Woodturning Tools & Equipment

1. Lathe

All lathes perform the same task of turning wood. The main difference between lathes is determined by how large the piece of stock is that you want to turn. Take note of the diameter of the work piece (swing capacity) and the length between the lathe centers. If you plan on turning wood bowls, you may need a larger lathe than someone who simply wants to turn items on a spindle and make tool handles and salt and pepper shakers.
Look for a lathe that is at least 1/2 horsepower with 12” swing capacity like this model from Craftsman which retails for $414. For a bit more power, bump up to this Delta which offers a 1 horsepower motor and a bit more swing capacity at 12 1/2” for $610.

2. Cutting Tools

In addition to a lathe, you’ll need a set of turning tools to shape the wood and lathe chucks to attach the wood to the lathe.

Turning tools look like chisels and have a beveled point. Each point is shaped differently to produce a desired effect on a piece of wood. Spindle turning tools, for example, are slightly different than bowl turning tools. Choose according to your use, but most woodturners have both sets.

You can get a basic 8-piece set but you will need to sharpen these tools regularly. Another option is carbide tipped tools. If the tool gets dull you can turn the tip to a sharp edge and then replace the tip once every side is worn down.

3. Sharpening Tools

Anyone who has had a lathe for more than a week knows that you need to sharpen your chisels and sharpen then often. Nothing dulls tool steel like a spinning chunks of wood.
A quick google search will yield about ten million hits on jigs, techniques, systems, and machines for lathe tool sharpening.

Methods to sharpen your tools include but are not limited to:

Bench grinder – with various jigs
Belt sander
Sharpening stones

It really comes down to the fact that there is no right or wrong way to sharpen your chisels and what works for a production turner might not be best for a hobbyist.

4. Safety Equipment

Face and eye protection are mandatory. A full face shield meeting or exceeding ANSI A87.1 is best. As a minimum, safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields should be used. Hearing protection is also useful for some operations or for long turning sessions. Dust collection equipment and dust mask meeting or exceeding the NIOSH N95 standards is highly recommended.

5. Bandsaw

An optional tool, but highly useful for roughing out turning blanks, etc.

6. Chainsaw

While buying precut and dried wood to turn wood is nice; wood tends to grow of trees and when we are lucky enough to come across a fallen tree whether it be on our property or someone else’s cutting it up for later turning is a good way to build your supply of wood to turn later – after it’s dried or now while it’s wet.

7. Computer

To watch videos of woodturning and to purchase more tools online!