WoodenuKnow.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and may earn from qualifying purchases.
Woodturning is a hobby that requires specialized tools, but it’s hard to know which ones are the best.
You want to make sure you’re getting the right chisels for your needs, but there are so many options out there and they all seem pretty similar.
The problem with average wood lathe chisels is that they dull quickly and are expensive to replace. Hence, you should use the best woodturning chisels for the job. They are perfectly balanced with razor sharp edges, so your cuts will always look professional even if you’re just starting out.
But finding a high-quality wood lathe chisel can be a daunting task. Therefore, we’ve compared the most popular models on the market to help you make a decision. We found the top 8 woodturning chisels that are sure to give you the desired results.
PSI Woodworking – Wood Turning Chisel Set
VINWOX Wood Turning Lathe Chisels
Bastex Professional Wood Turning Chisels
Top 8 Reviews on The Best Woodturning Chisels
Lathe chisels are the most versatile and important tools in any woodturner’s toolkit. The quality of lathe chisels can make or break a project, so it is essential that you purchase good-quality tools for your needs. Here are the top 8 recommended lathe chisels on the market that you should consider getting.
1. PSI Woodworking – Wood Turning Chisel Set
This chisel set is perfect for woodworkers, woodturners, and pen turners who want to add a new dimension to their craft. It is designed for use in woodturning projects, with access to a wide range of woodturning techniques and styles.
You will get a set of 8 high-speed steel (HSS) turning chisels designed for use on wood lathes. The PSI Wood Turning Chisel Set is an ideal kit for turning pens, pepper mills, spindles, bowls, and other woodturning projects.
With this set, you can easily cut out the pieces for your project without worrying about getting them straight or aligned. Each chisel measures 16-1/4″ in length with a 6-1/4″ M2 High Speed Steel blade and 10″ hardwood turned handles.
The wood turning tools are made of hardened steel and have razor-sharp edges that can handle even the most challenging tasks. It includes a parting tool, spear scraper, skew chisels in two sizes, a round nose scraper, a bowl gouge, and a spindle gouge.
Highlighted Features:
- M2 High-speed steel (HSS) turning chisels
- Perfect for woodworkers, woodturners, and pen turners
- Ideal kit for turning pens, pepper mills, spindles, and bowls
- Straight and Tapered Chisels
- 16″ Length for use with long and short handle applications
- Ensures sharp, clean cuts without breaking
- Versatile for both beginners and experts
- No worries about getting the pieces straight or aligned
2. VINWOX Wood Turning Lathe Chisels
If you are looking for a high-quality wood turning lathe chisel, you should consider investing in a set made from VINWOX brand.
The rougher, finisher, and detailer chisels are all made of durable carbide and are ideal for use on a variety of materials, including hardwoods and softwoods. You can use them to turn pens and other small items.
Due to its rotatable cutter head, you will never have to worry about sharpening tools again. It’s easy to use, making it the perfect tool set for anyone who wants to start woodturning.
The wood turning lathe chisels are made of durable high-carbon steel and have a hardened, precision ground cutting edge. With this tool set, you can always get the perfect cut because the carbide inserts are replaceable.
For aggressive cutting, the rougher insert has a square carbide tip. The finisher insert has a 12mm diameter round carbide tip for fine finishing, and the detailer insert has a 28x10mm diamond shape carbide tip for intricate details.
You can use the VINWOX Wood Turning Lathe Chisels to get the job done right. This set of three carbide tools is ideal for the avid woodworker.
Manufactured from high-quality steel, these items are assured to last for a long time. They are some of the best woodturning tools for all skill levels.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes with 3-piece woodturning set
- Chisels are made of durable carbide
- Carbide tip inserts make a clean cut every time
- No sharpening ever needed
- Sharp index carbide tips for a sharp and new cutting edge
- Manufactured from high-quality steel for a lasting product
- Square shape carbide tip for aggressive cuts
3. Bastex Professional Wood Turning Chisels
If you’re looking for a professional woodturning chisel set that will provide you with years of enjoyment, then the wood lathe chisels from Bastex are the perfect choice for you.
Made with hardened steel cutting edges and durable wood handles, these chisels are perfect for both hobbyists and professionals alike. It is an 8-pcs set that a high-quality, high profile, and durable.
This set includes the following tools: 2 Skew, 1 Spear Point, 1 Parting, 1 Round Nose and 3 Gouge Tools. Each wood turning tool is sized according to the craft and is easy to manipulate.
For beginners, this woodturning chisel set is an excellent choice. It’s durable and dependable for all your wood cutting and working projects.
These top-quality tools will help you in a variety of work, from carving intricate details into your favorite wood to chiseling runners for your favorite furniture piece.
It is easy to sharpen the edges of this tool, making it a long-lasting one. The chisels are easily stored in a box and include a variety of shapes and sizes.
With the woodturning chisel you can achieve curved surfaces, and with the spear point chisel you can work with delicate details. The parting tool is perfect for removing material in confined spaces, and the round nose chisel is perfect for shaping circular profiles.
So, if you’re looking for lathe chisel sets that will provide super performance, then the Bastex Professional Wood Turning Chisels are the perfect choice for you.
Highlighted Features:
- Made with hardened steel cutting edges
- Has durable wood handles
- Perfect for both hobbyists and professionals alike.
- Comes with high quality, and durable 8 pcs set
- Not oversized which will make it difficult to control
- Can be stored in a box easily
- Parting tool for removing material in confined spaces
- Round nose chisel for shaping circular profiles
- Gouges for achieving a smooth finish
4. Hi-Spec Woodturning Chisels Set
Are you tired of looking for the perfect chisel set? If so, it might be time to consider this woodturning tool. It is ideal for anyone who wants to start carving wood.
The wood chisels are made of high quality steel and are designed for durability and precision. It comes with 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ steel chisels, suitable for most projects.
You can use it for everything from carpentry to hardwood carving, as well as a lightweight Beechwood mallet that makes hammering easy and comfortable. This lathe chisel set is ideal for both beginners and experienced craftsmen alike, and it’s a great value for the money.
It consists of 4 pieces mallet and wood chisel set. This set is forged from heat-treated 40Cr Carbon Steel alloy and has edge retention, which means that it needs to be sharpened less often than other products.
Moreover, the two mallets in this set are 10.6 inches long, and the blade lengths of the two chisels are 4.3 inches each. The Hi-Spec Woodturning Chisels Set come with protective caps to prevent edges from becoming dull and for safe and convenient transportation.
Besides well-balanced chisels with full-sized contoured handles, the kits feature shock absorbing co-molded grips to ensure comfort. Moreover, shaped butts allow for comfortable striking with your palm (or mallet) with accurate results. These chisels are great for intricate DIY or craft work projects!
The Beechwood Mallet is perfect for precision chiseling and light tapping. With a smooth sanded grip, it is easy to hold and manoeuvre. It has a lightweight of only 196g/0.4lb, making it easy to use for precision work.
Highlighted Features:
- This set comes with 3 chisels (1/2″, 3/4″ & 1″)
- Made of high-quality steel for precision and durability
- Forged from heat-treated 40Cr Carbon Steel alloy
- Consists of 4 pieces mallet and wood chisel set
- The chisels are well balanced
- Have full sized contoured tool handles
- Grip protects your hands from injury
- Precision chiselling and light tapping
5. Yellowhammer Lathe Wood Turning Chisels
Are you looking for durable and easy-to-use woodturning tools? Look no further than wood lathe tools from the Yellowhamme brand.
For beginners, this woodturning tool is a great choice. It contains eight high quality lathe chisels that are designed for turning wood on a lathe.
For precision cutting, the tool blade is made from high-speed steel and heat treated. Ergonomic beech chisel handles will provide you with improved grip and control.
With this 8 piece set, you will find all your turning needs met, regardless of your skill level. These High Speed Steel blades will outlast carbon 6 to 1.
If your budget is tight, then Yellowhammer Lathe Wood Turning Chisels is perfect as it’s a budget-friendly alternative for turners of all skill levels.
Highlighted Features:
- Contains eight tools for turning wood on the lathe
- Heat treated blades made from high speed steel
- Ergonomic beech handles
- Blades are made from high carbon steel
- Rubber grips provide comfort and control
6. Werks Wood Lathe Turning Chisels
When it comes to quality woodworking tools, Werks is a name you can trust. Their 8-piece lathe turning chisel tools is perfect for any woodturning project.
It is an ideal kit for anyone who wants to turn small pens, spindles, bowls, or larger projects. The blades are made of M2 high speed steel, which outlast high carbon steel blades 6-to-1. With its razor-sharp high speed steel blades, it makes light work of any task.
The Werks Wood Lathe Turning Chisels Set contains a range of chisels. It includes a 3/16-Inch parting tool, a 5/8-Inch spear scraper, a 1-Inch skew chisel, and a 5/8-Inch skew chisel.
Moreover, it includes a 5/8-Inch round nose scraper, a 1/2-Inch bowl gouge, and a 3/4-Inch spindle gouge. There is also a 7/8-inch roughing gouge in the Werks Wood Lathe Turning Chisels set.
You can give wood turning chisels as gifts to anyone who enjoys woodworking. The chisels come with attractive hardwood handles and are stored in a wooden display box.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Werks has the tools you need to get the job done right.
Highlighted Features:
- Made of M2 high speed steel
- Razor sharp blades make quick work of any task
- Blades are double honed and lapped
- Wooden handles are ergonomically designed
- Chisels are tempered and ground
- Color-coded and laser marked for easy identification
- Comes in a wooden box for storage
7. PSI Woodworking – Woodturning Tools Chisels
PSI Woodworking is a popular brand in the woodturning community. They make some of the best chisels on the market.
The lathe woodturning tools set is a good addition to a woodworker’s small tools. You can use these in any workshop that needs a variety of quality tools.
For those with limited space or who just want an assortment of chisels for low-level tasks, this set is ideal. These tools come in one color.
These essential woodturning tools are perfect for the beginner or experienced turner. High-quality HSS steel is used in the tool blades, and the hardwood handles are beautifully turned and stained.
A touch of elegance is provided by the brass ferrules, and the included tools are ideal for beginners. The 1/4-inch roughing gouge, 1/8-inch spindle gouge, 1/4-inch round nose scraper, 3/32-inch parting tool, and 1/4-inch skew chisel are all essential for starting out in woodturning.
Each chisel measures 10 inches in overall length, with blades that are 4 inches in length, perfect for precise work. They come in an attractive wooden display box, which makes them the perfect gift for any woodturner.
Highlighted Features:
- Available in one color
- Made of high-quality HSS steel
- Have attractive hardwood handles
- Brass ferrules add a touch of class
- Comes in an attractive wooden display box
- Blades are extremely sharp
8. Urbansential Carbide Woodturning Chisels
If you’re looking for top-quality wood turning tools, look no further than the woodturning chisels. These high-quality tools will make turning wood enjoyable.
It comes with three different tools. A rougher, detailer, and finisher as well as six replacement cutter inserts (in diamond, round, and square shapes). Moreover, this comes with all the screws and key star wrenches you’ll need to get the most out of your set.
With the rotating tips of these carbide tools, cutting wood on a lathe has become much easier. You can easily create clean, sharp edges with these rotating tips.
The Urbansential Carbide Woodturning Chisels are premium quality machined (CNC) from ½ inch square stainless steel. It helps to keep the blade flat on the tool rest and level with the floor thanks to the shape of the shaft.
Unlike aluminum handle wood turning tools that come with only one handle, it means you have to change out the bar every time you want to switch tools. The woodturning tools have two handles so you can keep the bar in place and just switch out the chisel.
While turning, the hardness and solidity of the beech wood make it more comfortable to use. This makes it much easier and faster to work with different tools.
With these sharpening lathe tools, you can get the precision and detail you need for woodturning. The square rougher tip is perfect for roughing out the basic shape of your project, while the diamond detailer tip with radius point is great for finer details and shaping.
Finally, the finisher chisel is perfect for finishing off your project with precision and detail. The carbide tool comes with extra sets of inserts, so you can always have the perfect tool for the job at hand.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes with three tools: rougher, detailer, and finisher
- Six replacement cutter inserts
- All screws and key star wrenches included
- Rotating tips for clean, sharp edges
- CNC machined from ½†square stainless steel
- Includes two handles to keep the bar in place
- Square rougher tip for roughing out the basic shape
This is the list of the best lathe chisels for woodturners. We have tried to include preferable tools for everyone in this list, so now it’s time for you to choose the one that is ideal for your needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying The Best Wood Lathe Chisels
If you are a woodturner, you know that there is nothing worse than working with poor quality wood lathe chisels. Wood lathe tools come in all shapes and sizes, and picking the right ones can be hard if you don’t know what to look for.
Follow these tips before making your purchase, and you’ll be sure to get something that will last throughout your entire career as a wood turner.
Chisel Body Length:
Chisel bodies come in three different sizes. The size you choose all depends on what you’ll be working with most. If you plan to do a lot of heavy-duty turning then go with something larger. Otherwise, something smaller would be best.
Blade Size And Weight:
When buying lathe tools, it’s also important to consider their blade size and weight. You don’t want something too short or too long, but just the right size.
If your blade is too small or short, you’ll have to work harder while turning and shaping your work. However, if the skew chisel is too long or big for your lathe tools, it can affect your accuracy and detail.
Blade Material:
When it comes to choosing the best lathe chisel set, you need to consider blade material. You have two different options to choose from. These are high-speed steel and carbon steel.
High-speed steel is better because it doesn’t rust and it stays sharper longer. However, these can be more expensive.
Carbon steel is a cheaper option for a skew chisel, but the down side is that these have a tendency to become dull quickly, and they also rust.
Grip Handle:
You’ll need a grip handle so you can keep firm control of your lathe tools while you work. This can be hard to get used to at first, but it’s important for safety and working with precision.
Tool Shank:
Wood turning lathe chisels require a certain kind of shank, depending on the manufacturer. The main thing is that the shank will connect your tool properly to your machine to perform to its fullest potential.
You also need to check the thread size of your lathe tools. If it’s too small, then you won’t be able to attach them properly. However, if it’s too big for your machine, you’ll have trouble trying to get them attached tightly or holding on securely while working on your project.
Replacement Carbide Inserts:
One of the main benefits of choosing the best lathe chisels is that you’ll have replacement carbide inserts. It means that if your blade becomes dull or damaged, you can easily replace it without having to purchase an entirely new tool.
This is a great feature because it keeps your tools in good condition and prolongs the life of your investment. If you’re looking to save money in the long run, then this feature can be very helpful when it comes time for replacements or repairs. These come in three forms:
- Square Carbide Insert:
The square carbide insert is perfect for general turning and roughing. It’s a great choice for beginners or anyone who wants to do various projects.
- Round Carbide Insert:
The round carbide insert is perfect for detail work and finishing. If you’re looking to get the most accurate results, then this is the insert for you.
- Diamond Carbide Insert:
The diamond carbide insert is perfect for carving and shaping. If you need to do a lot of detail work, this is the best choice.
Additional Accessories:
When investing in the best lathe chisels, it is common to receive a few other accessories that you can use with your tools. You might get an additional handle or wrench kit, screws.
Most sets will come with several different lathe tools, but it’s important to make sure they are the right ones for you. Look at all of your options before making a purchase because sometimes there can be too much or not enough included in the set.
Make sure to look at everything carefully before making your purchase decision, so you know what you’re getting.
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to choose the best wood lathe tools for your needs.
Cost:
One of the great things about choosing the best woodturning tools is that they’re valued for money. There are a variety of different price points depending on the size, material, and quality you’re going to invest in.
If you’re looking for more expensive models with better features and accessories, you can expect to pay a higher price. But, if you’re looking for an entry-level option with the basics, then you’ll find something that fits your budget.
Different Types of Woodturning Tools That Come with a Chisel Set
There are three types of woodturning tools that come with the wood turning lathe chisel set. These are gouges and scrapers, and parting tools. Each one has a specific use that can be beneficial for different parts of the woodturning process.
Gouges:
Gouges are used for removing larger amounts of material from the wood. They can be used to create hollow bowls or large vessels. Additionally, they are also useful for creating spouts and handles. There are three types of gauges:
- Bowl Gouge:
This gouge is curved and has a rounded end. It’s perfect for removing material from the inside of a bowl or vessel.
- Spindle Gouge:
This gouge is also curved, but it has a more pointed end. It’s used for shaping the outside of a bowl or vessel.
- Spindle Roughing Gouge:
This gouge is straight with a rounded end. It’s perfect for removing large amounts of wood in the beginning stages.
Scrapers:
Scrapers cut the wood using a scraping motion. You can use these to make complex cuts, such as an oblique cross-grain cut, but they are much more commonly used to finish work on pieces of wood that have already been shaped. These woodturning tools come in two types: spear scraper and round nose scraper.
Spear Scraper:
This scraper is sharp on one end and flat on the other. It can be used in any direction, but it’s best for making short, deep cuts. These are also great for creating spindle work like beads or coves.
Round Nose Scraper:
The round nose scraper is curved with a tapered end. They are useful for making complex cuts and cleaning up work.
Parting Tools:
They are used to cut the wood horizontally, which allows you to part off a piece of wood from the rest of the stock. For cutting through unruly grain or making flat surfaces or reaching into tight spaces, they are often used.
How to Sharpen Wood Turning Chisels?
You need to learn to sharpen your chisels properly, or they will become dull very quickly. Dull chisels make it harder to achieve the results you want because they tear the wood rather than cut it cleanly. They can also be dangerous tools because they slip while in use.
There are a few different ways to sharpen them, and each one has its own benefits:
Manual Sharpening:
It is the traditional way to sharpen wood turning lathe chisels. It’s done by hand with a sharpening stone. After the blade is beveled, it is honed on the opposite side. Although it takes a lot of practice to get a sharp edge, this is the best method.
Angle Grinder:
An angle grinder can be used to sharpen chisels quickly and easily. It creates a very sharp edge and is perfect for quickly removing a lot of material. However, it can be easy to over-sharpen the blade with this method, so it’s important to be careful.
Sharpening Jig:
A sharpening jig is a great way to keep your chisels sharp. It holds them at the correct angle and allows you to sharpen them evenly. This is the best way to keep your chisels sharp for a long time.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to keep your chisels clean and dry. This will help them stay sharp for longer.
FAQs:
Here are some community FAQs that people have about woodturning chisels:
Q: Can Wood Carving Tools be Used on a Lathe?
Answer: It is not advisable to use any wood carving tools on a lathe because they typically have very sharp edges. So it is tough to bring out the accurate shape and create a smooth finishing. Here lathe woodworking tools are used which have sharp blades and cut smoothly without damaging the materials you use.
Q: How Often Should I Sharpen My Lathe Chisels?
Answer: It depends on the material being used and the chisel’s sharpness. On average, you should sharpen a lathe chisel after every 30 minutes of use. It’s important to sharpen them frequently so that they always produce clean cuts and remove the right amount of material.
Q: What Angle Should Lathe Chisels be Sharpened to?
Answer: The sharpening angle for a lathe chisel should be around 45 degrees. However, it’s important to experiment to find the angle that works best for you and the material you’re using. Different materials require different sharpening angles to achieve the best results.
Q: What Angle Should a Spindle Gouge be?
Answer: The angle for a spindle gouge should be from 40-55 degrees. This is the angle that is typically used for most spindle work. Again, it’s important to experiment to find the angle that works best for you.
Q: What Angle Should a Bowl Gouge be?
Answer: Most bowl gouges are ground at an angle between 45 and 70 degrees. However, there is no one angle that works for every woodturner. Like any other tool, this depends on your personal preferences and what you’re comfortable using.
Conclusion:
Woodturning is a popular hobby that allows people to create beautiful pieces of art from wood. In order to achieve the best results, it is important to use the right tools. You can use any chisels to create a piece of wood art.
But if you use the best woodturning chisels, it will create a smooth shape and bring extra beauty to your woodwork. On the other hand, a wrong lathe chisel can damage the shape of wood easily.
We hope our review will remove your headache to find appropriate woodturning tools. Now you can make any shape of wood with the help of wood turning tools.
