The October 2005 issue of Woodwork (a steal at $4.99 US)
has an interesting article by Mike Darlow entitled
Turning Tools: Spotting Design Flaws.

Mr. Darlow, trained as a civil engineer, examines
roughing gouges
detail/spindle gouges
bowl gouges
skew chisels
parting tools
and some special tools
hollowing tools
multi purpose tools
tools which supposedly will compensate
for fault techniques
He analyzes these tools in terms of the mechanics
and physics of their use

The author points out that, unlike drop forged carbon
steel, which can be forged into a broad range of
cross sections, high speed steel cross sections are
more limited a) because the stock comes in limited
initial cross sections and b) grinding methods limit
the possible final cross sections. The result is that
turners get HSS tools that are easier to manufacture
but more difficult to use than drop forged carbon
steel tools. The limitations on cross sections of
tools that must be ground to shape can mean that
the tool can work against the turner.

He concludes that many turners assume that
if they buy reputable tool maker tools that
when a tool misbehaves it's their fault. It
often is - but in some cases, it's the tool.

The article provides a better understanding
of the use of the main turning tools

The article is worth the $5. The rest of the
articles, which are also interesting, are
gravy. Consider getting this copy of Woodworking.

charlie b