The quick overview
7 Basic Turning Tools You Need: Woodturning Tools & Their Uses Explained
It only takes a quick Google search to realize there are dozens of woodturning tools available. But which do you really need?
We're here to introduce you to the 7 tools you need to start woodturning. We've split our recommendations into two broad categories: faceplate turning and spindle turning.
Spindle turning is accomplished between centers, common projects are pens and pepper mills. Faceplate work is largely dominated by the popular wooden bowl.
It only takes a quick Google search to realize there are dozens of woodturning tools available. But which do you really need?
We're here to introduce you to the 7 tools you need to start woodturning. We've split our recommendations into two broad categories: faceplate turning and spindle turning.
Spindle turning is accomplished between centers, common projects are pens and pepper mills. Faceplate work is largely dominated by the popular wooden bowl.
Tools 1-4: your spindle turning tools
1. Spindle Roughing Gouge: the first step
- Turn a piece round
- Does not necessarily leave the best finish, but quickly removes stock
A hefty tool, optimal for turning a square or off-center piece round. The wide, "U" shape flute quickly removes stock, although it won't leave the best finish. (Note: using a spindle roughing gouge for faceplate work can lead to dangerous catches.)
Which size? We suggest 7/8", a versatile size for conquering medium-large roughing work.
2. Spindle Gouge: the shaper
- Shapes spindle work and creates details
- Shallow flute
Used to shape a piece and create coves, beads and other details, spindle gouges are identifiable by their shallow flute and are available in a wide range of sizes. Most spindle gouges have a 'fingernail' grind, meaning the edges are ground back for versatility and clearance.
Which size? We suggest 1/2", an excellent size for both shaping and detailed work.
3. Skew Chisel: the glassy cut
- Difficult to master, but versatile
- Great for planing, for a smooth surface
Though infamous for their learning curve, skews are incredibly versatile. They're optimal for planing wood and leave a glassy smooth, flat surface. A rounded top and bottom edge, rather than flat, adds maneuverability. Tip: the cutting edge of your skew should meet the wood at about a 45º angle, above the centerline, and should work from one end of the piece to the other.
Which size? We suggest 1/2", it is a versatile size for conquering a range of work.
4. Parting Tool: the final cut
- Separates work from unwanted material
When turning between centers, a parting tool separates, or parts, your work from scrap or unwanted material. Generally, the parting tool is introduced to the wood in a plunge cut.
Which size? We suggest 1/8", it is a versatile size for accomplishing the widest range of projects.
Tools 5-7: your faceplate turning tools
5-6. Bowl Gouge: the workhorse
- Deep flute
- Shapes the inside and outside of a bowl
- A 'bottom feeder' bowl gouge is designed for finishing the inside of a bowl
Bowl gouges have deep flutes and are capable of shaping both the inside and outside of a bowl.
There are two standard bowl gouge flute shapes: "u" and "v". "U" shaped bowl gouges are often used for reaching deep into the bottom of a bowl with smooth cuts. A "v" shaped bowl gouges equipped with a fingernail grind (as shown above) is versatile and can be used for roughing, finishing, and detail bowl work.
Which size? We suggest 1/2" and 5/8". This allows you to turn different sized bowls, and a smaller (1/2") bowl gouge is also optimal for detailed work.
7. Scraper: the finisher
- Optimal for leaving a smooth surface finish
- They scrape, using a burr, rather than cutting
Scrapers are commonly used to remove cutter marks left by your bowl gouge.
For this reason, new bowl turners often find scrapers very useful. Rather than cutting, a woodturning scraper "scrapes" using a burr. This burr must be kept sharp to be effective. The tool meets the wood just below the centerline of the blank. When using a scraper, it is held at a downward angle - tool lower than the handle. Generally, holding the tool at about a 30º angle from the tool rest is effective.
A round nose scraper (also referred to as a bowl scraper) removes marks on the inside of a bowl, while a square nose scraper is used on the outside of a bowl, as well as boxes and other flat surfaces.
Which size? We've found that 1" is the most versatile and provides sturdiness.
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The best of woodturning tips, inspiration, and tool sales. We value your privacy. No gimmicks, just wood chips.
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