A wood lathe tool is a cutting tool used for shaping and smoothing wood on a wood lathe. A wood lathe is a machine that rotates a piece of wood while a cutting tool is held against it, allowing the tool to shape and form the wood into the desired shape.
Wood lathe tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made from different materials, including high-speed steel (HSS), carbon steel, and tungsten carbide. Some of the most commonly used wood lathe tools include:
- Roughing Gouges: Roughers are heavy-duty tools used for removing large amounts of wood quickly. They have a rough, toothed cutting edge that makes them ideal for roughing out bowls, platters, and other large projects.
- Skew Chisels: Skew chisels are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, including roughing, shaping, and finishing. They have a skewed cutting edge that helps to produce clean cuts and smooth finishes.
- Parting Tools: Parting tools are used to separate finished workpieces from the lathe. They have a very thin, sharp cutting edge that allows them to cut precisely and cleanly.
- Hollowing Tools: Hollowing tools are specifically designed for hollowing out the inside of bowls and other hollow forms. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks.
- Detail Tools: Detail tools are used for fine-finishing work, such as creating details, patterns, and textures on the surface of a piece. They have small, delicate cutting edges that allow for precise control and accuracy.
Each type of wood lathe tool is designed for a specific purpose, and having a variety of tools in your kit will allow you to choose the right tool for the job.
HSS Turning Tools
High-Speed Steel (HSS) turning tools are a type of cutting tool used for turning, facing, and boring operations on a lathe. They are made from high-speed steel, which is a type of tool steel that is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain its hardness, making it ideal for machining operations.
Carbide Tools
Carbide tools are cutting tools made from tungsten carbide, a highly durable and wear-resistant material that is often used for metalworking and woodworking applications.
Tungsten carbide is a mixture of tungsten carbide particles and a metallic binder, typically cobalt, which helps to hold the carbide particles together.