Woodturning Tools: What should I use? How sharp are yours?

摘要

The two questions I am asked most often by visitors to the Timber and Working with Wood Shows are: 'What tools do I need to get started in woodturning?' and 'How do I best keep them sharp?' In this article, I will endeavour to answer both of these questions. Firstly, virtually no tools are bought sharpened ready for use from your supplier, irrespective of the brand, unless the supplier offers this as an extra service. As a matter of fact, very few woodworking handtools in general are sharpened and ready for use from the factory. So one of the first things an apprentice is taught is how to sharpen their tools.