Small disclaimer to start with - I am a huge EWT fan. Already have most of the tools they make, some in a couple different sizes. I think they are beautifully designed and crafted tools with awesome support and I have really enjoyed owning them, so I do bring that bias to reviewing this latest tool.
I currently have all three of the basic tools in two sizes, plus all three of the hollowing tools.
So, I was happy to have my new parting tool show up a few days ago to join the family!
It has the same quality materials and perfectly finished finishes as I have seen from the rest of the line, and came with a special tool for the bit changes plus an extra bit (nice bonus).
It is a unique tool compared to the others because it has a whole new (and rather ingenious) way of holding the cutting bit due to its very thin profile. Because of this the shaft is actually vertical rather than horizontal at the cutting end.
The bottom line is that it works as well or better than any of the other chisels and adds a whole new capability for carbide tools.
I did observe one thing for those of us working on mini-lathes - because it has a higher cutting point than the other tools it ends up sometimes being a little on the high side unless you are comfortable with a "downhill" angle and so sometimes have you move the tool rest up and down as you switch back and forth between it and the regular chisels - but I think that's a pretty small inconvenience relative to the ease of use and no need to ever sharpen.
The tool arrived with the natural maple finish on the handle (same as the hollowing tools). On the suggestion front, I think it would have been cool to see it be another color like the three basic chisel handles are - makes no difference in how they work, but sure makes them look cool and helps to quickly identify them when in the tool rack.
Bottom line - I'm delighted once again with my purchase, and am looking forward to what they will come up with next.
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