THE EVOLUTION: A LATHE KNIFE OR CARBIDE CUTTER?

Progress on my design of the Lathe Knife... The Evolution is still based on a Russian Lathe Knife but now with a removable/replaceable cutter. Machines in a way to also accept carbide cutting heads.
Available to pre-order on my Etsy
etsy.me/2GzEMWL
Comments welcome!

[@avago2day]

What a great idea! Busy binge watching your videos at the moment and subscribed.

[@mr.b.w.3146]

I use whatever chisel works at the time, and I've a made a couple myself. Nice chisels, nice vid , thanx.

[@CLWoodturning]

Mr. B.W. Thanks bud!!

[@carolriley569]

I'm looking forward to using my lathe knife and the sharpener. The idea of replaceable blades is really awesome!

[@CLWoodturning]

Carol Riley thanks Carol!

[@macgcomment5281]

One of the Russian turners has the Closed Caption translated into English where he describes safety issues and the catch which sheared off his finger but it was reattached and he still uses the lathe knife in the same manner as you do. When starting with and getting used to this tool an over hand grip is recommended. As noted below the most dangerous catch is the tip which will kick the rear point right back into your fingers if it is deep enough of a catch. Like the skew when planing cut, use lower portion of the tool, change your grip to use the point end in tight places ot keep your fingers on you hand, Another point to note in the Russian videos, they are not turning real dense hardwood but it looks more like a Spruce which cuts fairly easily so they cut impressively fast from years of practice with this tool. I mentioned the CC option if you noodle around with those settings in the gear icon next to the CC button often you can get an auto translated Closed Caption. Older videos do not seem to have that option, Not the best but you can get the gist of what they are saying and you'll have to watch it a couple of times, at least I did for I cannot read and watch at the same time.

[@rjford]

Really impressive, There is no end to improvements. Thanks for sharing. Richard....

[@CLWoodturning]

Richard Ford thank you so much, Richard, lovely comment!

[@alaricmedlock6833]

That is a game changer!!

[@CLWoodturning]

Alaric Medlock thanks Alaric!!

[@stephenswail6181]

Am looking forward to getting my fixed blade next week.would plan on using a tormek to freshen the edge.The Evolution seems like a natural progression.

[@CLWoodturning]

stephen swail id try to get a good kitten knife sharpener to hone the edge. I don’t have a tormek though I know they are excellent. Take as little steel away as poss, why I prefer a kitchen sharpener. Good stuff!

[@sgtcrtrdnl]

I hope you're looking into patenting your design. A patent for it may already exist, but it cant hurt to look. All these other tool companies will be ripping off your design very soon if you dont! Congrats man, great mind!

[@CLWoodturning]

Daniel Carter thanks bud, yeah it’s in progress.

[@AlFurtado]

Great job. Awesome idea as said before.

[@huwdavies5264]

Nice development of the lathe knife. Cheers, Huw

[@CLWoodturning]

Huw Davies cheers Huw!

[@ARCWoodCraft]

I want one of these more than I want my next breath 😊😊 nice work 👍👍

[@CLWoodturning]

ARC Wood Craft thanks bud!!

[@jennyblair331]

I'm new to turning and am amazed at this tool. I will have to save up for one... and I like the look of the Baden tool too. Great to hear such great advice from a fellow Brit 😀

[@CLWoodturning]

Jenny Blair ah I’m glad you liked the tools. Thank you!

[@TheRekitter]

CL, I followed the tutorial you made for making these knives, and I have just been amazed at the ease of how this wonderful tool works! Thank you for posting this. I used the end from a dull file that was in my shop for the cutter knife and welded it to a 1/2 inch piece of drill rod for the shaft. You do have to reharden the cutter after you finish making the tool, but boy is it worth it! I also used a piece of cherry wood for the handle. It came out a beautiful and impressive tool. I had never seen one of these until I found your video. You are right- this could go on to replace the skew, especially for the newer turners. It is easier to handle with similar results.

[@CLWoodturning]

TheRekitter aww class!!!! Made my week that comment bud, thank you!

[@edwinleach4013]

Great idea. I like it.

[@derekwilkinson7939]

That is a fantastic tool. I really fancy having a go at making one.

[@CLWoodturning]

derek wilkinson yeah derek, go for it. If I can help, give me a shout.

[@derekwilkinson7939]

CL Woodturning thank you. I will.

[@Pnrc-b2u]

Great idea. I have ordered the fixed one. I may well order one of those.

[@CLWoodturning]

Peter Cound thank you Peter!

[@mikewilliams1928]

Where where I find these to purchase ? Thanks

[@CLWoodturning]

Mike Williams hi Mike, I selll this and other designs on my Etsy page. etsy.me/2GzEMWL Thanks, Colin

[@mk1photography62]

Hi mate no Etsy page?

[@thomasklink3766]

Great idea, it will be easier to grind a consistent edge on the removable blade. I wondered if the weld point would make a weak spot. I would love to be able to handle the tool like the Russians. It's amazing how fast they are.

[@CLWoodturning]

Thomas Klink yeah they are really talented, totally diff style. Thanks!

[@josephellis3095]

now THAT is a COOL tool. I presume these (maybe with modification) will fit on any carbide bar. Neat! I have been gradually modifying a skew and lengthening the edge, but that is Great!

[@CLWoodturning]

Joseph Ellis hi Joseph, yeah you could put this blade on any bar but the hole may need adjusted on your bar. These are made to take the knife blade and also a 16mm carbide, slightly off centre so the carbide hangs off left and front edge whilst the knife blade sits true center. Cheers!

[@stephensonbilly]

I would like a couple of your knife tips. What is your process for purchasing? Thank you Billy

[@randyclary8144]

Very interesting have you thought about making they hooked Tool I see them use for Halloing Vessels and boxers I suppose anything really looks interesting I’ll try to keep in touch with you

[@OuroborosArmory]

I think I am going to try forging a few of these. Can you try it out and Give your opinions? (As a knife maker and blacksmith I can also help out with the hardening and tempering process)

[@CLWoodturning]

Ouroboros Armory sure that would be great!

[@Boultonful]

with regard to you Lathe knife , I have a cutter blade from an old planner, I would like to make one of your knives, but as this steel is very hard can you advise me on what drill I would need to make the screw hole. all the best JB UK

[@CLWoodturning]

John Boulton hi John, when I make the blades for the updated model I drill the screw hole before the steel is hardened and tempered as I, and you, will realise it is tremendously difficult to drill hardened tool steel. For your old blade I can only suggest clamping a piece of hardwood above the blade and drill through the wood and steel on a drill press, in one motion. The wood will stop the drill bit skating. Also start with a smaller diameter drill bit and work up, using lubricant continuously. If you continue to have difficulty, I can send you a blade which you can use to make a lathe knife.

[@Boultonful]

@@CLWoodturning do you supply the blades finished tempered ready to, go if so can you please give the price, thank you

[@CLWoodturning]

John Boulton hi John, yes hardened and tempered with hole ready for the bars I make. You can easily make a bar to fit. Have a look at my Etsy for shape and so on... www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CLWoodturningStore Blades are £10 plus postage. Thanks

[@thevargasj1]

Ruskys been using that tool for ages

[@CLWoodturning]

hither vargas I know bud, I have an earlier video paying homage to the masters.

[@marcelrey9533]

Hi Col, this looks intriguing to say the least! I intend to buy one through your Etsy page. Have you considered counter sinking the screw hole to accommodate a regular m5 carbide blade screw? Just a thought, as it seems the hex screw looks a bit obtrusive.

[@CLWoodturning]

Marcel Rey to be honest yeah, but not your normal countersunk screw, I’ve done it with the screw in the video, half countersunk, and it looks great. The other type I find use a smaller hex key on M5 which strip easier. I’m cool even with it as it is but thanks for your idea bud!

[@Mnogomer]

Try cup smooth chuck

[@lv_woodturner3899]

A nice option for the lathe knife to have a removable blade. I would use a rounded head screw to minimize marks if the screw touches the wood when tilted to the screw head side of the tool. These are known by several names, socket head, button head, round head etc. A link to illustrate. www.tcfixings.co.uk/main/maincat/getCatitem/Socket-Button-Head-Screws/134/0/0/1/12 Good tip on the kitchen knife sharpener to hone the blade. Dave.

[@johncarson1427]

the way you hold the tool, especially at 6:25 you'll lose a finger if it ever kicks back or catches

[@jacksmith-id1kn]

I have been watching some Russian turners using both the lathe knife and the hook tool i have made a few hook tools and i am loving them you mentioned in your video that you’ll share that information on how to make a lathe knife I’m very interested in how one is made and what the specs are if you would share the info that would be very helpful thanks form jacob

[@CLWoodturning]

Hi Jack, PM me a message to [e-mail] and I'll send you a build sheet. Thanks, Col.

[@TheMrMec]

Are you still making these lathe knifes?

[@mrbond1964]

Brilliant tool....Where did you buy the small sharpener you use? Thanks

[@CLWoodturning]

Kev Bond I can’t get those specific ones anymore at a good price but search pocket knife sharpener and make sure the gap for the blade to address the sharpener is relatively shallow.

[@needed123456]

hi how can I purchase one of these please regards clive

[@dbat9594]

How does it work on some hard woods?

[@helmutwolff3251]

Sorry, but as a professional turner, I can only say that evolution has taken a big step backwards. Russian "design" is almost always the result of material problems, whether you take cars, motorcycles or cameras. At 12:20, you can see that the tool produces more dust than chips; I don't need Russian "design" for that...

[@carlisletoonfan1594]

Ordered my standard knife yesterday...i can't wait to use it...fabulous idea, any plans to make the Russian hollowing hook tool/knife??

[@CLWoodturning]

Carlisle toon fan hi thanks for the order, I sure do have ideas for the hollowing tool and once I have time to refine I’ll post here eventually. Take care, Colin

[@carlisletoonfan1594]

@@CLWoodturning Can't wait Colin..keep up the great work.....I'll order as soon as available:)

[@rewxn1851]

You made some fantastic tools. I just bought me my first wood lathe and I am struggeling what tools I should get or make myself. Just as I came to the conclusion that I can't make the myself, because all the tools I saw where some fancy HSS or carbide tools I saw your videos on the lathe knife. You encouraged me to give it a try and make my own tools. Could you maybe give me some tips and advice how you made it (blade and shaft material, ...).

[@CLWoodturning]

kaerTo this Evolution version is cut into the bar stock, no welding, but blade is screwed to bar. The original one I made is welded like follows: kaerTo sure bud... The tang should be welded in a groove cut in the end of the 16mm stainless bar stock. Don’t just weld blade to bar as the weld then takes full brunt of forces. After welding, grind to a rough cutting edge, heat treat to non-magnetic (deep cherry red, use a magnet on a stick), quench in oil, tidy up blade to shine and then temper in a kitchen oven, 1 hour at around 225 degrees Celsius. Allow to cool slowly. Should come out of oven golden yellow/ straw colour. If blue, too hot, if nothing, too cold. Tidy up blade again and grind final razor edge quenching repeatedly in water. If blade blues with sharpening, hardness is lost. Place in turned handle. Both the Evolution and the original are heat treated to maintain a sharp edge. Hope it helps. Colin

[@rewxn1851]

@@CLWoodturning Thank you very much for the instructions. Do you think I can mild steel instead of the stainless bar. If not could you tell me what kind of stainless bar stock it is. Is it V2A or something similar (is the steel magnetic or not).

[@CLWoodturning]

kaerTo oh sure, the bar could be any metal really, even aluminium as long as it was thick enough. Mild steel is fine. I use stainless because of strength AND finish. Ideally, the cutting head should be HSS steel but as long as the heat treatment is done well, 01 Steel plate or ‘tool steel’ is fine for cutting wood. HSS plate is expensive and would have increased cost to potential interested buyers. All of my tools are either shop made or second hand, there’s no need to spend 100s on big name makes.

[@rewxn1851]

@@CLWoodturning I will definitly give it a try. What other shop made tools do you have?

[@CLWoodturning]

kaerTo sure, all of my carbides are shop made, only the tips I’ve had to buy, a tool called an English Bedan which is basically a square edge cutter, 6mm for cutting a mortise or other detailing...I’m soon to sell these.... my thin parting tool is shop made from HSS steel....captive ring tool from Allen key... video on here somewhere.... all of my handles including quick release ones.... (are you asleep yet??).... seriously the list goes on.... mostly because I hate the price of big names or the quality is poor or not worth the cost. I make and sell tools I know work well because I use them daily. I cringe when I see an advert for carbide tool sets at like £175 or so when they really cost £6 a blade, then some bar and handle... check Easy Wood Tools site and you’ll see lol

[@zippo123ist]

looks an awesome tool but I was wincing when watching your hand over the tool rest.get a catch and you could easily lose a finger.take care mate

[@CLWoodturning]

isa ibrahim ah yes it does look horrendous to watch, it’s a little safer than it looks once you know how the tool responds but I totally see your point and appreciate your concern. I’ve watched the Russian turners and they all use an overhand grip and I must admit, for some cuts it is more stable. Thank you again, Colin

[@edmartin3379]

Do you make the tool to use with the evolution blade?

[@CLWoodturning]

Ed Martin yes Ed, all models available on my Etsy page. Thanks. etsy.me/2GzEMWL Colin

[@craigraper9613]

When will you have the replaceable blades ready for shipping and pricing

[@CLWoodturning]

Craig Raper hi bud, made to order link is there now, I’d say a week and I’ll have a good stock. Thanks!

[@paultay23]

My knife should arrive this week, i ordered a sharpener last night... Will order one of these when they are available..

[@CLWoodturning]

paultay23 cheers bud, made to order link is there now, should be shipping in a week or so.

[@2hornscrest761]

Interesting tool... i can’t help wondering in what way this is different to a skew... in angle of cutting the wood, grind, sharpening, etc...? Besides the obvious visual difference I mean...

[@CLWoodturning]

Turning in the tropics hi, thank you, a question asked a few times. You hold the tool more like a gouge which makes it feel more natural and controllable. You can present the tool blade up, point first and make very precise cuts. The heel is awesome at drop cuts. The wood peels of, often making small donuts of shavings because the cut is so clean. After 15 years of using a skew, I’ve never done that. The wood surface is shiny smooth. Catches are rare to never as there is nothing for the wood to catch to with such a long blade and angle of blade. I fully appreciate, a skew is a beautiful tool once mastered... for some reason, this tool is producing masterful work from turners with little experience. I just don’t use my skews anymore. I’ve said to a couple, I’ll refund their money if they are not happy with how the tool performs. No one has yet complained lol. Take care, thanks again, Colin

[@waterfordrs22]

It is a skew grind. It’s simply very skewed. I’ve seen examples of skews ground this way, it’s not very common but there is a guy on KZbin into skews with various grinds on his skews. He seems to prefer the heavily skewed grind for rolling beads if I remember correctly. This is a great tool to develop and offer. I will say, most of the videos from Russia I’ve seen using such a tool have been from what I’d describe as production turners. They’ve got a known quality of wood, razor sharp tool and tons of muscle memory to rely on. They tend to be very methodical in their approach and they know what their next three cuts are going to be. It’s visually very impressive. Without diminishing what a fine tool these things are- I think it’s more indicative of how impressive and beautiful an art form spindle turning with a skew happens to be. I’ve seen people with more Conventional grinds on their skews do similar. The grind adds visual drama that’s for sure. No reason not to have one.

[@CLWoodturning]

Robert Vander Voort all very true, thank you.

[@missteeturns]

What a brilliant tool. Maybe, when my skills have improved (I'm still struggling to master the skew) I'll buy one off you. ☺️

[@CLWoodturning]

Miss Tee's Woodturning .... there’s one waiting with your name on!!! Thank you!

[@missteeturns]

@@CLWoodturning in all honesty it could be a while. I'm going to have to spend £375 on a upgrade variable speed kit for my lathe, which will wipe me out for a couple of months 🙁

[@CLWoodturning]

Miss Tee's Woodturning msg me on [e-mail] with your address. I’ll explain though email. Take care. Colin

[@bunyaminaltinok9252]

Hi, I was watching the russian turners for some time but dont understan

[@glendawest9871]

Borrowed phone Two smaller machine screws might be good

[@joeydupre6153]

Is this tool less suseptical to a catch than a gouge or skew?

[@CLWoodturning]

Far less...

[@laurencepryke2528]

Hi Colin, are you still selling these? Cant find on etsy. Cheers

[@CLWoodturning]

I am bud but little delay causing Etsy to temporary close...won’t be long

[@darioferreiroforjatradicional]

sorry but i think yuo holding wrong this tool if catch yuo lose yuor finger.

[@spin230]

I am trying to find out where to buy this knife. Are any available?

[@CLWoodturning]

Yes bud...just email

[@bunyaminaltinok9252]

Hi, I have been watching some of the russian turners for a while but didnt understand what they are saying. This a nice video that I can understand the language. What I wonder is, is there any risk of a catch like askew chisel. Thank you

[@CLWoodturning]

Oh sure, like any tool there is a chance of a catch. However, the catch is only from the very sharp point and only if you present in the wrong way. As long as the wood hits the blade edge first, you will not catch. If the wood hits the point 'blunt' side first then you will catch. The tip can be presented to the work but with the tool sharp side 'up'... allowing accurate V cuts directly into the wood. It simply does not catch. I have used a traditional skew for over 15 years and find this tool, so much easier to use, it has a more natural angle to hold the tool, very similar to a bowl gouge in orientation. thanks!

[@bunyaminaltinok9252]

CL Woodturning thank you very much.

[@lynnelanguedoc4049]

Nice Russian idea I hope you're not taking credit for there ideas 💡.Tony from Canada 🇨🇦