Five Turning Tools You Don't Need and Why

You spend a dozen years at the lathe you realize that there is a lot of stuff offered and pushed to wood turners that aren't really needed. I discuss five plus items here and tell you why.
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Tools & Material Used in this video:
Associates Link of other items such as Tool, Book, etc.... I already own/use in woodworking craft that are available on Amazon - www.amazon.com/shop/wortheffort
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[@dennislestanguet9581]

Yea Dad's will be Dads...apperceive him as long as you can. I lost mine a few years ago he was a machinist and knew his way around a lathe. Then I taught myself during covid how to turn wood thanks to you and utube. He passed away at 94 and I still wish every day that I could call him for advice. I'll listen to your Dad anytime.

[@lets-allplay]

Haha - I had to start laughing when your father walked on screen. Enjoy the interactions between you two with your differentiating view points. Someday I'll get myself a lathe but until then I'll just keep watching and learning. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@norm5785]

Thank you for sharing. Dad is awesome. Everyone stay cool, safe, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@brucecraig4954]

Dad’s and son’s. Good for both of you. Thanks for your tips. Some are awesome all are food for thought at some level. Partially as I started watching you many years ago your responsible for what now is a daily occurrence. I try to turn something everyday. I have an endless supply of free wood. And I mean endless over 2 million pounds in my mill building. Crazy what this has started about a decade ago.

[@radiationroom]

Where were you when I was in carpentry school? You are the smartest person in the room!

[@johnnyb95678]

Great video. I really appreciate that you put your opinions out there and give us something to think about. Even if I disagree, still enjoy watching and always seem to have something I learn along the way. You really seem to believe in your motto, learn, create, and share. Thank you!

[@bobh64]

Always great to see your dad putting his two cents in on your videos.

[@dexhorton59]

I use that narrow parting tool often. It is the perfect tool for the job I do. I want a kerf in the item that is just that size, and this is the perfect tool to make that. When I saw one cheap at an estate sale, I bought a second one as a back up. When it is sharp, and the speed is high, there is no wobble.

[@patcummins6036]

You have a great interaction with your Dad. I don’t think I would be his favourite self taught woodworker as I saw a person using a lathe once and thought “ How interesting!” So I constructed one on my home made table saw from my mother-in-laws bed! I was explaining how I made it to friend and he wanted to know what my mother-in-law was doing with a 20 year old electric drill in her bed It wasn’t an absolute disaster but it will do till I find one! My first project was a walking stick made from Australia hardwood and making that sharpened my evasive skills no end! I needed the 4WD to pull the chisel outta the mancave door! I’m going to make a wooden bowl next! I think!

[@radiationroom]

Father and son dynamic. I feel your pain. My dad told my boss who was his sub at the time that I was not allowed to use a table saw because my dad was concerned that I would cut my fingers off. I was 42 at the time….

[@ugaladh]

I think my realization moment was my son's first move (over several states) after college. I was to show up to help load the U-haul truck and, in my mind, organize that loading. When I got there, he was done loading without me. I said, "Oh, I guess you are 30 years old now, I need to get used to that."

[@MartyRaaymakers]

Hey thanks. I enjoyed learning as I am starting to pick up some tools

[@justinfletcher7630]

Well at least he loves you. My dad was like here's some power tool........you'll figure it out...one way or another

[@peterbucy1846]

I started woodturning about a year ago. I admit that I bought quite a few tools, mostly because I saw them being used in KZbin videos and figured that I needed them too. When the dust settled, and I became much more skilled on the lathe, I realized that I could easily get by with a lot fewer tools than I had purchased. I didn't have any 'gadget' tools, but I discovered that a lot of different tools were capable of doing the same thing that other tools can do. Skew chisels are amazingly versatile. A Bedan and 3/8" a parting tool can do pretty much the same thing too. I could probably do most things work with a bowl gouge that I can do with a spindle gouge. I guess that is just part of the learning process. When watching Richard Raffan's videos, I was pleasantly surprised to see that he uses very few tools, and there is no doubt that Richard knows how to turn just about anything. Woodturning is a hobby, at least for most of us, and hobbyists tend to go a bit overboard at times. Don't get me started on vacuum chucks and multiple lathes. For the record, I have two thin parting tools. The one that Carter and Son makes is my favorite. It's a beast of a parting tool.

[@changefortanzania]

I agree that Carter and sons make Some of the best woodturning tools available including their party tool. I meant parting tool, Though I think I have a party. Every time I turn with a fellow wood turner!!

[@clarencegreen3071]

Peter, I would like to get you started on vacuum chucks. Did you have a bad experience? I will admit that most youtubers make them overly complicated and also that there are other ways to accomplish what a vacuum chuck will do. However, they can be quite convenient after you become accustomed to using one.

[@peterbucy1846]

@@clarencegreen3071 I did not have a bad experience with vacuum chucks. I use a vacuum chuck frequently and don't know now I got by without one. The only problems that I have had were with a few very thin bowls, under 1/16" where the vacuum chuck cracked the bottom of the bowl. With spalted timber, which leaks like a sieve, I just block the leaks with masking tape.

[@colind2955]

Ha ha that was “worth the effort” and informative. Good to have comedy . Maybe get your dad to show you how to use the angle finder. Agree with the finger thickness test. Loved it.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

I love these videos you've been putting together. Great to see what tools to buy and what not to buy.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Love the humor as you and your Dad show that one person's trash is another person's treasurer. Clearly one size does not fit all. I would agree that a thin parting tool would not be suitable as your primary parting tool. I started with a 1/4" HF parting tool and it worked fine. But as I watched more and more demonstrators who traveled with a limited tool set most used a 1/8" PT. I made one from a bar of HSS and it is now my go to parting tool. But I still like my thin "tenoning" tool from Penn State which is about like your Sorby but a lot cheaper and still HSS for a lot of parting tasks on small projects. The less steel on the wood, the less friction. But I would hate using it if it had the grind you showed as opposed to how all of them come from the manufacturer, or with a bit of the tip cut back.

[@justinsane332]

all a sudden worth the effort starts putting out so many vids! shawn, been missing these types of woodworking videos from you. are we ever getting another 101 tips vids?

[@wortheffort]

I have not know so many 10 second tips.

[@jimgott119]

Diamond section parting tools will also bind in a cut if you don’t make relief cuts on the way to widen the kerf. Narrow parting tools take less wood away if you’re trying to match grain between top and bottom of an end grain box. They definitely have a purpose depending on what you make.

[@kevingoza]

Great video! I agree with you both. Love your father-son dynamic. Good to see woodturning moving through generations.

[@garyglendenning1695]

Good stuff. Thanks. We all have tools we wish we hadn't bought. No two people will agree on which ones...

[@maximeb190]

Hahaha!! Great to see the Dad vs Son skit. Thanks for the video!

[@charlesyonk4315]

Yup. I agree 100%. You guys are great. Thanks for the.videos

[@archi-dr5te]

Great to hear valuable comments from your father - thanks for the content.

[@ralphrohr]

I was about to get one of those small "knives" for parting. Thx for the advice. And your work in general. Always a pleasure watching you (and your dad)!!!

[@terrysimmons7676]

I made my own parting tool with an old saw blade that had carbide teeth. Cut a strip from the center to a single tooth and attached a handle. The tooth is wider than the metal so it keeps it from binding

[@conflictfree88]

Amen to tool rest replacement! The tool rest that came with my Craftex lasted all of two weeks before a catch on my first bowl broke the shaft right through.

[@jimscheltens2647]

These tool videos have been great.

[@dutchbeef8920]

Thanks, very honest video its appreciated

[@lanbrady2310]

Video is fantastic, I enjoyed watching.

[@pb-bx1ll]

Great video thank you

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

I make my own parting tools from old carbide circ saw blades. Use a ZipCut wheel to cut a center stripe out of the circ saw blade and fit it into a handle. Touch up the carbide with a diamond stone and you're off to the races. The carbide tip is wider than the steel so there's no friction on the sides of the tool in use. Easy peasy.

[@mootnmike]

Great video. Thanks

[@davyaldy76]

I am the health and safety officer at a Men's Shed in Perth Western Australia and until today I have never seen one of those safety drives you showed, it looks more like some live centres we have. We do use the narrow parting tools but we have the point off centre and you do need to cut a wider section, even by just a little bit. Have you considered waxing the sides? That first tool your Dad showed reminded me of my parting tool until I saw the profile.

[@loucinci3922]

Forgot to lock the door….in your dads shop! LOL good video. laughing most of the way thru it. Agree. Thanks for sharing

[@MASI_forging]

Nicely done 👍👍

[@PotgieterWoodturning]

Again, great video. As a Turner, I agree with a lot and besides having a very, and I mean a very limited budget when it comes to tool, I have started to prefer the basics. As a matter of fact, I have only 4 Tools thats a must when I turn, Bowl, Spindle, Parting tool and my most Favourite especially on Spindle Turnings, The Skew. Also, I really like the videos where your dad makes guest appearances, It is so great to see and makes me think of the type of relationship I had with my Late Father. Try and make more of those Shawn as it is something to treasure one day.

[@peterlenhart]

Thak you very much for this video.

[@J.A.Smith2397]

You taught me all I know of turning

[@MelkeinMaalla]

Same here...

[@gregdownunderinOz]

Thanks Sean, love your work and teaching style. Keep videos coming. Really enjoy your approach to batching out small products for sale. I have used these numerous times and referred others to your site as well. Thanks very much for sharing. Produce more videos. Oh ps your fathers great too, love the cameos and his style as well

[@slowfootlabeef704]

Loved the video!

[@AlienLeader4]

Really have enjoyed this series of videos. Dad popping in was hilarious. Keepnup the awesome work. 👽

[@naturaIIydifferent]

I use a butter knife for a thin parting tool. It was free, and works great for parting stuff up to about 3" in diameter. I really like it for continuous grain boxes because you don't lose very much of the grain pattern.

[@archiehebron8944]

I'm going to try Thompson lathe tools. I know I can make handles, thanks to you😎👍

[@bowlreveal]

Found it very interesting, have some of those tools, I got them for free at a local tool sale. The guy thru them in. You’re Right! I also turn like a brute. Get er done!

[@robinbarnes399]

I needed a thin kerf parting tool, I made mine from a chefs knife. It took a little while to get the angles just right and grind off the sharp edge. Used it for over a year and never had a problem with it.

[@rhysbailey2070]

Instructional and funny .. best wishes

[@jmrivera83]

Great video. Love the cameo from your dad!

[@Tiger2000Lion2005]

Super helpful as a new owner of robust american beauty..overkill but its awesome.

[@billc.6381]

Buy the best 5/8 bowl gouge you can. It is the work horse of turning tools and you can do almost an entire bowl with just it.

[@brenchuckswood3826]

Agree with your findings. Chuck

[@michaelbantam]

A lot of comments on the parting tool. I think the tool rest switch was the most useful. Steel on iron has a tendency to stick stopping or slowing the tool. I didn't really notice this until i used a steel rest. I also didn't really know why until i watched your video.

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Your dad's hilarious!! Great episode!!!

[@viticola]

Good stuff

[@michaelhayes1678]

Loved the video, and your fancy spindle roughing gouge handle is aging beautifully.

[@jaytemplin9364]

I’ve never used my super skinny parting tool on a powered lathe; I do almost almost all of my turning on a springpole lathe. That parting tool is dynamite on green wood!

[@DanielWilliams-vo7ni]

Termite is for endgrain only ! I never had the money to buy a thin parting tool, but what you said is good to know! Thank you.

[@wortheffort]

He used it for hollowing so end grain.

[@billy4072]

I enjoyed that 🤙

[@JamesCouch777]

Good tips. If I need a tool or jig I just make one. It's insane how much money you can spend on woodworking stuff. Now I'm going to have to make one of those narrow parting tools to see if I hate it as much as you do 😊

[@robertanderson259]

Well said my friend…although you do know how to rattle some people’s cages!

[@TheMessyStudio]

I'm still laughing! While I agree with many of the things y'all mentioned, I agree with Pat on the Stuart Batty gauge. I use mine regularly. Thanks for another great vid, Shawn!

[@douglasperry1226]

I agree with you on all subjects discussed in this episode. Research is key before purchasing any of my turning tools. Most of the time I make my own special tools. Thumbs up on thickness gauge your fingers are just as accurate as a expensive one! Sorry Pops but your son is right!

[@trurex007lee7]

Thank you Shaun, you easily explained my pain with using my similar thin parting tool, it’s not me(this time) it’s the tool.

[@craftsmanwoodturner]

No, it is the way you are using it. Try making some clearance room with two overlapping cuts, reducing diameter in steps. The tool will cut perfectly well, with none of the issues described. It's worked fine for me for over 25 years.

[@trurex007lee7]

@@craftsmanwoodturner thank you Richard. Having sufficient clearance and taking the extra time are always good reminders.

[@wortheffort]

I actually talked about that in the video.

[@lauraleemcdermott8717]

I love when dad shows up!

[@gcbound]

Great video! I think you could take that angle thing and put a couple screws through it to attach it to the top edge of your workbench. Would hold the right tapered coffee cup solid as all get out!

[@MortimerSugarloaf]

I love when your dad makes cameos. Hi, Shawn's dad!

[@thomashverring9484]

Oh my god, I laughed so much at you two! Awesome :^)

[@jayp4083]

Funny one! Thanks

[@brucecraig4954]

Correct on the thin parting tool

[@jerrypeevey]

So lathe tools are like fishing lures ,,,, they catch the attention of the user more than work on the target.

[@hamptonwoodturnings]

I love my thin parting tool. I use it all the time when making boxes and ornaments. And I'm sorry to say your Dad is way off when it comes to using texturing tools. They're great for adding special details to pieces. Like everything else in woodturning, it takes practice.

[@MelkeinMaalla]

Agree on both tools, and I do similar delicate projects. Its different if making huge bowls and such.

[@pathardage1880]

Well done. Hilarious. Thank you.

[@NolanTyrrell]

I have used a putty knife for thin parting for years. About 1mm in thickness. Never bought a specialised tool for it. I do make my own tools when I can. Even gouges at times. Though I agree that dents in the tool rest are a problem at times I've not had a problem with binding.

[@dougfreeman3229]

Enjoy the Dad parts, good interaction and sometimes information. Thin Parting Tool - its tool not gouge. Any parting tool requires relief cuts to the side to prevent burning. Your tool is sharpened wrong. Bring the point way down to a 1/4" above the edge of the tool. This helps stabilize the tool when cutting. Cast Iron Tool Rest - agree, they're crap Safety Drive - Agree. I use a stebcenter. No sense buying a safety drive then time to notch the circle - a stebcenter is already done. S. Batty Angle Finder - Agree. I make my own out of 0.080" thick clear plastic with a long distance between contact points. Thickness calipers - Your Dad is right, fingers DON'T WORK. Not a fan of the diy wire either. I guess one with a gauge is cool (and expensive). I have several different sizes/lengths that pivot only, and show thickness at the opposite end, work quite well.

[@jayscott306]

Whew, some great points. My favourite parting tool was a metal lathe blade. The top had a flute. I mounted and ground it upside down for wood turning. It's great, not that I removed the two sharp edge of that flute destroyed the iron rest of an old lathe. I redressed it for the new owner and the new stainless top of the new rest is free of dings after a year and 750 hours on it (100 might be on the 11" OneWay rest). That said, I'm about to inherit a typical diamond parting tool with a longer handle. It might become the new default. Safety drives suck. Git Gud and learn your technique. Angle finder! I couldn't find a suitable choice I liked so I printed a profile of eight of the aforementioned jig , cut them out and glued them together. Works so well! Step by step: Choose your angle, position jig so the angle numbers are upright, place flat edges against wheel and angle your rest to meet the flat edge. The flat edge below the printed number of your chosen angle is what you're looking for. Still using fingers, but I've eyed up calipers. My sensory deficit might mean a tool is the right call. Never understood when I saw prominent KZbinrs using a point tool. At first I thought I was missing something. But, I do want to try a texturizing tool. I like embellishing and haven't found the right chatter with reciprocating saw blades or other similar things.

[@jamescarter8813]

I agree those thick steel thin parting tools have never shown any appeal to me. It is really sad the Jet hasn't upgraded their stock tool rest. I got rid of the one i had on my first lathe as soon as I could afford something better. I use, and teach how to sharpen with the SB angle gauges. Like any tool you need to learn how to use them, but once you do they are really great for getting repeatable results. I prefer a steb style center as it gives a good drive grip but will give if things go bad.

[@sandiekelley8513]

As to texturing tools, a chatter tool might do just as well with a bit of practice. I'm going to try to make me one. Also Everyone's opinion counts in woodworking. That goes for Dad's, Son's, Mom's and Daughters.

[@monteglover4133]

For beginners I’d recommend carbide tools. They have served me well sharpening is harder than turning.

[@wortheffort]

sharpening is the same difficulty as turning. same hand motions. don't believe the marketing messaging from carbide retailers.

[@keithpkmn5170]

As a beginner i love your videos, is it just me or were you 1/2 way through a bottle of JD for this video? hahahah

[@wortheffort]

Don't be rude.

[@davidhawley1132]

The pointy tool looks pretty similar to the common diamond carbide insert, which I'm finding very useful, particularly the radiused one.

[@clarencegreen3071]

Richard Raffan calls it a spear point scraper and he uses his frequently.

[@AffordBindEquipment]

parting tools need to be hollow ground so there is side clearance. Grinding angles: I have 2 removable platforms that I put on the grinder rest that are different angles so I don't need to change the grinder rest angle. 2 seconds to change to another angle. I have found the spur doesn't provide enough grip for ape turning bowls. I have spun it many times from a catch and don't use it anymore.

[@michaelogden5958]

Cynicism and sarcasm. Vastly underused linguistic tools. Love it! 😄 Speaking for myself, I have purchased a number of "latest greatest" tools over the years. If I am honest with myself, I've simply looked for shortcuts rather than practicing and learning better techniques with the usual suspects - looking at you, Evil Skew. Cheers, y'all!

[@billboy7390]

Never heard of a safety drive center. Why would anybody buy one? SPINDLE WORK-Diamontd parting tool, 3/8", 1/2" spindle gauge, a Bedan tool, 1 1/4" skew, and a 1 1/4" roughing gauge. Small and large drive center and a cup live center. A screw chuck and a 4 jaw chuck. Forgot, you need a lathe. I have turned 100,000 + spindles from 1/2" long to 12' long and as big as 15" in diameter. STAY AWAY FROM GADGETS!!!! GREAT VIDEO

[@tonyr3352]

Ok. I agree with everything Except about the parting tool. That tool has a specific use when making boxes. If you have a lot of figure and you want to minimize the loss when separating the lid to keep the grain flow, you use this tool. Don’t do boxes? Don’t care about the grain, don’t buy the tool.

[@wortheffort]

I do lots of boxes, my favorite thing to make. When grain conservation is needed I've started using a flush cut saw and it's worked wonderfully. (use wax!)

[@kennedy250980]

I ground my own thin parting tool from a 1/16 hss blank. However, mine is only 30mm tall and is very asymmetric in an attempt to minimise the area of contact with the wood. It also has a nice longish handle so I control it one handed and catch my turning. The one shown here really does look crap! 😂

[@bethkieler1566]

Meh, I just like playing around with things, so I'm positive I buy more than I need. If I decide I don't like something, then I'll just donate to a makerspace that has a lathe so that others can try it out. In fact, if unsure if you'd like something, either go to a public space that would allow you to try out their tools (some might make you join) or go to the local woodshop on a slow day and they might let you test a tool they have in back or just make friends with others and maybe they'll let you try a tool or two at their place. Still, expert opinions, even when conflicting are super valuable.

[@BeeSharp]

Which toolrest do you use on your JET? I'm a novice and in fact use the stock rest.

[@victorylatheworks873]

there are some older videos where he mentions Robust tool rests, so I got one and its all I use. Not sure if he still uses that kind though

[@radiationroom]

I hate the cast iron stock rests that came with my Jet 1221. I too turn like an ape and have to file my tool rests down every so often. Time to replace them.

[@wortheffort]

Robust

[@valeriehenschel1590]

The only parting tool I use now is the wedge shaped parting tool from D-Way tools.

[@changefortanzania]

I learned the value of the safety drive from an old wood turner, who made about twelve thousand spinning wheels and probably close to a hundred thousand spindles. When using the safety drive, you do not have to turn the lathe off to change spindles if you're careful. Just Watch your fingers so they don't get caught in the tool rest.

[@changefortanzania]

Just loosen the tail stock slightly before removing the spindle and retighten with the new blank in place .

[@wortheffort]

That was standard technique in production shops even with spur drives as it wasn’t easy to turn off power in a steam/water/generator overhead belt drive setup production shops used.

[@jydymyyyr9630]

Totally agree with the tool rest 3:53 problem. The rest that came with my Oneway 1224 has been a problem since day #1. I've sanded it smooth many times, but it seems to get dents in it very quickly, and the tools never seem to slide very smoothly on it. I'm in the market for a replacement; if you or one of your viewers has a good replacement option for this lathe I'd like to hear it. Thanks for the gr8 videos!

[@PStJohn-he2mi]

Robust makes great tool rests that fit Jet lathes. Before I figured that out, I took the original tool rest that came with my Jet and used epoxy to add a 3/8" round piece of hardened steel rod that I bought at the hardware store. Glued it to the rest and ran a bead down each side. Performs just like the Robust. I know several turners that have done the same. No one has had the rod come loose after several years of use.

[@jydymyyyr9630]

@@PStJohn-he2mi I like the inexpensive fix, but I'm a little worried it might come loose and become a projectile. I'll do some investigating into a Robust rest. Thanks for the info.

[@clarencegreen3071]

Some tools, like scrapers, have a rectangular cross section whose corners can be rather sharp. You can save wear and tear on your tool rest by rounding those corners with sandpaper or a quick swipe across a grinder.

[@blacknorce]

Dude your dad is great! Make him Do his own Chanel. I would love to watch him build and teach.

[@wortheffort]

Unknown turner

[@tomjudkins3799]

Your dad is great!

[@SuperZmeister]

Dads know a lot Grandpas know everything!

[@unclepewter4161]

Omg you almost made me screwup the project I was working on when you started with the scalded ape comment and “It just sucks “

[@greggerstner5599]

What do you really think about these tools? Don't hold back. Let it all out. In the 90s, I could have used one of those safety drives. Especially with the pucker-inducing skew. Nowadays, the skew might be my favorite tool. But for a while, it didn't get much use. Saves tons of time and sanding. (Do hate sanding. Waiting for your "I hate sanding" video.) Have friends who use a larger ring tool, probably for finish cuts. I like the Hunter tools for some of that. Don't have a Gauge-T. Yet. But many turners do love theirs. The inventor is an awesome turner in his own right, not one of those bothersome engineers. I have a slim parting tool made from a sawzall blade ala Cap'n Eddie. If I worry about my stone-age tool rests, I'll slide one of those plastic binder clips on it. Use it all the time. Got this idea from a Sorby parting tool which came with the like -- the bottom is a sharp concave trench with two points contacting the rest. Door prize at a local chapter meeting. Don't use it so much. Other widths of parting tools used as needed. I sharpen by eye and hand on belts. Sometimes the Makita wet sharpener. I use something like the Michaelson grind on bowl gouges and though he sells something like a jig, it doesn't look terribly useful. Would like a jig for the skews. Should be simple. I tell everyone interested in turning that, no matter what you spend on your first good lathe, it'll pale in comparison to the $$$ going out the door for all the other goodies. Grinders, chucks (omg. And I want to switch my technatools to Vicmarc. Shouldn't be too hideous. AAAAHHH) lathe tools, dust extraction, bandsaw, lighting, sanding stuff . . . And I have yet to meet a turner without a collection of stuff which ended up being useless. Except to the vendors.

[@robertshirk3479]

I would like to hear your comments about large lathes. I have an ancient lathe. 3 hp motor, 8 foot bed, 24 inch swing, 4 speeds, weighs about 1,000 pounds. I’d like to get a modern lathe. Maybe a Robust or Oneway or Powermatic.

[@wortheffort]

They are a luxury for most. A necessity for professionals. I've worn out mini's and midi's but the Oneway is infinitely rebuildable and will outlast me. Dad's Robust is barely broken in after 10 years.

[@naturaIIydifferent]

Oh yeah, if anyone wants texturing tools, just get a knurling tool. It does the same thing basically that Ron Brown's tool does but for a fraction of the price. But you gotta have really hard and dense wood to get a decent pattern.

[@jaymiller286]

Lol, my dad and I were the same. Fun times, just wish he was still with me. Gone too soon.

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

I use a narrow parting tool sometimes. I have three different sizes plus a Bedan. Depends on what I am doing and what works that day. Texturing tools? What does your Dad do if he wants some sort of texturing like on a Top or some other small project? You didn't even mention carbide tools!! I use carbide tools when I can't get a traditional tool to do what I want it to. I don't have much experience however. Sharpening is a PITA and as expensive as anything else in woodturning besides the lathe. There still is no easy straightforward solution that doesn't require years of experience and trial and error. I laugh at all these turners on YTube that sharpen everything freehand in seconds!! They forget to mention they all have 20-60 years of experience doing it. Some days I use my grinder and a Wolverine setup, some days I use my ProEdge belt system, depending on the tool. I custom make little angle jigs to set the angle on the plate. Trial and error. Some days I spend more time screwing around with sharpening than I do turning!! No wonder carbide tools are popular. But there is a rub there. It takes minutes to change out a blade. They are so small and the screws come in different types, etc. etc. I inevitably drop either a blade or a screw and then can't find it. I spend more time fiddling with all the tools and chucks/jaws, preparing and mounting blanks, etc. than I ever do on the design and the artistic expression of woodturning. Maybe that will change with time. Oh, and you didn't mention all the snake oil they call "Finishes"!! Keep up this series!! Thanks.

[@rodneymiller5141]

Great video Shawn. But, I do have to disagree with you on a couple of tools on your list. First of all, the slim parting tool is a wonderful item. When making boxes, you can match the grain of the body and the lid much better with a thin parting tool. You are just removing less material from the box. A thin parting tool is also essential in making a honey dipper. I would like to see one made with a thicker parting tool. It would just not look right. The next tool on your list I disagree with is the so-called safety drive. There are several versions of this drive and they are mainly designed for production spindle turning. They allow you to mount and remove your spindle from the lathe while it is running. These types of drives have a spring point center pin which allows you to loosen the tail stock just a little and the spindle will stop spinning. You can also mount a spindle the same way. As long as you do not engage the drive, your spindle will not spin. Once you have the spindle aligned, just tighten the tail stock to engage the spinning part of the drive center. Much quicker and completely safe.

[@wortheffort]

I use a flush cut saw on boxes and skew on honey dippers. V-cuts are easier to clean.

[@rodneymiller5141]

@@wortheffort I forgot to mention that I use a flush-cut saw after the thin parting tool.

[@mikeharbert5086]

Might have a new brand name: "Scaled Ape Wood Turning"

[@roguecthulhu6002]

I honestly think you may be using the thin parting tool incorrectly, but if it doesn't work with your workflow, I guess it's not a good tool for you.

[@MelkeinMaalla]

Too funny, you started with my favorite cutting tool, the Sorby thin parting tool, I love love love it, but mine looks different; the corner that cuts is not close to the middle of the blade but very close to the bottom. So it is meant to cut close to the bottom and the rest above it gives it stability (no vibration in the blade). It cuts like a butter and does not catch, because it cuts. So, I believe you should sharpen it differently (mine is the original shape) and have a fresh look at it. I think that shape loses all its clever "engineering". With that knive I have had very little use for the basic parting tool. I use it to make very deep cuts like roughing a log and then cutting a dozen half inch slices out of it. The first inch with the standard cutting tool, the switch to the slim to continue the same width but splitting the cut into two cuts side by side and my knife won't get stuck or cause burn marks deep close to the cutting point. It is also very useful with miniature scale projects, like beads, drop spindles, buttons and such. The knife works great when you cut through 90 degrees angle, when you have limited options to make a planing cut that you more or less need with the skew. Yes my tool rest is a bit dented, but not because of the slim shady, because all the catches I got with my skew. And I dont mind, I will sand it smooth if it starts to bother. And based on your suggestions, I will buy a steel one, having a cast iron one for roughing is fine. The slim knife makes it easy to tweak the remaining fibers againts the pointed live center tail stock, making a neat new position for the live center, like a finished indent. If the next step is to bore a hole, you have a start for it to align true. I believe the catching issues may have to do with the shape of the blade. Its efficient (fast) . Regarding the engineering, the further the cutting point is from the tool rest, the more vibration and counter fources, and the corner in that higher position it is further away from the tol rest both forwards and upwards. (I don't think you are an idiot though... without your videos I would understand there things so that I could analyze all this I hypothetized above. Or even bought a lathe and started. You are a great teacher. Your strong opinions actually gives a confident space for us beginners as we can see that circumstances, skills, wood and projects depend on one's tool choices, and its okay, as long as you take time to explore and understand. This video brought a smile, you guys are morphing from teaching to improvised comedy acting.)