| Review by jeffthewoodwacker | posted 02-03-2009 03:10 AM | 128502 views | 0 times favorited | 7 comments |  |
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I have seen a few postings on Lumberjocks about Thompson lathe tools (www.thompsonlathetools.com) and wanted to let everyone know these are some of the best turning tools that I have ever used. I purchased my first Thompson tool a couple of years ago and now own the complete set. Pictured are the 7/16” Thompson detail gouge and the 5/8” Thompson bowl gouge. The tools arrive sharp and ready to use right out of the box. They hold an edge better than every other tool that I have. You can either turn your own handle for the tool or purchase a ready made tool. One option is to purchase the Big Stick handle which gives you the option of using interchangeable collets to hold almost any diameter tool. The price of these tools is very reasonable. Thompson Tools is a small American manufacturer that offers a high quality product that they back 100%.
The big stick handle is available at www.bigsticktools.com and comes with an interchangeable 5/8” collet. You can purchase collets at www.enco.com – look for the enco R8 collet that has the drawbolt threads. They had a set of 8 on sale not long ago for $25. Big Stick handle is another American made product from a small manufacturer. One handle can be used for several different turning tools by using different collets.
-- Those that say it can't be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.
7 comments so far
mmh
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3677 posts in 4170 days
#1 posted 02-03-2009 08:29 AM
Thanks for sharing. I’ll keep this in mind the next time we’re looking for more lathe tools.
-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe
trifern
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8135 posts in 4215 days
#2 posted 02-03-2009 03:07 PM
Thanks for the review, Jeff. Where are they sold?
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
Chris Cunanan
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339 posts in 3928 days
#3 posted 02-04-2009 08:24 AM
yeah, i don’t see the collet handle you show for sale on the site, please help me
NedB
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659 posts in 4014 days
#4 posted 02-04-2009 05:04 PM
I’m just starting out on the dark side (turning), but I have had the pleasure of meeting Doug at Bill Grumbine’s Five Barns Picnic last summer. He is a stand-up fellow, overworked and loving every minute of it! He brought a pickup full of product with him, and though I didnt’ have the budget to buy anything at that time, I plan on getting the full set eventually.
-- Ned - 2B1ASK1 http://nedswoodshop.blogspot.com
StevenAntonucci
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355 posts in 4386 days
#5 posted 02-04-2009 10:36 PM
As others have indicated, Doug is a stand-up guy when it comes to making tools. I met him (and Ned) at Five Barns, but Doug and I have spoken for years prior to that. His tools are top quality and very well priced. I own two, and plan on buying a few more the next time I speak to Doug.
-- Steven
Chuck B
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12 posts in 3858 days
#6 posted 02-19-2009 11:48 AM
I personally have half of Doug’s tools & I have sold my 8 piece set of Sorby’s. This is Doug’s web site.
http://www.thompsonlathetools.com/ Doug is a dang fine man he is a one man business & IMHO there is no better turning tools.
Another great turning tool is the Craig Jackson Ci1 & Ci2 tool I have both of them & they are fantastic. h
ere is Craig’s web site.
http://www.easywoodtools.com/ Check out the videos of the tool.
VIDEOS at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCKluqkR4Gs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KrWHEvx4KI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQntPkS6bBQ
I have no affiliation with either Doug or Craig but am proud to call them friends.
Chuck
-- Chuck, Mostly a woodturner
GrayJ
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5 posts in 3458 days
#7 posted 02-28-2010 12:49 AM
Thanks for the info, will check Thompson out.
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