What Lathe Cutting Tools Do You Need?
Sometimes you can have a hard time waiting to get started once you buy a wood turning lathe. Slow down for a minute, especially if you are new to working with a lathe. Before you get started you need to do a little study to improve your knowledge. And that means understanding the lathe cutting tools you have at your disposal.
You have to have the right tools if you want to do a good job. These tools will determine the final shape of the wood you snap into the lathe. That’s why understanding them, what they can do, and when to use them is so important.
You won’t understand them all at first because there are a lot of them. So let’s break it down into the basic four that you’ll be using time and time again. We’ll discuss them individually. Truthfully, getting down and dirty on your lathe is the best way to learn, but having some basic facts first will get your started on the right foot.
Facing Tools: If you spend much time at your lathe, you will find yourself using facing tools on a regular basis. These cutting tools are ground in a way that provides clearance with an open center. Prepare to develop a very close relationship with your facing tools and the equipment you will use to keep them sharp.
Roughing Tools: Roughing tools live up to their name. They are a powerful part of creating an overall look, but they do not carry the project through to completion. The relief angle on the side of these lathe cutting tools are great for deeper cuts.
Finishing Tools: The finishing tools come out when you are just about done. These tools have rounded tips and are designed to make your finish nice and smooth. There are not rakes on these tools so there is no danger in cutting the wood with them
Left-Handed Cutting Tools: The name doesn’t mean these tools are for use by southpaws only. What they do is provide you with a number of different possible effects because they are designed to produce wonderful results when moving them from left to right.
You can spin wood all day and not get good results without knowledge of these basic tools and how to use them. But now that you understand these lathe cutting tools, you’ll at least be able to get off to a good start.
You will want to study the variations among these four tool types and you will want to develop a strong acquaintance with all of them. That is why we recommend practicing with the various lathe cutting tools on scrap 2″ x 4″ wood pieces. With a little time behind the lathe, you will begin to understand what each tool can really do and the best way to do it.
Then, when you have a strong sense of how the cutting tools perform, you can finally get started on your first project!
To learn additional information about lathe cutting tools and how to use your wood turning lathe, be sure to visit our website at WoodTurningLathe.net. You’ll also find great deals on all the wood turning gear you will need.
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