Turning Chisels

About Turning Chisels

Turning chisels are specialised woodworking tools designed for shaping and finishing wood on a lathe. MyToolShed.co.uk offers a professional selection of turning chisels manufactured from high-speed steel (HSS), delivering the durability and edge retention required for both precision woodturning projects and production work. These essential lathe tools enable craftspeople to create everything from decorative bowls and spindles to table legs and custom furniture components.

The range at MyToolShed includes parting tools for cutting grooves and separating work pieces, skew chisels for smooth finishing cuts and decorative details, and specialist profiles suited to various turning techniques. Available from trusted brands like Faithfull, these turning chisels combine quality construction with excellent value, making them suitable for both professional turners and serious woodworking enthusiasts.

Applications

Turning chisels are indispensable tools for:

• Professional woodturners producing custom furniture components, architectural spindles, and decorative items
• Joiners and cabinet makers creating bespoke wooden elements for fitted furniture and joinery projects
• Furniture restorers replicating period turning work and replacing damaged components
• Musical instrument makers crafting precise wooden components for guitars, violins, and wind instruments
• DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists exploring woodturning for craft projects, bowls, pens, and home décor items
• Educational workshops teaching woodturning skills in colleges and training centres

Choosing The Right Turning Chisels

When selecting turning chisels from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

Tool type: Parting tools excel at cutting narrow grooves and separating finished work, whilst skew chisels provide superior finishing cuts and allow for intricate decorative work. Assess which profiles match your typical turning projects.

Material quality: High-speed steel (HSS) turning chisels maintain sharp edges significantly longer than carbon steel alternatives, reducing sharpening frequency and improving productivity. HSS tools also withstand higher temperatures during extended use.

Handle design: Comfortable, well-balanced handles reduce fatigue during prolonged turning sessions. Longer handles provide better leverage for larger workpieces, whilst shorter handles offer enhanced control for detailed work.

Blade width: Match chisel width to your project scale—wider tools remove material quickly for larger turnings, whilst narrower profiles suit delicate detail work and smaller diameter pieces.

Safety Information

Always ensure turning chisels are properly sharpened before use, as dull tools require excessive force and increase the risk of catches. Secure workpieces firmly in the lathe and verify all adjustments are locked before starting. Wear appropriate eye protection to guard against wood chips and dust, and tie back loose clothing and hair. Never exceed the recommended lathe speed for your workpiece diameter. Maintain a stable stance with proper tool rest positioning, and keep hands clear of rotating stock. Remove the tool rest when sanding or measuring work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a parting tool and a skew chisel?

Parting tools feature narrow, rectangular profiles designed for cutting deep grooves and separating finished work from waste stock. Skew chisels have angled cutting edges ideal for smoothing cuts, creating fine details, and producing superior surface finishes. Most turners require both types for comprehensive work.

How often do HSS turning chisels need sharpening?

High-speed steel turning chisels maintain their edge considerably longer than standard carbon steel tools. Depending on usage intensity and wood hardness, HSS chisels typically require sharpening after several hours of turning. Touch up edges when you notice increased resistance or diminished cut quality rather than waiting for complete dullness.

Can beginners use professional turning chisels?

Absolutely. Quality turning chisels from brands stocked at MyToolShed.co.uk actually benefit beginners by holding sharper edges longer and performing more predictably than budget alternatives. Proper technique and appropriate lathe speeds matter more than experience level when using professional-grade tools safely and effectively.