Carbide woodturning tools and traditional woodturning tools are two common options for woodturning. Both tools shape wood on a wood lathe, but they have distinct characteristics and applications.
Traditional woodturning tools, with their specialized gouge and chisel profiles, are renowned for leaving a superior finish. These tools, typically made from high-speed steel (HSS), are designed to cut rather than scrape wood fibers, minimizing tearing and the need for extensive sanding, resulting in a cleaner cut, especially on end grain. In contrast, Carbide woodturning tools are favored for their ability to rapidly remove material in rough shaping, making them ideal for the initial shaping stages of a project due to their robust, long-lasting edges.
In this guide, we will compare and contrast them and discuss the pros and cons of carbide and traditional woodturning tools. What distinguishes them from each other? How do they remove wood in a different way? Once you clarify them, you can start your projects whether you’re a newbie, a hobbyist, or a pro, and choose which woodturning tools might be best for you.
What are Carbide Woodturning Tools?
Carbide woodturning tools are woodworking tools with cutting edges made from carbide, a composite material known for its hardness and durability. Carbide wood lathe tools come in various types, such as rougher, finisher, and detailer. These tools feature replaceable carbide inserts or tips, which can be rotated to a new, sharp edge or swapped out when all edges become dull.
Carbide tools often have a square or diamond-shaped cutting tip, which can produce a different cutting action and finish. Carbide tips are tough and wear-resistant, allowing them to maintain a sharp edge for much longer compared to traditional tools, thus eliminating the need for frequent resharpening. These tools feature replaceable carbide inserts that maintain their sharpness much longer than HSS tools, thus eliminating the need for frequent resharpening. However, carbide tools are mostly used as scrapers, and they can tear down the wood fibers, especially in end grain areas. This leaves a rougher surface that takes more sanding to get smooth. Carbide tools are generally more expensive upfront, but their extended edge life can make them more cost-effective in the long run.
Pros & Cons of Carbide Woodturning Tools
Advantages:
Longevity: Carbide cutting tips are tough and wear-resistant, often lasting 10-20 times longer than HSS traditional tools.
Low maintenance: Tips are replaceable; minimal sharpening is required.
Consistency: Provides a consistent cut over time without needing frequent sharpening.
Ease of use: More user-friendly for beginners due to less frequent maintenance.
Smoother finish: They can produce a clean, smoother finish on the workpiece due to the consistent cutting edge.
Disadvantages:
Cost: Higher initial cost and cost for replacement tips.
Less versatility: They are more likely less versatile than traditional tools.
Less control: They offer less finesse and control compared to traditional tools for detailed work.
What are Traditional Woodturning Tools?
Traditional woodturning tools are typically made from high-speed steel (HSS), the most common material known for its durability and ability to hold a sharp edge or other steel tools. These tools require regular sharpening and come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different turning operations. Common lathe chisel types include roughing gouge, spindle gouge, scraper, bowl gouge, skew chisel, parting tool, and shallow fluted gouge. Each tool has its specialty but can be used interchangeably to suit the needs of the craftsman using the tool.
Traditional tools require regular sharpening to maintain their effectiveness. Sharpening is an essential skill for woodturners using traditional tools, as it allows for precise and efficient cutting. These tools are valued for their versatility and the control they offer to skilled woodturners, allowing for a wide range of techniques and finishes.
Pros & Cons of Traditional Woodturning Tools
Advantages:
Versatility: Wide range of tools available for different techniques and detailed work.
Control: offers greater control for skilled woodturners.
Cost: They generally have a lower initial cost compared to carbide tools.
Surface finish: Traditional woodturning tools may leave a clean cut with fewer scrapes and tears of wood fibers, leading to a smoother surface that requires less sanding.
Disadvantages:
Maintenance: Requires frequent sharpening or replacement due to the shorter edge life of HSS, which can be time-consuming and require skill.
Learning curve: More difficult for beginners to master due to the need for sharpening and technique.
Carbide vs. Traditional
Cutting action
Carbide Tools: Carbide tools work by scraping rather than cutting, which can lead to more fiber tear-out and a rougher initial surface.
Traditional Tools: Traditional tools operate with a slicing action that shears the wood fibers cleanly, reducing tear-out and rough surfaces.
Ease of use
Carbide Tools: Easier for beginners, less maintenance.
Traditional Tools: Requires more skill, particularly in sharpening.
Durability
Carbide Tools: Longer-lasting edges, but more expensive to replace.
Traditional Tools: Requires regular sharpening but can last a lifetime with proper care.
Versatility and control
Carbide Tools: Great for general use and roughing out, with less finesse.
Traditional Tools: Offers more versatility and control for detailed work.
Cost
Carbide Tools: Higher initial cost and ongoing cost for replacement tips.
Traditional Tools: Lower initial cost, but investment is needed in sharpening equipment.
Both carbide and traditional woodturning tools have their place in woodworking. The choice between traditional and carbide woodturning tools comes down to the specific project’s requirement, the woodturner’s skill level, and personal preferences. Beginners might prefer carbide tools for their ease of use, while experienced woodturners might favor traditional tools for their versatility and control. Many woodturners use a combination of both to take advantage of the respective strengths each type offers.
Which One is Right for You?
Carbide woodturning tools are popular because they provide instant access to turning for those who don’t understand how to use traditional gouges. These tools are well-suited for removing large amounts of material quickly or production-oriented woodturning projects. They are also ideal for turning hardwoods, dense woods, or abrasive woods that would quickly dull steel tools, thus suitable for beginners and intermediate woodturners. Traditional woodturning tools, on the other hand, are ideal for detailed and intricate turning tasks, such as turning thin-walled vessels, intricate patterns, and delicate shapes. They are preferred by experienced and hobbyist woodturners for the control and precision they offer.
In conclusion, carbide woodturning tools provide an accessible entry point into the world of woodturning, particularly for beginners who may be intimidated by the need to sharpen traditional tools. They offer user-friendliness, and consistent performance, and require less maintenance, making them a popular choice for many woodworkers. However, for those skilled in using and maintaining traditional tools, the versatility, superior cut, and control offered by traditional gouges and chisels often make them the preferred choice, especially for detailed work and achieving fine finishes.
If you’re searching for a high-quality, well-made set of woodturning tools, we can provide you with the best quality and affordable options whether it’s traditional woodturning tools or carbide woodturning tools. FindBuyTool woodturning tools, shipping over 1 million carbide cutters annually, are perfect for any project, from bowls to pens. Ideal for both beginners and pros, our tools meet all your turning needs.
