth. However, now there was a burr on the front….I resharpened, removed the burr from the inside and resharpened the outside again with a file and diamond hone.

Next I wanted to make a cap for the top of the conduit. Not necessary but I was having fun 🙂

I found about a 4 or 5 inch wide piece of ash and turned it to round. I hollowed out a small opening in the bottom, about 1″ deep and then I used my parting tool to create a recess for the pounding end of the pipe to slide into. It worked perfectly. I finished sanding and shaping it, I rounded off the top a little.

Last steps involved sticking the cap in the chuck and I sanded some more and applied some of Capn Eddie’s OB Shine Juice. I like using this fininsh on my tools, easy to repair or apply another coat if necessary but it protects the wood and takes a beating.

One more step….I epoxied the Ash Cap to the pounding end of the new 2 inch punch. I tapped it a couple of times with a big heavy wood mallet, keeping the cutting edge on a piece of wood. Looks like a thing of beauty ….if I had nothing better to do I would paint it and put it on the shelp to look at 🙂 ………but, it will be used a lot!

I tried cutting some 2″ pieces of sandpaper and it worked great, I thought it should cut better so I took the pipe over the my grinder and reshaped the cutting edge, gave it a double bevel …kind of like on a bowl gouge. I had to get rid of the burr again but this time it cut the sandpaper like butter.

In fact, I didn’t even have to use a maul or hammer on it. I just put my palm around the wooden top and twisted the cutting tool on the piece of sand paper and ended up with a perfect 2″ piece of sandpaper.

If you make one of these I imagine you are going to have to find out what the best cutting edge is for you and since it isn’t tool steel you will probably dull the edge quickly. But, I’m sure you can get 12 or more sanding disks from one sharpening. ….either way, much better than using a pair of scissors 🙂

Using Your Sanding Disk Cutter

One final thing to remember. When pounding out your 2″ sanding disks make sure the sandpaper is on a piece of wood, 2×6 or some log cut off. Make sure the piece of wood is on something stable ….I”m not sure a work bench would be solid enough. Try putting on a concrete floor, concrete block…..I even cut out a few with the wood on my lathe rails …probably not the best way if you are going to be whacking it….but good enough if you are just hand twisting.

Good luck, let me know if you decide to make one?

Al Furtado Attacks An Olive Root Ball!

Extreme Woodturning
By Al Furtado

If you are new to woodturnig then you probably have discovered the many, many tutorials on youtube for woodturning. There are a handful of guys that I follow to learn the basics and new tips and tools used for woodturning.

Al Furtado Takes Woodturning
To New Horizons

Al Furtado is one of my favorites, simply because of his down home type teaching and examples. In fact, he will take on projects that I think most woodturners would be afraid of turning.

I was just thinking that I had not heard from Al for a while and I was hoping he was OK…. he had a heart attack a while back but it certainly did not seem to slow him down …in fact, I think he has gotten a little crazier when it comes to woodturning …taking on projects that few would.

I say “crazier” in jest. He actually has a brilliant imagination. He can look at a lop sided, deformed piece of log and imagine the most beautiful piece of art. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t ….. but Al Furtado seems to always go on the attack.

If you watch a few of his videos and you are a woodturner, you can’t help but love the guy. I have learned so much from him ….from tools to life!

Al Furtado Is One of My Favorites

Al Furtado takes on some of the most unbelievable projects. By that I mean, he will mount a piece of wood on a lathe that no sane person would attempt to turn ….and somehow he ends up with the most beautiful and unique woodturning that you have seen.

Olive Wood Root Vase by Al Furtado

Today, Al Furtado mounts an Olive Root Ball between centers, first turns a tenon and then starts to shape the massive root ball. You must watch this video to learn how you migtht take your skills to the next level. I do warn you though, be very careful, if you do not have the experience necessary ….this is not the type of project you want to consider.

Watch his video here.

Here is a comment I left on
Al Furtado’s video:

“Big Al” never disappoints when it comes to a new turning project!

Hope you are doing well my friend, awesome video. Even if I had the lathe that could handle a piece of wood like that I don’t think I have the courage to attack something like that!

I was just wondering if things were good from you since I had not seen any updates from utube. Was hoping that your health was still good. I have suffered from poor health for a long long time and I know how it can affect everything in your life. I keep you in my prayers!

Needless to say, it is a beautiful piece of work ….more of a piece of art.

You say that it is Olive wood. The piece you had left over has much potential. I was just looking at the PSI catalog and it looked like Olive wood pen blanks were a big seller. You might want to consider ripping some of those pieces for pens …either for yourself or others.

Thanks again for taking to time to record your efforts …I know from experience what that it takes much effort to record and edit a video ….when all you want to do is get out in the shop and turn a project 🙂

Al Furtado the Rebel Woodturner Turns a Piece of Maple

I have neglected my Wood Turning Basics blog somewhat, however, it doesn’t mean that I have been missing in action 🙂 Although, once again, I have gone through a very sick spell, I have always tried to do some woodturning and some learning.

When I’m really sick, I try to spend some time online watching woodturing videos, learning about tools, wood, woodturing techniques. …..and on and on…basically I try to learn anything I can about woodturning. I keep notes, bookmark pages and have an extensive youtube library of videos that I have watched.

I thought I would start a “category” on this blog of accomplished woodturners. I talk about Cap’n Eddie all the time, his videos are timeless …however the quality of the video is a little rough to look at because times have changed, HD video can show a bowl gouge actually riding on the bevel and some guys have gone through great lenghts for you to see this. So, I will create a list of accomplished turners, post their videos and point out what I have learned from their videos.

I start this category with “Al Furtado” I really enjoy watching him turn wood and explain his philosphy as he looks at a piece of wood and ultimtely mounts it on the lathe. He talks about tools, life and everything in between …he is the kind of guy you would want for a neighbor!

Here is the comment I left on his latest video….which by the way is above this paragraph….check it out because you can learn something!

==========================================

Thank you for clarifying the use of “affordable” tools, I have always enjoyed your approach to wood turning because you don’t have the best of the best, because you have a shop full of shavings ….and because you turn a piece of wood like no one I have ever seen.

I have tried to approach turning as you do and let the wood talk. However, I have been paying close attention to how you look at a piece of wood and then mount it in an attempt to make it into something you see….. my problem is, I cannot yet see complex forms from an obtuse piece of wood …but I keep trying 🙂

I wondered if you have mounted your lathe to the floor? I just have a cheap HF lathe, it has served me well …but I got sick a long time ago and find myself in the twlight years with next to nothing so I make due with what I have ….I’m really upset at myself for not grabbing a HF woodturning set that someone returned, I could have grabbed it for 20 bucks!

I started a blog on wood turning basics, kind of a diary/journey into woodturning ….I think I am going to create a “Al Furtodo” category and repost your videos with some comments from what I have learned. I don’t have the category set up yet but it will be http://www.woodturningbasics.com/category/woodturners/alfurtado/ ….it will take me a while to set things up but I would be honored if you stopped by to check it out, also I have a facebook group that I repost your videos sometimes …..so many are followers of you https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodturningbasics/

Finally, I am so glad that you are up and about ….seems like your heart attack was an awakening, you certainly have not slowed down at all….in fact, I think you have stepped it up a notch or two 🙂

Thank you my friend, wish you were my next door neighbor 🙂

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Woodturning Supplies and Tools From Ron Brown’s Best

Ron Brown’s Best
Supplier For
Woodturning Supplies and Tools

There are a handful of good suppliers of woodturning supplies. I’ve tried some orders on a few different online woodturning supply businesses but since I am sick and limited in budget I have to spend my dollars wisely. So…I end up ordering a lot from Amazon.

In my opinion Amazon provides good products, great pricing and quick delivery. It has to be almost impossible for other woodturning supply companies to compete with Amazon. That makes me sad, so I try to order and buy from small mom and pop type businesses, whether they be local or online.

As a community of woodturners I think we should be aware of our options when it comes to buying our woodturning supplies and tools online. Take the effort and try to order from some of the small websites and if there is a local guy….give him a shot.

If money were not an option I would love to get a set of tools from Doug Thompson or Dave Dave Schweitzer from D-waytools.com but once again, my illness has left me broke so I either make my own tools or I have to buy cheap but effective woodturning tools.

Recently I discovered a supplier I did not know much about, Ron Brown’s Best…, I checked out his site and it seems like he has some really unique and affordable woodturning tools. Seems to me I heard of him a while back but I simply forgot to check out his site, a member of our facebook group http://facebook.com/group/woodturningbasics mentioned the site and a purchase he made. He was extremely happy with his order and service. As a community of woodturners I find it helful to acknowledge and pass on good sources of woodturning suppies, tools and equipment. So, as I don’t have first hand experience now….I wanted to let you guys know of a good woodturning supply source on a second hand basis….hopefully I can picke something up soon and let you know how it goes.

Anyway, the guy from our group spoke to Ron about which product to buy ..which one would fit his needs based on his experience and he couldn’t say enough good things about Ron ….so I recommend you check out https://www.ronbrownsbest.com for your woodturning needs!

Let me know if you order and what your experience was like!

Sharpening Carbide Inserts for Woodturning Tools Known As Carbide Cutters

About 3 years ago you might be able to find 2 or 3 guys making videos on how to make carbide cutter woodturning tools. Now….has to be close to 100 tutorials or videos on cabide cutter woodturning tools.

So….the secret is out on how to build your own carbide insert cutting tool, start with a carbide cutter, piece of 1/2″ or larger square steel bar, turn a wood handle, copper furle, epoxy, drill and a tapping set.

Of course you could buy a carbide tool set, professional brand from Easy Wood and enjoy a professionally made woodturning tool that cuts wood like butter.

There are other brands out there but Easy Wood Tools is probably one of the best. Especially if you are looking for a good quality hollowing tool

Or a set of professional carbide cutter turning tools, you can’t get better than Easy wood tools because of the quality of the carbide cutter and the size of the steel shaft. These are the best in my opinion for any wood turner, especially if you are just getting started wood turning.

For me, I use the carbide tools when the turning gets a little hairy 🙂 you can make plunge cuts, you can shave, you can sheer cut and you can hollow depending on the tools. The learning curve is short and you can saftely turn a project if you are a woodturning amature.

These tools advertise the fact that they do not need to be sharpened. This is a big plus with woodturning tools because you need a grinder, expensive grinding wheels and an expensive grinding jig ….now that you have all this you need to know how to use it. Go ahead and watch a bunch of videos, but it won’t matter until you give it a whirl!

How to Sharpen Carbide Cutters

Here’s a little secret about carbide cutters.

You can reshape and resharpen them with little effort and sharpening equipement.

That’s right, they teach you to through away your carbide cutters once they become dull and put on a new one. That’s fine if you have money to burn. But if you’d like to breath more life into your carbide cutters you can sharpen them with a diamond sharpening card and some cutting fluid.

To sharpen your carbide cutters its as easy as rubbing the top of the cutter, (largest surface area) on a diamond sharpening card, rub it around until the slurry becomes black….take a look at it and then give it a try.

Sharpening Carbide Inserts
for Woodturning Tools

Sharpening Carbide Cutters

Often times the square cutters will chip on the ends and they are at that point useless ……unless you reshape the cutter and sharpen you carbide cutters with the carbide card.

Watch this video on reshaping and sharpening carbide cutters.

WoodTurning Basics for Spindle Roughing Gouges

How to Use Roughing Gouges

The roughing gouge and spindle roughing gouge is very easy to use provided you use it in the correct manner. Always use these gouges on material that is turned between centers and the wood fibers run parallel to the lathe bed. DO NOT USE the roughing gouge on end grain!

My First Experience with
Spindle Roughing Gouges

I remember setting up my lathe and putting the first piece of wood on it. The first piece was a branch and I was going to try to turn a candle holder. I opened up my set of harbor freight turning tools and grabbed something that looked like a gouge of some sort….I really didn’t know at that time and plowed ahead. The candle holder worked out and it sits on the shelf as a reminder to myself.

Big NO NO …I used the Roughing Gouge on a Bowl!

The next project was a bowl. I watched some videos and mounted a piece of wood on the faceplate. Grabbed my harbor freight tools and started to turn. I had 3 gouges, I thought they were bowl gouges they wqere 1″, 3/4″ and 1/4″. I knew enough to not stick that little skinny tool into the spinning wood, so I tried the other gouges. What a mess! I had one heck of a time, catches every time I stuck the tool into the wood. I didn’t know what I now know, never use a roughing or spindle gouge to turn a bowl …..IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!

Roughing Gouge Lesson
Learned the Hard Way!

To end the story, after about 50 catches and feeling very defeated, ready to sell my new lathe…..I tried some scrapers. I ended up finishing the thing with scrapers.

So, if you are new to woodturning and want to know what roughing gouges and spindle roughing gouges look like and how to use them check out this video, it will be very helpful to you and keep you from making the stupid mistake that I made!

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