Wood Turning Chisels, Cutters & Gouges

Turning chisels and gouges remove material and shape your work.  Bowl gouges, spindle gouges, parting tools and scrapers perform specific turning tasks.  Carbide‑tipped cutters offer long life and reduced sharpening.

What are the main types of woodturning chisels and gouges?

• Spindle gouges: for shaping between centres and fine detail work.

• Bowl gouges: for hollowing and shaping bowls.

• Parting tools: for cutting workpieces free or creating grooves.

• Skew chisels: for smooth finishing cuts and fine detail.
  Each tool has a specific role in shaping and refining turned wood.

How do I keep my woodturning tools sharp?
Regular sharpening on a grinder with the correct jig or using a sharpening system is essential. Honing with a diamond file or slipstone between sharpenings helps maintain a keen edge. Dull tools are unsafe and give poor results.

What accessories are useful for woodturning chisels and gouges?
Sharpening jigs, tool rests, and protective tool rolls are common accessories. Carbide cutter inserts are also available for some tools, offering replaceable cutting edges that reduce the need for frequent sharpening.