I would like to point out there are better alternatives to the standard narrow woodturning parting tools generally available in the US.
The “4.5mm 3/16″ Fluted Parting Tool” made by “Ashley Iles” in the UK is the best narrow parting tool in my not so humble opinion. It is fluted. Thus it has two sharp points on the front that slice the wood a lot cleaner than the blunt point on the standard narrow partings tools available in the US. Continue reading Narrow & Parting Tools in General→
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Meta Description: Carl's take on Woodturning Narrow Parting Tools and Parting Tools in general. There are better alternatives to the standard narrow woodturning parting tools generally available in the US.
The Sorby “Spiraling and Texturing Tool (System)” has been around for along time. Last year I discovered that Crown also makes a “Spiraling and Texturing Tool (System)”.
Note: On line dictionaries seem to think that spelling “spiraling” or “spiralling” is ok. One or two L’s is ok.
I also discovered the Crown tool is like 10 times better than the Sorby tool!
Meta Description: Carl likes the Crown Spiraling tool better than the Sorby. Why? Wheel comparison chart. How to add a knob to improve the Crown or Sorby tool.
Meta Description: Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "TV Hollowing" demo. Carl uses a Trent Bosch Hollowing Stabilizer rig with a Rolly Munro cutter head.
Here is some advice I wrote for a new turner who has just purchased a Powermatic 3520C lathe. He was looking for advice on chucks, faceplates and a drill chuck. A threw in a little extra stuff.
Join the American Association of Turners (AAW)
You should join the AAW for there Journal magazine ASAP. The great mag easily pays for membership. It has lots of GOOD stuff for beginners and experience people. Go here: https://www.woodturner.org/page/MemberBenefits
Meta Description: Carl's suggestions for a new woodturner. Join the AAW, Take a Class, Turning Tools, Faceplates, Drill Chuck, 4 Jaw Chuck, and Turning Smocks.
Here are some Cedar Vases I made with my new Sorby Ring Tool. The vases are roughly 6″ diameter by 5″ to 6-1/2″ tall. I turned these out of green Cedar logs. What you see is what came off the tool. NO sanding, 1 coat of poly when they were still wet, no finial finish yet.
Meta Description: Photos of Cedar Vases made by Carl with his new Sorby Ring Tool. Turned out of green Cedar logs. What you see is what came off the tool. NO sanding.
Updated: 12/31/2019: I now use a red tool tray rather than a Tool Roll. See new section at the end of this blog entry.
I recently created a new Travel Tool Set that I can EASILY take to demos, club meetings and symposiums. I have been using it full time in my studio recently to test it out. I am real happy with it. See photo below.
The heart of the system is a new 5/8″ Quick Release Tool Handle from Jimmy Clewes. It works really good. I saw Jimmy use it on the 2018 Norway Woodturning Cruise. I was real impressed with the Quick Release mechanism that Jimmy has come up with. Just a simple 1/4 turn of the handle with your hand (no tools) locks a tool in place or releases it. You can change tools real fast. So, swapping tools does not interfere with the flow of a demo. Continue reading Travel Tool Set→
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Meta Description: Carl's Travel Woodturning Tool Set. A set that can be EASILY take to demos, club meetings and symposiums. Carl also recommends this set for new turners.
