One turner's reason for buying a pricy XYZ turning tool is often
another turner's reason not to buy it. This isn't necessarily a
contradiction. Some folks are sorry that there's not a gouge more
expensive than a XYZ so they can buy it. Others think the XYZ is way
over priced. Some folks are willing to pay a premium for eponymous
factory grinds on otherwise run of the mill gouges. Other folks figure
to grind their own version on a noname gouge.


There are many good reasons for buying a quality turning tool. Utility,
design, heat resistance, comfort in use, pretty handles and pride of
ownership come to mind, but I wonder a little about one of the most
hallowed reasons. I mean edge retention.


I know it must be an important reason because so many good writers say
so. I can understand that aggressive and/or too frequent sharpening
_could shorten a tool's life. True, but the many good turners I know are
competent sharpeners and they sharpen any gouge frequently while it's in
use regardless of how long it's said to hold its edge. That's every
gouge, whether it's hi carbon, hss, frozen, powdered or manicured steel
or cost ten bucks or two hundred.

How do we know when we need to resharpen a tool's edge? The only way I
know to assure that _any gouge in use is as sharp as it can be or ought
to be is to touch it up and see. Of course, there may be other ways that
I don't know about, but most good turners appear to sharpen their tools
often. Maybe it's worthwhile to find out that their powdered steel gouge
didn't really need to be resharpened yet.


And another thing. How many years does it take Ms. Average Turner to
wear down her frequently sharpened gouge to a useless length? Let's say
the gouge actually touches spinning wood for 3 hours a day for a 5 day
week for 40 weeks a year. Seems to me it would take many years to wear
down an 8 in. flute. No?

Just having fun musing with tongue in cheek and I know I'm wrong. Some
kind turner better set me straight so I don't keep anyone from buying an
XYZ.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings