basic starter tools for total novice

[Janet P]

Hi all, I am new to wood turning, in fact so new I haven't done any yet!  No time at the moment as working on our house in the hope we can have a solid roof over our heads by Christmas. I have however  just acquired a clarke 20in lathe and hundreds of magazines to look through.  What I'd like to know is what are the basic tools I will need to get started? I intend to go to a local club eventually.  One of my jobs is at a bespoke kitchen manufacturers so I can access plenty of wood.

Thanks in advance for any advice,
Janet

ps should add budget is a priority at the moment

[Les Symonds]

Oh dear, we're into the realms of 'How long is a piece of string'? Might I suggest that you initially think of one thing that you want to make. There is an enormous array of equipment available to the turner, so let's narrow it down by settling for one project. Scan your magazines and hopefully they will give you not only the info on what you need to do to make something, but what you need in terms of equipment. Your problem is that there are many ways to turn 'round' items, and these can employ just as many different tools.....so you've got to narrow it down (for now).

There really isn't a simple answer to your question!

You mention visiting a local club....good idea! Go there asap and who knows, they might even have a library of tools, books and DVDs that you can borrow. Speak to turners there. Think about what you want to make. Perhaps, make that decision and post a second question here so that more experienced turners can help out. Oh, and the main think, welcome, it's great to hear that you've joined a group of like-minded people who love wood and the art of turning it.

Good luck....Les

[fuzzyturns]

I will second Les in saying join your local club and talk, talk, talk. I started out about 18 months ago, and my first set of tools was a bowl gouge, a spindle gouge, a parting tool, a round nose scraper and a spindle roughing gouge. By now, I am up to about 15 tools (and if you ask any (semi)professional turner, that is a tiny tool set), but I can assure you that with those 5 tools you can go a long way. What I will say to you, though, is that quality is key.
If you are undecided whether wood turning is for you, then by all means buy a modestly priced set (Axminster is a good place to look at). However, if you are serious, don't do that. These sets are not high quality tools, and once you have a little experience, it shows. My advice would be to buy few tools, but buy the best quality you can afford. I have started buying Crown Cryo tools, and they are very good (and not excessively expensive, either).

Since it sounds like you're quite busy with building/finishing a house, I would suggest you do that first, and then come back here. Wood turning can be very addictive, and we wouldn't want you to neglect essential family needs.

[edbanger]

Have agree with other comments ........ How longs a....... but I would say as Fuzzy said four tools will get you going 3/8" spindle gouge 3/8" bowl gouge 3/4" spindle roughing gouge and a parting tool buy the best you can afford.

Robert Sorby do a good starting set and for the same price as the four tools you will get a skew and a scraper.

https://www.oliverswoodturning.co.uk/product/67hs-6-piece-turning-tool-set/

Ed

[Lazurus]

Always consider second hand markets as some good deals to be had by people giving up turning for various reasons, but, as previously stated always always get good quality tools. The expense will be well returned in better sharpening (get a god jig and grinder for repeatable profiles) and therefore better finish.

I think turning tools can be like fishing tackle in that sometimes it will catch more anglers than fish.......

Learn the basics well and see what suits you and your style, if it works go for it don't follow the fashion of tools and techniques concentrate on good form and finish, be safe and above all enjoy yourself.

Stuart

[TONY MALIN]

We had two complete beginners at a recent hands on meeting. They used a roughing gouge and a spindle gouge. Turned square to round then created coves and beads.
 
Be sure to have safety specs or a visor and clothing done up to your chin.

[bodrighywood]

As said start with a few quality tools. You can do prety much most things with the four Ed mentioned though if you can get a skew and master it that will cover a huge number of tasks as well. Some turners develop 'tool addiction' but it doesn't make them better turners.

Pete

[seventhdevil]

i agree with all of the above and would recommend ebay as a decent resource for second hand stuff as there is always someone giving up or selling their late granddads tools.


a location would help as you may be close enough to pop in to someones workshop to get a few pointers.

[Mark Sanger]

 What I'd like to know is what are the basic tools I will need to get started?

Hi Janet

Welcome to the forum.

You only need seven basic tools that I use for turning and which will enable you to turn every project you would want in woodturning, bowls, boxes, goblets spindle work other than hollowing and other specialist projects which for obvious reasons I will not cover here. Later there are some other tools which are useful but you can do without to start with.

you only need

1 x 1 inch (25 mm) spindle roughing gouge

1 x 3/8th inch (10 mm) spindle gouge

1 x 3/4 inch (19 mm) rolled edge skew

1 x 1/4 inch (6 mm) parting tool

1 x 38th inch (10 mm) bowl gouge

1 x 1 inch (25 mm) square end scraper

1 x 1 inch (25 mm) round nose scraper

if you want to save money on the last two the you can buy a combination sheer scraper which has an adjustable scraping cutter giving you a square end and round edge scraper in one tool, they come with a round bar and as such give better control than flat bar scraper.

If you buy this set of tools and learn to use them you will save a great deal of money.

For the above tools in a good make you are looking around £180, but as said try good quality second hand ones. 

Hope this helps.