High Quality Carbide Turning Tools

Love those type of tools… sort off… I bought a set of Rikon… same dog, different legs. Only issue I found, even though it had a quick change grip, I was continually swapping handles (actually it’s the chisels, but handles sound more mature). Finished up buying another handle which worked much better…. the detailer was the least used so it was swapped for whichever handled one was idle.
Drats, mine didn’t come with those sexy beanies.

-- If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD

I started my turning tool collection with Harrison Specialties, and have also been impressed with their service and their value. I did manage to shatter one of their resin handles when I experienced a bad catch, but that was on me. I added a second rougher and turned a handle for it, using a copper coupling as a ferrule.

I have found Easy Wood Tools cutters to seem to have a bit more edge life, but use both brands frequently.

I am now starting to use HSS, especially scrapers for finishing, and I have a couple bowl gouges that intimidate me :)

Good to know, thanks!

I bought a set last year and concur with your review. I was immediately impressed with the quality of the tools and especially the quality of the cut compared to the small Rocker carbide that I bought when I was turning on a mini-lathe. I also bought the cupped finisher tool and the 90° detailer and added a second handle to make swapping a little less annoying. The cupped finisher is a little tough to master but when you do it right, you can get an amazing finish. The 90° detailer is my favorite tool in the bunch. I find that I reach for that one more than any of the others. It allows you to get into places, such as right next to the tail stock, that are difficult to reach with other tools.

-- Nathan, TX -- Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.

I just purchased the 4 chisel, mid-size set. I concur with TheDane. Fit and finish are high quality. Their videos show commitment to the turner’s success with them. They don’t rely on theory, but on actual use. I am thoroughly satisfied with the tools.

I bought a set of Harrison’s mid size tools (5 tool and one handle set) and was really impressed with the quality and finish of the tools and eventually added a second handle. I recently bought Harrison’s three tool and handle full size set through Amazon. The tools were not packaged as expected (thrown in a box with no packaging material at all and had some minor damage). Instead of posting a negative review on Amazon, I contacted Harrison directly and was assured that the way they were packaged was not how they leave their facility. More than likely, the tools were returned to Amazon and Amazon placed them back into inventory to be sold again. I ended up returning the tools to Harrison and they sent a replacement set in return; the quality of the tools is as expected (packaged well with no damage). Lesson learned (for me anyway): if you have the option to buy direct and not through Amazon, buy direct.

Mike

Seems like when I ordered mine they we actually just a little cheaper directly from Harrison, at least for the combination that I bought anyway.

-- Nathan, TX -- Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.