Richard Raffan restores rusty turning tools found at a garage sale.

You see how I clean up, reshape, and sharpen some rusty gouges. You'll find more detailed information on reshaping and sharpening the gouges in the Tools and Sharpening playlist.

[@russellseaton2014]

I love how Mr. Richard Raffan buys and cleans up old turning tools from a garage sale. Even though I am 100% sure every turning tool maker in the world would donate as many tools as he wants to him for simply mentioning the tool maker's name in one of his videos.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

In the past few weeks I've refused several offers from manufacturers. I want to be free to comment on chucks and tools without obligation. I don't want anyone assuming I comment favouribly on a chuck or tool because I've been paid in cash or kind to do so.

[@dtork47]

I so respect that Richard, very refreshing these days! Very helpful with free hand sharpening. Stay safe. Thanks again for sharing your gifts.

[@simonmcmanus3639]

Really good way of polishing the flute using MDF and turning it to fit . I have some gouges that need a bit of tlc.

[@roblevin14]

Love this! This gives me the confidence to go out and find some old tools and experiment with freehand sharpening and not be upset if I don't get the angles right the first time.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

It often pays to see what you can do with the bevel angles and edges you end up with, experimenting with a waste block making nothing but shavings.

[@joenalaska]

Thank you so much for making these videos. For amateur turners such as myself there is so much conflicting information, it is incredibly valuable to have access to the depth of expertise you bring. Really enjoy your teaching style. I live in a pretty remote region without access to clubs or classes, so channels I know I can trust are invaluable. Thank you for sharing!

[@keithedwards1038]

You’re a wealth of knowledge. I’m a new turner and I always, very carefully watch your videos. Thank you sir for sharing this.

[@s10m0t10n]

This is good information about sharpening, maintenance and how not to be afraid of re-shaping and replacing tool handles. I've always kept away from anything too drastic when sharpening, but now know that it's not a taboo - it's what suits you best. Woodturning gold, as always, Richard.

[@ArchEdge]

Thanks Richard - you have restored my confidence in sharpening turning tools myself... I destroyed one a long time ago, and have avoided it since..

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

It's all practice and going slowly but surely at first. Then speed comes with repetition.

[@willwyatt7023]

Watching you do these grinds by hand is every bit as soul-satisfying as watching you turn wood. Thank you so very much.

[@Mortalis2]

Definitely a Master at his craft.

[@angelaburt3266]

Mr Raffan, your video is such a joy to watch.

[@jean-louishoules5198]

Thank you Mr Raffan for this recycling and reshaping lesson.

[@johnnyb95678]

Thank you for the master class in reconditioning old turning tools. Thank you so much!

[@jamescarter8813]

so nice to see those tools get the life they deserved. To be purchased second hand be a true master of the craft. Lucky tools.

[@cobberpete1]

I've always hesitated about reshaping the tools, but you have given me a bit of confidence to try it again. Interesting snipit on quenching the HSS. Thank you Richard

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

Tools, and particularly gouges, can usually be reshaped to advantage your particular approach to turning.

[@derekroberts5984]

Just want to note that your audio is spot on, good balance and levels. another skill mastered :)

[@deyyoung42]

Great video! Thanks so much for teaching us your techniques.

[@LAZZY0001]

Great presentation and information as usual. Thank you Mr Raffan.

[@mandyray23]

Learnt so many useful things from this video. Thank you Richard. X

[@jackthompson5092]

Great video Richard.

[@raydriver7300]

Another informative and interesting video, Richard. Thank you for sharing 🌞

[@joefernandes1359]

Excellent information once again that is not only helpful but gives insight into how to restore tools that may seem useless. Thank you.

[@glennnord2605]

Thank You for sharing some good information .

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very nice. Great information, thanks.

[@DennisSuitters]

Interesting video, and shows we don't always have to have the newest and greatest tools, although having a complete set of Thompson Tools would be lovelly, we make do with what we can afford, lol. Thanks Richard, good video. BTW, the sound was excellent.

[@woodwoman9130]

Nice find

[@robertcornelius3514]

Tools? Garage sale? Now ya have my attention!

[@brettbkeogh]

Great video. I LOVE watching these your presentation is so to the point, concise and without BS. Every video leads to more questions and the next video and on it goes :) :) re tool restoration - I have avoided older style carbon steel tools like old Sorby, Marples and Record unless they were HSS thinking they are inferior tools, am I wrong. Maybe I have become a tools snob. Could we have a video on the pluses and minuses of each, carbon steel, HSS, tool steel and the modern M2 and V10 steel tools. It would also be awesome if you could point out how to identify the steels by their spark showers. So should I avoid these older tools ?? Many many thanks for the efforts you put into these productions. Cheers

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

I started with Sorby carbon tools and used them all through the 1970s until they introduced HSS. HSS does hold an edge longer, so carbon tools need more attention regards sharpening, but they're still worth having. I don't know enough about steels to make a video on the differences, especially as I'm pushed to tell one HSS steel from another. Careful selection of timber tends to make turning easier. Also I won't be making a video on tool steels because since I downsized I have only HSS mostly from Henry Taylor (Raffan Signature tools) and Sorby, making comparisons difficult.

[@brettbkeogh]

many thanks Richard appreciate your time to reply cheers@@RichardRaffanwoodturning

[@jerrylowry673]

I enjoy and learn a tremendous amount when watching you sharpen your lathe tools. What is the grit on the small diamond file when you touch up the edge? An aside from this I had the opportunity to watch a man in Colorado Springs Co. turn a small end grain box. His name I think was Cox, he mention that he knew you.

[@OregonOldTimerWOODTURNING]

What is the color difference in sparks from HSS and carbon steel?

[@MoleValleyMaker]

Thank you for this. I bought one of those old carbon steel spindle gouges (with the spike) in a workshop clearance and you've given me an idea of what to do with it!

[@petergledhill7380]

Another interesting video thanks Richard Raffan - look forward to seeing you use them especially the early type of Sorby bowl gouge. I have a fluted U shape Sorby so would be interested to know what you’d use it for. Spindle or bowl gouge and how you’d sharpen it? Another video maybe.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

You'll find several sharpening videos in the Tools and Sharpening playlist, including kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5WlXq1sYpJ5d9U

[@petergledhill7380]

@@RichardRaffanwoodturning thanks Richard will def check those out.

[@jorisdemoel3821]

A very nice find and a very good explanation about grinding and cleaning. Are there certain types of work you might recommend caron steel for, or is High speed steel superior in all ways? I look forward to seeing them all in use. Thanks for another instructive and entertaining video.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

I find HSS superior in all ways regards turning. The major benefits are that it holds an edge longer than carbon and can withstand bluing/overheating.

[@gitaseldiy9525]

❤❤❤

[@lewislevine8095]

Another great video, thanks. I was wondering what kind of wheel the 400 grit was? Thanks

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

The wheels are all 80 grit. The silver, left on the green grinder is CBN, the grey carborundum, the smaller white wheel is aluminium oxide.

[@markhunt6177]

I am always looking for quality turning tools. I rather enjoy cleaning them up for new life.

[@HarmonicGrunt]

Thank You Richard for sharing. What is the ideal Angle you would recommend for spindle/Bowl gouge please.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

I sharpen most bevels at about 45 degrees on the nose of gouges and scrapers. However I'll be making a video on ½-in spindle gouges showing the ways they can be used and the bevels required for specific situations. Should be up in a few days.

[@HarmonicGrunt]

@@RichardRaffanwoodturning Ok Thanks Richard, Much Appreciated . 👍🏻

[@Monstrito59]

What's wrong with cooling hhs with water? Does it permanently damage the tool?

[@pjseiber2774]

What grit is your CBN wheel you were using ? I have a 180 grit CBN. Is that sufficient ?❤

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

I have 80-grit CBN wheels, finding them more satisfactory than the 180s I used to use. Using finer wheels just takes a bit longer. It's useful to have a coarse wheel or linisher for shaping.

[@pj48854]

What was the brush that you put in the drill chuck please?

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

I believe it's nylon, but brass or steel are almost as good.

[@edwardukleja4583]

Hi Richard, you said that deep fluted spindle gauges should not be used on bowls. Being a novice I have to ask why not?

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

Deep fluted spindle-roughing gouges are designed for roughing spindles, not bowls. I don't possess a d/f roughing gouge, preferring to rough spindles using shallow continental gouges that are stronger and less likely to catch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmXIo4Wba9mIqpo

[@alun7006]

You can get a very nasty catch using a spindle roughing gouge when cross-grain (bowl) turning. See this video for an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4DLeZivpL9_l7ssi=IJZjN3KiftdPOlRe I believe there is (or was) also a concern about the narrow tang of a SRG breaking during such a catch, which could result in horrific injury.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

@@alun7006 Thanks for that. I'd forgotten that video.

[@garylawrence7547]

You essentially ground the end into a nail.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

I have an asymmetric fingernail grind on most of my gouges.

[@robertcornelius3514]

I'm new at CBN wheels. Why can you not grind high-carbon steel tools on a CBN wheel?

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

The general advice is not to grind carbon tools or non-ferrous metals on CBN wheels, a practice I follow having all but ruined one CBN wheel grinding a range of carbon tools at a week-long workshop.

[@executive]

what grit is your CBN wheel for finish grinding?

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

Initially I had a 180 CBN wheel, but replaced that with an 80-grit CBN. During a week-long workshop where there were two of each grit I found it difficult to tell which tools had been sharpened on which wheel. I did most of the sharpening. Sharpening on the coarser 80-grit wheel was faster.

[@executive]

@@RichardRaffanwoodturning interesting. Mine is 180 and I feel like its eating my tools too quickly

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

@@executive I don't want to spend more than a few seconds touching up an edge, time being money when turning for a living, hence my preference for the 80 grit. If there was a 60 grit I'd probably use that. New CBN wheels cut very aggressively for about 30 minutes, then settlel down.

[@giovannizunino6046]

Davvero interessante avrei piacere di sapere se in passato usavi un tornio più performante d'altronde quando si è in pensione anche un tornio semplice x passare il tempo va bene lo stesso

[@kenvasko2285]

I enjoyed the video because I buy a lot of old lathe tools at flea markets. I haven't used many of them, just collecting for now. One of the things you mentioned was the color of the spark. Do the older steels give off a yellow spark vs a white spark on HSS? Also, I have a couple with a hexagon flare at the start of the handle. They seem real old and I'm not sure if they are turning tools. Are the tools made from old files too dangerous to use? I have a difficult time distinguishing between spindle and bowl gouges. Is it determined by the depth or shape of the flute? What do the old bowl gouges look like or did they use scrapers? Is there a pictorial history of turning tools book or article or VIDEO (hint, hint) I could reference?

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

Using old files for woodturning scrapers isn't recommended on the grounds that they're too brittle and unlikely to withstand the shock of a heavy catch. All the Sheffield turning tools I've encountered have round handles, whereas many of the older carpentry and carving tools have/had facetted handles. Gouges milled from round bars first appeared in the late 1970s. Earlier forged gouges suitable for bowl lturning were termed long and strong (L&S) and the older Marples in this video is typical. Bowls in earlier times were often turned using what are now called continental gouges which you can see in Gouges for Bowls kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3OrZWSgrZVogas

[@kenvasko2285]

​@@RichardRaffanwoodturning You gave me homework!