Part 3 of 3 - Woodturning: Can I do it with carbide

Part 3 of a 3 part video. Turning a simple bowl with carbide tools, facegrain hollowing.
This is one long video, broken up into three parts. I go through many basic cuts and operations of woodturning and demonstrate how to do them with carbide tools.
I confess I’m not an expert at everything shown here - my beads could use some work, that’s for sure! But in the end, I get it done, I think.
Part 1: • Part 1 of 3 - Woodturn...
Part 2: • Part 2 of 3 - Woodturn...
Part 3: • Part 3 of 3 - Woodturn...
Here are the makers of the carbide tools I use:
Harrison Specialties: www.harrisonspecialties.com/we... (I have the Simple Rougher, Simple Turner and Hollower, the Simple Shear Cutting Finisher, and the Simple 55* Detailer. I also have one tool handle from this site.)
Mike Hunter: www.hunterwoodturningtool.com/ (I have the Hunter Osprey tool)
Glenn Teagle (UK): www.ukwoodcraftandcarbidechise... (I have the hexagon bar hollowing chisel, with a homemade handle)
Easy Wood tools: www.easywoodtools.com/ (I have the Easy Detailer)
Check out Eddie Castelin on KZbin. Also visit his site to buy carbide cutters - he has many popular sizes. Just measure the ones you have, see if he has one that will fit.
www.eddiecastelin.com/

[@antoniobaptista1122]

Thank you for the presentation. Very clear and helpful for the use of carbide tools. Thanks again

[@med1pilot1956]

I like the fact that you do this in real time. It gives a much better perspective on the actual process and progress. I'm just starting to use my new Harrison Specialties carbides. My club thinks carbides are inferior and not worth their time, so most of my learning is via KZbin videos like yours. Thank you.

[@johnpbh]

OK, I may be about 5 years late but that is the beauty of youtube, latecomers can catch up with everything. I am a new start to turning and with my second hand lathe I got a basic set of tools. I have been mulling over for a couple of months about getting some carbide tools and after watching yours and Mike Waldt's videos I can take the plunge with confidence so thank you very much for that. Love the fact that you were looking for 500 subscribers at the time of creating this video.

[@green19471]

I just bought my first lathe and your great videos were a huge help in getting started and actually turning my first bowl. Thanks a million.

[@tedenglert5564]

Lol, like those Nova lathes! Mine is an old DVR 3200, still going strong!

[@glen3257]

I just got my beginner carbide tools as I was having trouble learning with traditional tools. Thank you for this series.

[@nickjan67]

An excellent three-part series on carbide cutters; thank you! Since I have just started using these types of cutters, the series is much appreciated.

[@WigWagWorkshop]

You are an excellent instructor, wish you were still making videos. Thank You for this series of videos on the different carbide cutters. -Steven

[@paulschmolke188]

Very helpful, straightforward and understandable. Nice to see a few different tools.

[@Barrysworkshop]

Great series and great overview. I have been working on using HSS tools but I can really see how these carbide tools can function in similar ways. Thanks for putting this together.

[@martyp9498]

Steve, many thanks for three excellent videos, all well explained and demonstrated. I am new to the hobby and have a couple of old traditional gauges Tec, but recently purchased a set of Robert Sorby Turnmaster carbide tools, so these videos are brilliant thanks again Martin

[@HIKETOGRAPHER]

Thanks so much for demonstrating all these tools and techniques. I enjoyed the informative videos. Keep turning!

[@Valk69]

Excellent series. Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

You are a great teacher and this was very comprehensive! Many try but most have trouble relating to someone with limited experience. Thanks

[@MikeWaldt]

Excellent Steve, a great finale, and a good reference three part series for carbide tools. Lovely bowl too :) Take care Mike

[@SJWoodworks]

Mike Waldt Thanks again, Mike. Wow, you made it through the whole long thing!

[@michaelpalmer8632]

Just what l needed, clear concise information on using all the cutters, Thankyou, look forward to see more videos.

[@0602Jonboy]

Excellent video presentation and so intuitive for this gonna be turner, it was a real pleasure to watch all 3 of your videos and gained so much knowledge of "how to" Thank you very much!

[@kennethgreensweight5134]

This was very helpful keep it 💯

[@roywarner7875]

Great set of videos. Just what I needed to see. Thanks

[@gavinthornton9018]

I hope you keep making great videos like these. I bought a set of carbide's after watching you use them and so far I'm very pleased. .only had my lathe about 3 weeks so I'm still in the roughing lots of logs to blanks to dry phase..so in about 3 months I can do some finishing cuts with carbide too. :)

[@darlene3666]

new to turning. your videos are easy to follow. thanx!

[@4davegr]

Thanks for the lessons on using carbide tools! I'm brand new to turning having just bought a used Jet1014 and a couple of turning tools 1 being an Easy Wood square cutter tool. Your info is very well presented, and I'm particularly impressed with your attention to viewer camera angles and nice bright lighting. I just luckily ran into one of your KZbin videos......

[@sculptureflame68]

Great video!

[@jimnoond480]

Hi, 3 great videos. Just starting out and enjoying wood turning. Thank you.

[@deerparkah]

Excellent demonstration and instruction. 😊

[@shastastan1935]

Thanks for noting these videos in my SMC post, Steve. I learned a lot about handling carbide tools from watching. It's hard not to like the ease and speed of carbide tools. I had very few catches with them and learned to sharpen them also. that Easy Wood detailer is very handy for making filials for Christmas ornaments. You do have me thinking about that Hunter Osprey tool also. Many thanks for sharing, Steve.

[@0602Jonboy]

subscribed and liked, a really helpful and very well presented video, thank you, Tony.

[@grahamh1967]

Thanks for the 3 Vids on " Can I Do It With Carbide" Being new to Wood Turning I thought id take a look & see if Carbide tipped tools would be of any use for the begginer. Well You've answered a lot of Questions & given me a good understanding of how Carbide can help the Wood Turner. I intend to buy both traditional & Carbide & combine both in my Wood Turning. Im from the UK so will be in contact with Glenn Teagle ;-) Thanks again & thanks for sharing, Graham.

[@ronwayne2537]

Great set of videos. I just purchased a Jet lathe and have been studying up on which cutters to get - HSS or carbide. After watching you I am definitely going carbide. I am terrible at sharpening and don't see spending a lot of money to sharpen when I don't have to sharpen. Thanks.

[@danhaniff1157]

Well done Steve and good technique.

[@SJWoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@winstonbarnett90]

Thanks for these videos, they were detailed in just the right places. I had bought the Harrison Specialties tool set from their demo and I believe you have surpassed those. Keep up the good work and I don't think you'll have any trouble getting your 500+ subscribers.

[@SJWoodworks]

Winston Barnett Good, I hope it was helpful to many. And I did make it to 500 subs. Thanks!

[@harveygoodman8078]

Good video!!!

[@lefterhsk1]

I like Carbide tools, they are very useful as scrapers but i never liked the "fluted" carbide tips, i prefer 100% the traditional bowl gouges and spindle gouges! Thank you for the video!

[@kyliejane8294]

Thanks, I really like the carbide tools. Might have to invest in some soon.

[@SJWoodworks]

Thanks, Kylie. I have fun with the carbide. It's a different technique to learn. Heck, I like any shiny new tool.

[@mikeled1754]

thank you so much for this video.

[@stevelobel]

Very helpful.

[@johnwallace4408]

Stephen, I have a COMPLETE SET of EWTs. This include the #2hollower and the 1/8th parting tool. Best tools on the market, bar none!

[@markfields9841]

I have the Simple Tools set and find the round cutter to be great for the outside of the bowl. I also use it to hog out most of the inside and finish with the small round cutter.

[@HMaktoum]

Thank you so much

[@kimr5841]

I have seen so many turners disparaging carbide that I was starting to believe them. You've shown that isn't necessarily true. Carbide can do a really good job, and a good finish besides.

[@CarlJacobson]

Nice looking bowl, Great demonstration of the carbide tools.

[@SJWoodworks]

Carl Jacobson Thanks for watching, Carl.

[@SmokingDeWalt]

@@SJWoodworks hi Steve, I was wondering what brand and model your lathe is? Looks like a Jet but I couldn't find one like it on Jets web site. Thank you! I just subscribed, love your channel.

[@nickdispensa9762]

good job

[@natecrilly742]

Thanks so much for the videos, they've been a huge help! Could you maybe give me an idea of the benefit/drawbacks of the osprey vs the Harrison cupped tool? I have the Harrison tool and get pretty cold results, but is there a big difference between the two caused by the angle of the osprey? I'm trying to decide if I should add the Hunter tool. Thanks in advance!

[@georgewhitfield2176]

Well done Steve a very nice series of videos which gives a great insight into the use of a variety of carbide cutting tools, In fact showing all your tools and their use is very useful because I don't think everyone knows there are more varieties than the square, round and diamond shaped ones that are mainly touted around the market . Also their shapes and angles by which you can use some of them like gouges and riding the bevel is most instructive. I am fairly new to woodturning and I have not found any turning tools available where I live (Athens, Greece) and so have made a number of tools myself using carbide cutters (and re-ground slot mortice cutters) as being the most economical way to save on cost and especially shipping. I have had fairly good results and recently bought that Teagle tool you used to try it out and indeed works pretty much like a bowl gauge and I must say very well made and best value for money I have seen for us in Europe. Yes carbide can be sharpened. If flat type use the grades of diamond stone with top side down and rub in circular motions. They come up sharp. Alternatively for round cutters, mount on threaded rod between nuts at one end, place tail of rod in a drill chuck (on lathe or drill) using moderate speed and little lubrication, touch up and hold diamond stone against the cutter edge at same angle and you will have very quickly a new very sharp cutting edge. I hope this helps any watches who may be interested in sharpening their own cutters to either save time on waiting for new cutters to arrive by post or indeed to save money. Thanks very much for your time and effort in showing your videos and keep up the good work. Cheers/George

[@SJWoodworks]

George, thanks for the sharpening tips. By the way, Greece is on my list of places I would love to visit someday!

[@georgewhitfield2176]

SJWoodworks if you make it to Athens let me know and we can meet if you want. If you need any help here just let me know. Greece is a paradise, especially the islands, but not a very organised place, especially these days of our financial crisis (but don't let that put you off). G

[@brucelewane7559]

Thanks for the overview on the carbides. Especially the variety of types and the different manufacturers that are out there. They are pricey, but handles are simple to make which makes the tools pretty reasonable. Also, don't be fooled. The cutters can be sharpened. Buy a couple extra and you will be set for a long time.

[@SJWoodworks]

Bruce Lewane Yeah, I made 3 or 4 handles within an hour or two, and now all my tools have their own handle. Switching out handles from tool to tool can be a pain for sure.

[@gsilcoful]

Thank you.

[@joeharris5644]

Going to buy carbide tools. Nice bowl.

[@nickdispensa9762]

thank you

[@MARKBaid]

Hey Steve great channel and great information. Carl sent me over to check you out. Take care Mark

[@ProDMiner]

What is your input on carbide towards hard woods? Like bloodwood and cocobolo ?

[@martkt10]

Very helpful, all my woodturning tools are carbide, it's a shame there is no way to sharpen the hollow carbides , New sub here

[@StephenMcElligott]

HI, I know this video is two years old but at the 23' mark you are using the finisher at 90 degrees. I keep getting catches when trying this. Yes on the goblet video you say to keep it at a 45 degree. I cannot seem to find out why I am having so many issues with it catching.

[@user-pm5bp1np8l]

the most watched part is the back of the operators hand

[@SpeedysWoodshop]

Awesome , it's like going to class:-)

[@jonperley7304]

I've been turning since I was 12 now at 70 still at and I just bought a set of carbide's just to see what all the hype was about ! Guess what I hate them anyone interested in buying a set of carbide chisels!!! I'll take the old school chisels any day and do circles around carbide turning they SUCK!!! In this video he's removed the center which first which is bad one should remove outside to the center as the walls of the bowl get week and vibrate with no center support!!!🤔 Give me a bowl gouge 5/8"and a 1/2" and half the time the bowl will be finished and hardly no sanding! Also try doing live edge with carbide! Not here to knock this video down but lean old school first and you will see were I'm coming from! Thank you to my grandfather who taught me how turn!!!👍

[@reederlyons4674]

Thank you for your very informative video. I'm a retired carpenter 45+ years :) I've just gotten interested in turning and now have midi lathe with 4 carbide tools etc. What finish would you suggest if I want to eat or drink out of a turned piece. Thanks and blessings on your journey. respectfully, Reeder Lyons

[@edkorsberg6441]

I really like this 3 part series. However I do have a question. I just got my first lathe, a rikon 12.5 x 20" MIDI 70-22-VSR and also got the rikon 70-800 woodturning system. It seems like this rikon cutter only support 3 basic insert shapes; round, square and diamond. It would be great to either see videos on doing these same cuts but just using these basic inserts. Or at least some confirmation that within reason I can still make simple bowls, goblets, spindles just with these 3 basic inserts. I would like to know I don't have to spend another $1000+ on additional cutting tools.

[@IlanDavid]

Did you figure it out? I am in the same position now.

[@keithedwards1038]

Nice work. What brand carbide are you using?

[@ricpage5767]

What wood are you using.

[@brandenwoodgate3019]

what brand and model of lathe is that?

[@briansack7920]

Steve, these are a really nice set of videos on using carbide tools. I inherited a set of HSS turning tools from my Dad, but they needed sharpening. After taking a turning class, and learning how difficult a skew is to master, I purchased the Easy Wood set of carbide tools. If you don't mind a couple of questions from a complete newbie: 1) What turning speeds do you suggest for carbide tools? 2) I noticed in Video #2 that the purpleheart turning tended to be fairly rough in some of your initial shaping with the diamond shaped cutter -- do find this with carbide tools in general unless you use a shearing tool? 3) Do you do anything special to handle end-grain with carbide tools? Many thanks again -- I look forward to seeing more of your videos on your website. Brian

[@SJWoodworks]

Good questions, Brian. For speed, same guidelines as for regular high speed steel tools. The speed is about safety, generally, not about the tool. For rough cut finishes, when hogging of a lot of wood, it is going to come out rough, no matter the tool. A fine finish cut with a light touch goes a long way to a smooth finish. As for end grain - for hollowing end grain, I typically use a cupped carbide tool. Easy Wood doesn't sell one of these, to my knowledge. I use the simple shear cutting finisher from Harrison Specialties (I explain that tool in the videos), or the Hunter Osprey tool, also shown in the videos. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@paulgreen2863]

Do you have carbide hollowing vidioes?

[@billbittinger7850]

Thanks. I just got medium set of easy tools. I am unsure when it is dull enough to rotate, etc. Can you shapen them or does that defeat purpose of replaceable tips. I am fancy turning novice. Have to sit to turn now after years of turning legs, bed posts, etc. for furniture hobby on my big lathe. I have mostly scraped and sanded spindle turnings I am also using a spindle gouge with fingernail grind.. I am making turned boxes, acorns, goblets, etc. I still have not made one bowl in my 87 years & don't think I will.

[@Sludgepump]

Bill, there is a really good video by Daniel Vilarino that covers some great advice on sharpening carbide cutters using fairly inexpensive diamond stones. You'll have a bowl by 88, just you see! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4mWhoyfZb2bgZY

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

Great demo my friend but please get yourself some turning dividers they are not expensive and you a wont trash your vernier or b find it in your neck!! 😄

[@nickdispensa9762]

i like carbide tools

[@johnhall2806]

I am a new turner, two weeks. I have some easy wood tools square, round and diamond. When doing end grain goblet, can you hollow out the goblet with just the round cutter. I don't have any other tools yet. Also Could you part the goblet off with the diamond cutter? or do I need to spring for a parting tool? Thanks

[@SJWoodworks]

+John Hall I do end-grain hollowing with a cupped carbide tool, not the regular flat round one. And no, I would not use the diamond cutter for parting off. That seems scary to me, and less controlled, than a true thin parting tool.

[@Rebel9668]

Yeah, in wanting to turn my first bowl I watched several videos and not one of them turned one the same way...or even attached a head the same way...Faceplate, chuck screw, live center...one guy even super glued a piece of wood to the bowl then attached the faceplate to that. And of course every one of them didn't mention a thing about making the curve inside or out, but they sure did love to talk about their super mojo-doolawa super expensive chisels when I'm here with a Central Machinery mini lathe and chisel sets I got from Amazon wondering why none of them will show me how to make a basic bowl with tools everyone can afford. Finally I stopped watching the videos, deciding the only way I'm going to learn anything is by just diving in and doing it. If something breaks then it breaks and I'll know not to do that again.

[@jimholladay2383]

Does it worry you that you are way over the recommended rpm on the Cole Jaws?

[@SJWoodworks]

That is an excellent question. I noticed that as well, but only when watching the video back after I was done. Definitely something I need to be more conscious of in the future!

[@genesanders1199]

How do you sharpen the round cutter?

[@bluejack-ve7so]

You dont sharpen any of these carbide tips. Just rotate until you have to replace the tips. The life of these is 100X . Then you just buy new tips. The tips are relatively inexpensive.

[@larryrizzo736]

Should a new turner start with steel gouges, or limit himself to carbide?

[@SJWoodworks]

Carbide is good, traditional tools are good too. They both have their place. A new turner should learn both, I think. Don't limit yourself.

[@samp1394]

Don't forget sandpaper.

[@billrobinson8939]

Well, I'm way behind an 8 year old video. Don't know if you're still monitoring this site but I tried the website to place an order and it said you're shut down, email was returned as unable to deliver. Phone message said you were recovering and that number was out going only and don't leave a message, which I did at the beep anyhow. I'd like to place an order but can't seem to accomplish that . Any help would be appreciated Get well

[@SJWoodworks]

There are a lot of carbide woodturning tools on the market. I think the ones I use are sold at simplewoodturningtools.com right now. But there are others out there too, and I'm sure they have evolved and improved in the years since I made this video!

[@OriginalAxepack]

1400+ RPM? I've always been taught to stay under 1200 or so.

[@garylawrence7547]

All carbide tools are scrapers.

[@tomw7751]

Just say no. Learn to turn with real tools

[@jstevenanderson9227]

Nice video too much yapping