Carl's Tools, Popular, Turning Tools

Carl’s Modern Woodturning Tool Set

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Meta Description: Carl's suggestions for a MODERN set of woodturning tools for new turners. A set for mostly bowls, hollow forms, and whimsy. With a little spindle turning here and there.

https://carlford.us/blog/2015/02/modern-tool-set/

Photo: Carl’s Modern Woodturning Tool Set 1

Click here for the demo handout PDF.

I like many turners, started out by purchasing a set of tools from a well known manufacturer. Then while attending classes, demos and symposiums, I learned that I did not need most of the tools in the set. Modern turners have moved on beyond the scrapers and spindle turning tools featured in the old fashion sets still sold by many well known manufactures.

Here are MY suggestions for a modern set of tools for new turners. Please, keep in mind that I do mostly medium size faceplate (bowl) turning with a little spindle turning here and there.

Photo: Carl’s Modern Woodturning Tool Set 2Updated: 9/7/2020: Beware! The 17” Craft Supplies USA Ash Tool Handle in the above handout is not longer available.

I now recommend using 1 or 2 of “Jimmy’s Quick Release Handles”. See my Travel Tool Set blog entry.

Photo: Carl’s Modern Woodturning Tool Set 3Updated: 12/12/2020: When I get more time I am going to update this blog entry and handout.

Change the “M2 5/8” Bowl Gouge with Ellsworth Grind (5/8” diameter rod, 1/2” across flutes)” from a “M2 1/2” Ellsworth Signature Bowl Gouge, #103328, $100” to a “Nitrided M2 5/8″ Robust Bowl Gouge, $90 plus Handle” from John Jordan or Craft Supplies USA.

The Robust gouge is better and cheaper. You can take a finer cut with the Robust gouge.

The 5/8″ Robust is a really sweet tool. The 1/2″ Robust is ok, but nothing special. I like the 1/2″ Oneway Bowl Gouge better than a 1/2″ Robust Bowl Gouge.

Note: I really DO NOT like the Robust Collet Tool Handles! The collet makes the end of the handle to heavy! I like Jimmy Clewes’s 5/8″ Quick Release Tool Handles better. See my Travel Tool Set blog entry.