Woodturning: Lathe, Spindle Gouge & Carbide Tools

Woodturning is a woodworking process and it uses a lathe machine. Lathe is a machine and it shapes wood. A spindle gouge is a tool and it is essential for woodturning. Carbide wood lathe tools are popular tools and they offer several advantages for users of wood lathe.

Woodturning, my friends, is like dancing with wood. You’ve got your lathe, your tools, and a hunk of timber just begging to be transformed. And just like any dance, you need the right shoes. In woodturning, those shoes are your lathe tools. They’re the point of contact, the magic wand that shapes raw material into something beautiful.

Now, enter carbide wood lathe tools. These aren’t your grandpa’s High-Speed Steel (HSS) chisels. Think of them as the turbocharged version of traditional tools. They’re gaining popularity faster than you can say “bowl gouge,” and for good reason.

Why the buzz? Well, imagine a tool that stays sharp longer than your average houseguest stays for the holidays. That’s carbide! We’re talking about a tool that can withstand the test of time (and tough wood) with ease. Plus, forget those marathon sharpening sessions that used to leave you covered in grind dust and existential dread. With carbide, you just rotate or replace the insert. Easy peasy.

So, consider this your friendly neighborhood guide to the wonderful world of carbide wood lathe tools. Whether you’re a greenhorn just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to up your game, we’ll explore the ins and outs of these fantastic tools, from their anatomy to mastering techniques. Get ready to turn your turning experience up a notch!

Why Carbide? Let’s Talk Advantages (and a Few Caveats)

Okay, so you’re thinking about taking the plunge into the world of carbide woodturning tools? Smart move! But before you max out that credit card, let’s get real about why everyone’s raving about them. It’s not just hype, but it’s also good to know the full story.

The Big Wins: Why Carbide Tools Shine

• Extended Tool Life: Imagine this: You’re in the zone, turning a gorgeous bowl, and suddenly your High-Speed Steel (HSS) tool starts screaming like a banshee, telling you it’s done. With carbide, you get to keep going, and going, and going… We’re talking significantly longer lifespan. Think of HSS as needing a coffee break every hour, and carbide as the Energizer Bunny – it just keeps cutting. The reason? Carbide is incredibly hard and heat-resistant. This means it can withstand the friction and heat generated during turning far better than HSS, leading to less frequent sharpening and, ultimately, longer time between needing to replace or rotate the carbide insert.

  • Sharpening (or Lack Thereof!) Made Simple: Forget wrestling with grinding wheels and honing jigs. With carbide, when your insert gets dull, you simply rotate it to a fresh, sharp edge, or replace the insert entirely. It’s like changing a razor blade, or, even better, like finding a new, sharp edge on the razor you already have! No more cussing at sharpening equipment!
• Consistent Cutting Performance: Ever notice how HSS tools can get a little whiny and less effective as they dull? Carbide stays sharper longer, giving you consistent, clean cuts throughout your project. This means smoother surfaces, less sanding, and a far happier turner (that’s you!).
• Taming the Wild Woods: Got some gnarly, abrasive wood that chews up HSS tools like a beaver on a sugar maple? Carbide laughs in the face of such challenges! It’s particularly good for hardwoods and those woods with lots of silica (like some exotics) that can dull HSS tools in a heartbeat.

The Fine Print: Are There Any Downsides?

Okay, let’s keep it honest. Carbide tools generally have a higher initial cost than HSS. It’s an investment, no doubt. But when you factor in the longer lifespan and reduced sharpening time, the long-term cost can often be lower.

And, while carbide is awesome, HSS still has its place. Some turners prefer the feel of HSS, particularly for delicate detail work where the super-sharp edge of a freshly sharpened HSS tool can be unbeatable.

In Conclusion: Carbide tools are a game-changer for most turners, offering extended life, easy maintenance, and consistent performance. But like any tool, it’s all about choosing the right one for the job and your personal preferences.

Anatomy of a Carbide Wood Lathe Tool: Understanding the Components

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and dissect these carbide wonders! Think of your carbide wood lathe tool as a finely tuned instrument, each part playing a crucial role in creating those beautiful curves and shapes we all admire. Understanding each component is like knowing the secret language of woodturning – it’ll give you a serious edge at the lathe.

Carbide Inserts: The Cutting Edge (Literally!)

These little guys are the rock stars of the whole operation. Made from incredibly hard carbide, they’re designed to take a beating and keep on cutting.

• Different Grades? You bet! While not always explicitly graded like sandpaper, think of it this way: some are tougher for abrasive woods, while others are optimized for a super clean finish. It often comes down to brand and intended use.
• Shape Shifters: Round, square, diamond – it’s not just for jewelry! Each shape has its purpose. Round inserts are great for smooth curves, square inserts offer multiple fresh edges, and diamond inserts excel at detail work.
• Choosing Wisely: Consider the type of wood you’re turning and the kind of cut you’re making. A roughing cut on a hardwood might call for a tougher, more aggressive insert, while a delicate finishing cut on softwood benefits from a sharper, more refined edge. The right insert really does make all the difference.

Tool Shanks/Bars: The Backbone of the Operation

Think of the shank as the tool’s spine. It’s usually made from steel and comes in different shapes – round, square, or rectangular.

• Shape Matters: A beefy square shank will resist twisting better than a round one, especially when you’re taking heavy cuts.
• Stability is Key: The shank needs to be rock solid to minimize vibration. Vibration is the enemy of a clean cut, so a stable shank is your best friend. A thicker shank generally equals more stability.

Handles: Grip it and Rip It!

Okay, maybe not “rip it,” but a good handle is essential for control and comfort.

• Material World: From classic wood to modern synthetics, handle materials vary. Wood feels great in the hand, but synthetic materials can offer better grip, especially when your hands get sweaty.
• Ergonomics Rule: Look for a handle that fits comfortably in your hand and provides a secure grip. A good grip means better control, which translates to safer and more precise turning.

Insert Screws/Fasteners: Keeping it All Together

These little screws might seem insignificant, but they’re crucial for holding the insert securely in place.

• Correct Type is Key: Using the wrong screw can damage the insert or the tool body. Always use the screw that’s designed for your specific tool.
• Tighten ‘Em Up: Not too tight, not too loose – just right! Over-tightening can strip the threads, while under-tightening can cause the insert to move during use. A secure insert is a safe insert.

Image/Diagram: A picture is worth a thousand words, so including a labeled diagram or image of a typical carbide tool highlighting all these parts would be a fantastic visual aid for your readers.

So, there you have it – the anatomy of a carbide wood lathe tool, demystified! Now you can confidently pick up your tools, knowing exactly what each part does and how it contributes to the magic of woodturning. Happy turning!

Types of Carbide Wood Lathe Tools and Their Uses: Your Arsenal of Awesome

Okay, so you’re ready to dive into the world of carbide, huh? Awesome! But before you start flinging wood chips like a lumberjack in a snowstorm, let’s get acquainted with the different types of carbide tools. Think of this section as your guide to choosing the right weapon (err, tool) for the job. Knowing your tools is half the battle, after all!

Roughing Gouges: Taming the Beast

Imagine you’ve got a gnarly chunk of wood that looks more like a rejected movie prop than a blank canvas. That’s where the roughing gouge comes in! This beefy tool is your go-to for initial shaping and rapid material removal. Think of it as the woodturning equivalent of a demolition expert.

• Purpose: Initial shaping, rounding square stock, and quickly removing large amounts of wood.
• Typical Shapes: Usually a broad, shallow U-shape, sometimes with a slight curve.
• Basic Techniques: Hold the tool firmly, using a controlled sweeping motion. Keep the bevel rubbing against the wood for a smooth cut. Think of it as gliding through butter… if butter was made of wood, and slightly more challenging.

Finishing Tools: Making It Pretty

Alright, you’ve roughed things out, and now it’s time to unleash your inner artist. Finishing tools are all about achieving those smooth, sexy surfaces that make woodturning so satisfying. These are the tools you use when you want to show off!

• Role: Achieving smooth surfaces, refining shapes, and eliminating tool marks.
• Different Shapes:
  • Scrapers: Versatile flat-bladed tools for smoothing and shaping.
  • Shear Scrapers: Angled blades for a super-clean, slicing action.
• Techniques for Refining Shapes: Use light, overlapping passes, keeping the tool flat on the tool rest. Think about whispering to the wood, not yelling.

Detailing Tools: The Devil’s in the Details

So, you’ve got your basic shape, but now you want to add some flair, some personality, some pizzazz! Enter detailing tools! These are your precision instruments for creating those intricate designs that make your work truly unique.

• Tools:
  • Spindle Gouges: For beads, coves, and fine details on spindle work.
  • Detail Gouges: Smaller, more maneuverable gouges for ultra-fine work.
• Focusing on Control and Precision: Use a light touch, focus on your tool angle, and practice, practice, practice! Think of it like brain surgery… but with wood.

Hollowing Tools: Going Deep

Ready to get hollow? Hollowing tools are specifically designed for creating internal spaces, perfect for bowls, vases, and other vessels. This is where things get a little more advanced, so pay attention!

• Designed for: Creating hollow forms (bowls, vases).
• Special Considerations for Internal Shaping: Use specialized rests for support inside the form. Be mindful of chip ejection.
• Safety Precautions: Wear a full face shield, use a steady stance, and take small cuts. Think of it like spelunking… but with wood chips.

Parting Tools: Saying Goodbye

All good things must come to an end, and that includes your masterpiece’s connection to the lathe! Parting tools are used to separate your finished piece from the remaining stock. It’s the final act of creation!

• Discuss using parting tools to: separate the finished piece from the remaining stock.

Example Projects and Recommended Techniques

Alright, now for the fun part! Here are some example projects to get you started, along with some recommended techniques for each tool:

• Roughing Gouge: Rounding a square spindle blank for a table leg. Technique: Use a steady, overlapping pass.
• Finishing Tool: Smoothing the outside of a bowl. Technique: Skew the scraper slightly for a shear cut.
• Detailing Tool: Adding beads to a candlestick. Technique: Use light pressure and a rocking motion.
• Hollowing Tool: Creating the inside of a bowl. Technique: Work from the center outwards, taking small bites.
• Parting Tool: Separating a finished bowl from the waste block. Technique: Keep the tool square to the lathe bed and advance slowly.

Mastering Wood Lathe Techniques with Carbide Tools

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part – actually making some sawdust! Now that you’re armed with your trusty carbide tools, it’s time to learn how to wield them like a pro. We’re going to break down some key woodturning techniques and show you how carbide tools fit into the picture. Think of it like learning the steps to a dance, but instead of fancy footwork, you’re creating beautiful curves and shapes. Let’s boogie!

Spindle Turning: Between Centers, Baby!

Spindle turning is all about working between centers. Imagine your wood is a long, skinny dancer spinning around, and you’re the choreographer with the carbide tools. This technique is perfect for creating those consistent diameters and profiles you see in table legs, chair spindles, and all sorts of decorative pieces. Carbide tools shine here because they hold their edge longer, which means you can crank out those identical spindles without constantly stopping to sharpen. Think about creating a set of candlesticks – you want them to look alike, right? Carbide helps you achieve that consistency.

Faceplate Turning: Bowls, Platters, and All Things Round

Next up is faceplate turning. This is where you mount your wood directly onto a faceplate, which is then attached to the lathe. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities, like bowls, platters, and other hollow forms. Picture this: you’ve got a chunk of gorgeous cherry wood, and you want to transform it into a stunning salad bowl. Carbide tools are your best friend here because they can handle the aggressive cuts needed to shape the outside of the bowl and then carefully refine the interior curves. Just make sure your workpiece is securely mounted—we don’t want any flying projectiles!

Hollowing: Going Deep with Specialized Tools

Now we’re getting into the really exciting stuff! Hollowing involves creating deep, internal spaces, like in vases or closed-form vessels. This requires specialized carbide hollowing tools designed to reach inside and remove material safely and effectively. This part can be a bit intimidating, so let’s be clear: Safety is King! Always wear appropriate safety equipment (face shield, dust mask) and take your time. Carbide hollowing tools often have unique designs to help you control the cut and minimize vibration. Mastering hollowing unlocks a whole new level of artistic expression.

Cutting Angles: The Secret Sauce of Woodturning

Understanding cutting angles is like learning the secret language of woodturning. There are three main angles to wrap your head around:

• Rake Angle: This is the angle at which the cutting edge meets the wood. A steeper rake angle is more aggressive but can also be more prone to catches.

• Clearance Angle: This angle prevents the tool from rubbing against the wood and creating friction.

• Bevel Angle: The bevel is the ground surface on the tool that supports the cutting edge. Riding the bevel helps you control the cut and achieve a smooth finish.

These angles affect how aggressively the tool cuts and the quality of the finish. Experiment with different angles to find what works best for you and the type of wood you’re turning.

Tool Rest: Your Foundation for Success

Last but certainly not least, never underestimate the power of a well-positioned tool rest! This simple device is your anchor, providing stability and control as you guide the tool across the wood. Make sure the tool rest is close to the workpiece and adjusted to the correct height. A wobbly or poorly positioned tool rest is a recipe for disaster (and potentially a trip to the ER). Think of it as your dance partner, always there to support you and keep you steady. With a solid foundation, you’ll be amazed at the control and precision you can achieve with your carbide tools.

Wood Selection: Not All Woods Are Created Equal!

Okay, let’s talk wood! Imagine trying to carve butter with a chainsaw – seems a bit overkill, right? Similarly, using the same tool and speed on balsa wood as you would on ironwood is a recipe for disaster (and probably a few choice words). The density, hardness, and grain of the wood play a HUGE role in how it behaves on the lathe. Softer woods like pine or basswood are forgiving and great for practicing, but hardwoods like maple or oak require a more delicate touch and higher speeds. And those exotic woods? Prepare for a whole new level of challenge (and beauty!).

Finding Your Sweet Spot: The RPM Game

Now, RPM – or revolutions per minute – is like the volume knob on your woodturning symphony. Too low, and your tool will struggle to cut, leading to a rough finish and potential catches. Too high, and you risk vibration, burning the wood, or even launching your project across the room (trust me, you don’t want that!). Finding that “Goldilocks” speed is key.

• Softwoods: Generally, you can crank up the speed a bit higher. Think 800-1200 RPM for initial shaping.
• Hardwoods: Slow and steady wins the race! 500-1000 RPM is a good starting point.
• Exotic Woods: These beauties often require even lower speeds, sometimes as low as 300-700 RPM, depending on their density.

Important Note: These are just starting points! Experience (and a healthy dose of caution) will teach you to listen to the lathe and adjust accordingly.

Grain and Moisture: The Unsung Heroes

Don’t forget about wood grain! Cutting with the grain is like slicing through butter, while cutting against it can lead to tearout (those unsightly chunks missing from your beautiful curve). And moisture content? Green (wet) wood behaves VERY differently from seasoned (dry) wood. It’s softer and easier to cut, but also more prone to warping and cracking as it dries. Knowing your wood is half the battle!

Essential Wood Lathe Accessories: Gearing Up for Success

So, you’re diving into the wonderful world of woodturning with carbide tools? Excellent choice! But even the sharpest carbide tool is only as good as the accessories supporting it. Think of it like this: a chef with a super fancy knife still needs a good cutting board and a reliable oven, right? Let’s explore the must-have accessories that will take your turning from wobbly to wonderful.

Chucks: Holding On Tight

Imagine trying to carve a pumpkin without holding it still. Yeah, disaster. That’s where chucks come in. These are the unsung heroes of faceplate turning, gripping your workpiece like a determined hug.

• Scroll Chucks: These are your go-to all-rounders. They use a screw mechanism to expand or contract jaws, clamping onto the inside or outside of your wood. Super versatile and relatively easy to use.
• Collet Chucks: Picture this: you’re working on a pen and need to quickly change between bushings or parts. Collet chucks are for precision work.

Drive Centers: Spinning into Action

For spindle turning (think table legs, rolling pins, etc.), you need a way to make that wood spin! That’s where drive centers come in. These little gadgets attach to the headstock of your lathe and grab onto the wood.

• Spur Drive: The spur drive is designed with a pointed spur that digs in the wood and drives it.
• Stebcenter Drive: Consists of a spring-loaded center point surrounded by teeth. As the drive is pressed into the wood, the spring compresses, allowing teeth to bite into the wood, which prevents splitting.
• Multi-Spur Drive: The multi-spur is a larger version of the spur drive, but has multiple spurs to prevent wood splitting.

Tailstocks: Providing Support

Think of the tailstock as the reliable friend who’s always there to lend a hand. It provides support at the opposite end of your workpiece, especially crucial for longer spindles. Proper tailstock adjustment is key to preventing vibration and ensuring a smooth turning experience. Get it too tight, and you’ll add unnecessary pressure. Too loose, and your piece might start doing the shimmy.

Safety Equipment: Protecting Your Precious Self

Alright, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous, but absolutely essential, part of woodturning: safety. I know, I know, it’s more fun to talk about shiny tools, but trust me, protecting yourself is way cooler than losing an eye.

• Face Shield: This is non-negotiable. Wear it always. Flying wood chips are a real thing, and they can seriously mess up your face.
• Dust Mask: Wood dust isn’t just messy; it can be harmful to your lungs. A good quality dust mask is essential for protecting your respiratory system.
• Hearing Protection: Lathes can get loud! Over time, that noise can damage your hearing. Invest in some earplugs or earmuffs to keep your ears happy.

With these accessories in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to turning out masterpieces. Remember, it’s not just about the tools, it’s about how you use them. So get out there, experiment, and have fun!

Safety First: Best Practices for Carbide Woodturning

Woodturning can be incredibly rewarding, but let’s be real – it involves spinning chunks of wood at high speeds, which can be a recipe for disaster if you’re not careful. So, before you even think about firing up that lathe, let’s nail down some essential safety practices. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist before soaring into the wonderful world of wood shavings.

Stand Tall, Turn Smart: Proper Body Stance/Body Position

Ever seen a woodturner hunched over like they’re searching for lost treasure? That’s a recipe for back pain and a lack of control. Instead, imagine you’re a graceful woodturning warrior! Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly ahead of the other, giving you a solid base. Keep your weight balanced and avoid locking your knees. Your body should face the lathe directly, allowing you to move smoothly and react quickly. This stance helps you maintain balance, control the tool, and avoid fatigue during those longer turning sessions.

Taming the Beast: Safe Tool Handling

Carbide tools are sharp, powerful, and ready to rock, but they demand respect. Always grip the handle firmly with both hands, keeping your fingers wrapped securely. Never hold the tool by the shank or rest it on your leg (ouch!). Position the tool rest close to the workpiece and keep the tool flat on the rest. As you cut, move the tool smoothly and deliberately, avoiding jerky motions. Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body for better control and leverage. This ensures smooth cuts and reduces the risk of those dreaded catches.

Breathe Easy: Dust Control is Key

Wood dust: it’s the glitter of the woodturning world… except it’s terrible for your lungs. Seriously, prolonged exposure to wood dust can cause respiratory problems, so don’t be a dust bunny! Invest in a good dust collection system to suck up those airborne particles before they reach your face. A dust mask or respirator is also a must-have, especially when working with woods that are known irritants. Remember, healthy lungs are happy lungs.

Shield Your Peepers: Eye Protection is Non-Negotiable

Imagine a tiny piece of wood flying at your eye at high speed. Not a pleasant thought, right? That’s why a face shield is an absolute must. Safety glasses alone aren’t enough – you need full facial protection to guard against flying debris. Always wear a face shield, even for seemingly simple tasks. Your eyesight is precious, so protect it like the valuable asset it is.

Keep it Clean, Keep it Keen: Machine Maintenance

A well-maintained lathe is a safe lathe. Regularly clean your lathe to remove dust and shavings, and lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation. Check the belts for wear and tear, and tighten any loose bolts or screws. A properly maintained lathe will run more efficiently, reduce vibration, and last longer, making your turning experience safer and more enjoyable.

The Cutting Edge: Angle, Speed, and Pressure

When using carbide tools, it’s crucial to understand the relationship between angle, speed, and pressure. The cutting angle determines how aggressively the tool removes material, while the speed of the lathe affects the cutting force. Applying too much pressure can overload the tool and cause a catch. Start with a shallow cutting angle and gradually increase it as needed. Adjust the speed of the lathe based on the type of wood and the diameter of the workpiece. Let the tool do the work, and avoid forcing it. By finding the right balance, you’ll achieve smooth, controlled cuts and minimize the risk of accidents.

Troubleshooting: When Things Go Sideways (and How to Fix ‘Em!)

Alright, let’s be honest. Woodturning isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, it feels more like navigating a stormy sea! Even with the best carbide tools, you’re bound to run into a few hiccups. Don’t worry, it happens to everyone! The important thing is to know why these problems happen and, more importantly, how to fix them. This section is your trusty troubleshooting guide.

“AAAARGH! What Was That?!” – Dealing with Catches

Catches. Just the word can send shivers down a turner’s spine! A catch happens when your tool digs in unexpectedly, often resulting in a violent jerk or even sending your tool (or workpiece!) flying. Not fun.

• Why it happens:
  • Aggressive Angle: The most common culprit is presenting the tool at too steep an angle.
  • Too Much, Too Soon: Trying to remove too much material in a single pass.
  • Loss of Contact: Allowing the tool to wander or lose contact with the wood, then re-engaging abruptly.
• How to prevent it:
  • Angle is Key: Focus on maintaining a shallow, controlled cutting angle.
  • Baby Steps: Take light, gradual cuts. Don’t try to hog off material all at once.
  • Firm Foundation: Always keep the tool firmly planted on the tool rest, using it as a pivot point.
  • Stance: Ensure your stance is balanced and stable.
  • Sharp Inserts: Always use sharp carbide inserts. Dull inserts require more force, increasing the chance of a catch.

“The Wobbles” – Taming Vibration

Vibration is the enemy of smooth turning. It leads to uneven cuts, poor finishes, and can even be dangerous. Let’s get those wobbles under control!

• Why it happens:
  • Unbalanced Act: An unbalanced workpiece is the number one cause.
  • Loosey Goosey: A loose tool rest or tailstock will amplify any vibrations.
  • Speed Demon: Running the lathe at the wrong speed (usually too high) can induce vibration.
  • Spindle Issues: Problems with the Lathe Spindle.
• How to fix it:
  • Balance is Bliss: Balance your workpiece as much as possible before mounting it on the lathe. For bowls, try to trim away excess weight from the heavy side.
  • Lock it Down: Make sure your tool rest and tailstock are securely locked in place.
  • Speed Check: Adjust the lathe speed. Lower speeds are generally better for roughing out unbalanced pieces.
  • Steady Rest: Use a steady rest for long, slender spindles.

“Fuzzy Wuzzies” – Minimizing Tearout

Tearout is that dreaded splintering or chipping of the wood fibers, leaving you with a rough, uneven surface. Ugh!

• Why it happens:
  • Grain of Truth: Cutting against the grain is a major cause.
  • Dullsville: Dull carbide inserts tear more than cut.
  • Pressure Cooker: Applying excessive cutting pressure can force the wood fibers to separate.
  • Wrong Insert: Using the wrong insert shape can lead to tearout, especially on delicate woods.
• How to minimize it:
  • Go with the Flow: Pay attention to the grain direction and adjust your cutting direction accordingly.
  • Sharp as a Tack: Use sharp carbide inserts. Rotate or replace them as needed.
  • Light Touch: Use a light, controlled touch. Let the tool do the work, don’t force it.
  • Shear Genius: Try using a shear scraping technique for a cleaner cut.
  • Sanding: Use sanding to remove tearout.
  • Wood Hardner: Use wood hardner to harden softer wood for cutting.

“The Buzzkill” – Damping Chatter

Chatter is a high-frequency vibration that leaves a series of fine lines or ripples on the surface of your turning. It sounds awful and ruins the finish. Silence that chatter!

• Why it happens:
  • Resonance: Chatter is often caused by resonance within the tool, workpiece, or lathe itself.
  • Flexing: A flexible tool rest or a long, unsupported section of the workpiece can amplify vibrations.
  • Incorrect Geometry: Using a tool with incorrect cutting geometry for the specific task.
• How to fix it:
  • Short and Sweet: Keep the tool rest as close as possible to the workpiece to minimize leverage and flexing.
  • Solid Support: Ensure your tool rest is sturdy and well-supported.
  • Speed Adjustment: Experiment with slightly different lathe speeds to see if you can shift the resonant frequency.
  • Damp it Down: Try damping the tool rest or workpiece by applying pressure with your hand or a weight.
  • Tool Angle: Try using a different angle for the cutting of the wood
  • Different Tool: Try using a different tool.

So, there you have it! Carbide tools can seriously up your turning game, making it easier and more fun to create awesome wood projects. Give them a try and see what you think – happy turning!