How to Make Small Round Lathe Tools Pt 3 of 3 - Woodturning

In this 3 part series I demonstrate how to make a variety of useful, special purpose woodturning tools. They are all made from inexpensive 1/4” round HSS rod.
In Part 3, this video, I demonstrate using and making several specialty turning tools . Tools include a cove tool, Cats Claw for captive rings, miniature skewgie gouge, spindle gouge, and vortex tool.
Part 1 Using and Making 1/4” round skew is available here • How to Make Small Roun...
Part 2 Using and Making a Point Tool is available here • Point Tool - How to Ma...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from my Amazon shop www.amazon.com/shop/mikepeace...
Round HSS Rods amzn.to/2T6lRYO
Check out my website for demonstration handouts, downloadable copies of articles I have published, and other woodturning resources
MikePeaceWoodturning.com

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Since Enco was bought out by MSC Direct the 1/4" x 8" HSS rod has almost doubled in price. Check out my Amazon shop for Round HSS Rods amzn.to/2T6lRYO

[@seniorchiefharris]

Mike...I've REALLY enjoyed all three of your videos! Your presentations are no nonsense, or 'go out and spend' type videos, but one's that the average wood turner can use and enjoy! Your common sense approach is soooo appreciated by newbies and more experienced wood turners! Thanks for taking the time and sharing your knowledge and experience! Safe turning to you always!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Kenn Harris Thanks for your kind words, Kenn. I appreciate it. Safe turning.

[@joeparson9563]

Thanks Mike for reviving my interest in turning. I'm finding your videos so informative and easy to follow that I go out in the shop and try the technique you demonstrated on the video I watched. Thanks again

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Hi five! You made my day.

[@jimkeown2074]

I forgot to add, no doubt everyone watching is drooling to have you grinding wheels!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Good deals at Woodturnerswonders.com. The owner, Ken, is a member of my club.

[@jimkeown2074]

This is one of the best youtube videos for any turner, I have purchased the hss rods from your store, and would love a video on how to make the last 4 tools on part 3. I am sure I can make them, but the little tips and tricks are always appreciated in order to have to learn the hard wat (OJT). Thanks Mike, love all your videos! Jim

[@jimkeown2074]

Mike, I know this may well be heresy, but thinking about the plumbing fixture/ferrel to hold a 4 inch (1/2 of an 8 inch rod) so you have some length to hang out of the handle would you consider attaching a threaded 1/2" rod to the ferrel with a thread lock substance and drilling a 1/2" hole down the handle and epoxying the handle. I know this is back assward, but it would give a longer tool length beyond the handle for easier sharpening. I think that this is viable, but I may be overlooking something. I ground 4 of you tools today, still pondering the "feast de la resistance " the vortex, and how I can make it myself correctly. Thanks, Jim

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Not sure if I understand what you are suggesting. If you are looking for a quick easy interchangeable handle have you watched this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4iZeI2JmceKmdE

[@bobwhitford5939]

Mike you do a nice job!

[@joescarborough1]

Good, usable info as usual Mike. Hope you have a safe and productive year.

[@stringmanipulator]

Thank you very much for a nice series of videos. Always nice tip and good info in your videos Mike.

[@PENFOLD1962]

Hi Mike, Just a short message of thanks, I took your advice about the Record Power Chuck, I got mine from Screw Fix in the UK it's a brilliant little chuck. Plus after watching this trio of videos I had a go at making three of the tools and their handles. They work brilliantly, I made them from extra long Allen keys, I now have 2 favourite tools the triple edge point tool and my Captive ring tool. They are excellent for detail work, can't thank you enough for your advice. Take care Mike. Cheers Andy

[@mikezunkowski8916]

I just started watching your channel a few months back. I am looking forward to every weekend in hopes you'll post. I have learned a lot from your videos. thanks for posting

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Mike Zunkowski Thanks, Mike for your comment. I am working to get one posted each Friday.

[@lynbren]

Good tips, thanks

[@twonacor]

Nice video Mike. A very informative and well done series. Thanks!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Rick Stonewood Arts I appreciate your comments.

[@mgorrow]

Mike, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have always turned captive rings with only a skew but it requires some extra sanding. I may have to make one of your tools.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Marshall Gorrow I do some sanding with this tool but I think you will like it more than using a skew/

[@plamb5243]

Well done once again Thank you for the effort

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+P Lamb Thanks, Peter.

[@gordroberts53]

Thanks Mike: I can't order from your supplier from Canada, but I have found a good range of suppliers in China through eBay. So far have bought 1/8 and 1/4 HSS flat bar in various widths and am expecting 2x3/8"x8" HSS round stock. One will become a point tool and one a round skew. Shipping is free so far and the quality of the flat bar is excellent. Now I have some new tool ideas. Thanks for sharing, Gord

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Good luck with your toolmaking! It is a good feeling to make a good tool at minimum cost.

[@adamquincey4371]

excellent... happy new year... cheers...

[@ColbyClinePenholders]

Very, very helpful! I have recently found interest in doing very detailed spindle work on my normal calligraphy pens and I found that my Robert Sorby Micro Turning tools just aren't micro enough! I have been looking into making my own Hand Gravers for engraving copper, but I will have to heat treat that metal for them. This should be a little easier to start off. I'll try it with a cutoff drill bit before I order the proper stuff. Thanks again!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I have not gotten into miniatures but they do require making your own tools. Some folks use Allan wrenches to make some of their micro tools. And dental pick.

[@ColbyClinePenholders]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning I just finished making my first one! Works pretty well! The drill stock I had was 4.8mm but that seems still too big for what I need. But Ill try doing that vortex tool next since that should be fine enough. I'll have to see if I have anymore small drill stock too. Thanks again!

[@bobostrowski8832]

Good series of videos Mike! The compression fitting to hold the tool in the handle is a great idea. Happy New Year!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Bob Ostrowski Thanks, it took a couple of trips to the hardware story to figure out what I needed. I hate plumbing!

[@TheLittleGardenShedWorkshop]

Great series Mike, enjoyed them all I hope the year 2016 brings you all you wish for, All the best, Harry

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+The Little Garden Shed Workshop Thanks and back at you.

[@GeraldJensen]

Oh, and Happy New Year!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Gerald Jensen I sized it just right and cut 16 TPI with my hand chaser but size it properly and the fitting will cut it's own threads. May still need some epoxy.

[@alcinolima2776]

Mike gostei de seu vídeo. E os formoes e suas funções.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Gracias mi amigo

[@GeraldJensen]

Thanks Mike ... very useful info in this series.One cautionary note: For those with a grinder that is equipped with CBN wheels, make sure the metal you select to make tools with is appropriate for CBN wheels. Metals softer than HSS (e.g. carbon steel) can clog the CBN coating.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Gerald Jensen Good point. Review of CBN wheels and comparison with Aluminum Oxide wheels might be a good topic for a video. What do you think?

[@GeraldJensen]

+Mike Peace Good idea! Might help someone make a better-informed choice.

[@GeraldJensen]

+Gerald Jensen Also ... I'm curious about the tool handle with the plumbing fitting. That compression fitting is a heck of an idea, but how did you fix it to the wooden handle?

[@plamb5243]

+Gerald Jensen It is threaded onto the handle end

[@jimkeown2074]

Mike: In my previous message I meant I was going to use the plumbing compression fitting and screw it onto a 1/2 " rod (14 tpi thread) the rod would be epoxied into the handle I make. I kind of like making a permanent handle for every tool, it gives me an excuse to do more turning and learning.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Now I understand. My fitting threaded onto the end of the handle with a bit of epxoy works fine for me. I don't know if I have a 1/2"x14 threaded tap. Way too much work.

[@jimkeown2074]

Mike I have made the 4 different 1/4" cutting tools and mounter them in the Ace Hardware compression fittings and threadeded the 1/2" rod that will go 1.5" into the wood handle. The length of the tools is 4.5" from tip to the wood end of the compression fitting. I would think that a handle of 6" length would be appropriate for this detail tool. What are your thoughts? Making the vortex tool was a challenge with my grinding tools, but I gotter done. Thanks for you inspiration and help!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

@@jimkeown2074 Yes, 6 or 7" is about right and personal preference.

[@timt9240]

Thanks Mike for the great series on the round tools. They gave me some ideas for making new tools and you know the is always a need for a new tool or two. I am wondering whether the tool HSS rods that you use are hardened and tempered from the manufacturer or did you have to do this yourself. I have really enjoyed all of your videos. Tim

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Tim T They were already hardened. Heat treating HSS is a tricky process with extremely high temperatures required that are just not possible in a home shop..

[@RickTurnsWoodturning]

Good video, Mike! Thanks for posting. One question...did you make your own decorating tool with the spinning cutter?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+RickTurns Yes. I find it is the least useful and least versatile of my texturing tools. See my handouts and plans for making one on my blog.

[@judyfrancisco936]

I am Looking for the dandle you us the drumal heads in?

[@shamong9]

I like the pluming fitting. How was it attached to the handle?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

+Jim Skaggs I sized it just right and cut 16 TPI with my hand chaser but size it properly and the fitting will cut it's own threads. May still need some epoxy.

[@donbomer5630]

A great series Mike, give me more to add to my to-do list. As I mentioned in my comment on Part, 1 Wish.com sells 10 ea 6mmX100MMmm bars for $7 plus $5 shipping. They are also available from uxcell through Amazon.com along with various HSS square and rectangular pieces. And, the Ace fitting you show here has apparently been replaced by Ace 1/4 in. FPT Dia. x 1/4 in. FPT Dia. Brass Compression Connector Item no. 4337424.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for the info. I have some of the HSS rectangular bars in my Amazon shop for easy finding and I get a small commission. I have found some of the round bars to be untreated. May not be a big problem for a point tool. It is not feasible for the end user to harden HSS.

[@eddieagha5851]

Hi Mike! At one time you had made a Thread Relief tool from an Allen wrench, but I can't seem to find it. Can you please provide a link?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I do not remember which video. You may have to scan the videos in the Threading Jig playlist.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Maybe this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWjHg5Zvd7afqdE