Turning Tools

Wood Turning Tools

The term woodturning refers to the craft of using specially designed handheld tools to detail and shape wood on a lathe. The process and tools result in a symmetrical shape and design. The operator of a wood lathe is called a turner, and they’re said to practice woodturning.

Woodturning requires some specific tools and a wood lathe. At Rockler, you can purchase a set of woodturning tools or a single tool in the shape needed, such as a round turning tool or a square radius or diamond tool.

Types of Turning Tools

In wood turning, you have two types of turning tools to choose from: traditional turning tools and carbide-insert turning tools.

Traditional Woodturning Tools

Traditional wood-turning tools are made from high-speed steel (HSS) and require regular sharpening. Common types of traditional turning tools include these:

• Gouges
• Skew chisels
• Parting tools
• Specialty tools

Carbide-Insert Woodturning Tools

Carbide-insert turning tools are available in a range of sizes for various scales and cutting profiles. Popular cutting profiles include these:

• Round for roughing stock
• Square for roughing stock and smoothing tenons
• Square radius for a smooth finishing cut
• Diamond for cutting grooves, beads, and decorative details

Carbide turning tools do not require sharpening as you turn the cutter to expose fresh edges and then replace the carbide cutter when all edges become dull.

Shop Rockler

Rocker has everything you need to get started in woodturning. Find a large selection of lathes, chisels, blanks, hardware kits and more. Shop online and in-store!