Joel asked whether to buy a 3/8" or 1/2" bowl gouge and which is the
best value for the dollar, Pinnacle. Sorby, Ellsworth Signature or Crown
Pro PM. Clearly there are other options to be considered re tools for
turning small bowls such as 7/16" gouges, inserted bits, forged flutes,
and several smaller maker's tools new to the market.


Some of us wonder if cost is an object, then might not the "best value
for the dollar" depend as much on the stage of the turner's expertise
and his tool stable as on how much better a premium tool is and where
and by whom it was made.


The argument re getting only the '''best" tools one at a time when they
can be afforded vs buying or making several not quite as 'good', but
affordable tools to begin with will never be settled. That being so, it
serves no purpose to denigrate another turner's chosen turning tools. I
don't think anyone prefers the lesser tools over the premiums if cost is
truly no object, but in truth, cost often is.


With the wide availability of sharpening instructions and devices that
make good sharpening quick and easy for everyone, why is so much
emphasis put on the need to pay a premium for a tool that's said to hold
it's edge a while longer? Are these premium tools so much better in
other ways that can justify their high prices?


Why term the Asian imports "junk", even if the hss is not the best. My
hss Harbor Freight's don't seem to be junk, at least not when rehandled,
reground and polished (improvements a woodturner shouldn't need to pay
for) .....and the country of origin rubbed off.

Like using scapers and turning robust bowl walls, my buying an
affordable _set of turning tools isn't a 'no-no'. It's just a myth from
the past, .....but then YMMV


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


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