woodpeckers ultra-shear chisels

[tom lucas]

Anyone try? I'd like to hear about them.

[John Keeton]

Don’t know anything about them except that they are not cheap!

[tom lucas]

I haven't found a "cheap" quality turning knife yet. I'm new to turning. I don't want to spend too much time sharpening (and learning how to do that too) and all the costs that go with that. At this point, I want to spend my time turning. I've turned a few things with a cheap set of HSS tools that I have. But, of course, they don't hold an edge long. I'm a pretty quick learner and was "successful" enough turning a few things with them. But, I hate sharpening. I'm more about making turned wood things first. As I get more comfortable, perhaps come back around to HSS tools. Woodpeckers has always had good quality things. I like the 45 degree flats and beefiness of these tools. And they claim the sharpest carbide available (of course they do). I can't find any user reviews of these though. Maybe they are too new? Or is that no one wants to buy them?

[Roger Chandler]

Having to replace carbide cutters [they do get dull!] is high dollar outlay on top of high dollar tools initial cost, and in my considered opinion will not give one as good results over all, as traditional tools. To me, sharpening is an intregal part of turning, and one short changes themselves by not learning to sharpen, and quality gouges will outlast any carbide tool, save money by a wide margin in the long run, and adds skill sets about how to achieve fine cuts and less sanding on projects. Carbide tools are basically scrapers , and do have their place in the turning arsenal, and for those who just dabble in the turning craft are an option.....far from the best way to go in my opinion, but I’m a guy who enjoys how to learn all the cuts, and to sharpen all the tools.

[Jim Davenport]

I bought one several years ago, on sale at Woodcraft.
I just recently switched the cutter with an easy wood negative rake one. works great for wild grain.
That said I prefer HSS cutters. A wolverine jig set up has a fairly easy learning curve.

[Michael Perez chavez]

Thank you. I totally agree with using HSS cutters. The carbide ones are just for our beginning.

[John Keeton]

Thomas, turning is close kin to woodworking with hand tools - planes, chisels, etc. Unfortunately, sharpening is the very first activity necessary for quality work. There is nothing wrong with the carbide tools, but sooner than you think you will want to expand your skills with some quality gouges. The money you spent on the carbides would go a long way toward those. Just a thought.

[Gary Baler]

Thomas,
You may have chosen the wrong pursuit if you don't to sharpen. It is an integral part of woodturning. You may want to find a club near you.

[tom lucas]

With much respect to you all, I've read and read about the pros and cons of carbide vs HSS, and all the stuff about learning to sharpen and how to make various cuts, etc. etc. I get it. A "real" turner knows how to sharpen and use every tool. I have far more energy and inclination that I do time. Eventually I'll have more time. I'll will get there.

I didn't post to debate this or my dispassion for sharpening (sorry I mentioned it). I'm looking for feedback on these carbide chisels wrt to other carbide cutters, handles, blade holders, etc. Woodpeckers holder is different that any other I've seen. And they claim the micro grain carbide cutters are new technology that produce good shear cuts when used on a 45 degree angle. Looking for someone that has actually used these and has enough experience with both types of cutters to assess what they do/don't do well.

I'll continue to practice with the cheap chisels I have while at the same time learning to appreciate what carbide might bring (if I buy a set). Everyone takes a different path to reach the same end.

[Marvin Hasenak]

If you want to try the carbide, I would recommend checking Capt Eddie's YouTube site. He sells carbide "kits" that consist of the cutter and the shaft, and you turn a handle. They are the least expensive ones on the market, and there are thousands of satisfied customers. But I am not one of them, I have tried several brands, and have donated all of them to people that are kess fortunate than I am.

[tom lucas]

If you want to try the carbide, I would recommend checking Capt Eddie's YouTube site. He sells carbide "kits" that consist of the cutter and the shaft, and you turn a handle. They are the least expensive ones on the market, and there are thousands of satisfied customers. But I am not one of them, I have tried several brands, and have donated all of them to people that are kess fortunate than I am.

thanks for the tip. I'll check that out.

[Jason Ost]

Aren't carbide cutters all pretty similar?

[tom lucas]

Aren't carbide cutters all pretty similar?

not according to woodpeckers. That is what I'm trying to assess, their micro grain cutters. And the question is also about the blade holder, in combination with their cutters. Is a Sorby gouge the same as a cheap Chinese gouge? I suspect not all carbides are equal either. Like Gillette razor blades compared to walmart's brand. The are both razor blades, but not the same.

[John K Jordan]

not according to woodpeckers. That is what I'm trying to assess, their micro grain cutters. And the question is also about the blade holder, in combination with their cutters. Is a Sorby gouge the same as a cheap Chinese gouge? I suspect not all carbides are equal either. Like Gillette razor blades compared to walmart's brand. The are both razor blades, but not the same.

It would be easy to buy their inserts and make your own tools. Then you can try them yourself and decide.

[Jack Lemley]

Thomas,

I am looking at the Woodpecker chisels as well. I like the angled flat side that should make it easier to do a shear cut. Like you I have too little time to spend it sharpening lathe chisels (yes I and pretty fair at sharpening all manner of tools) but I am not fond of it and if I can short circuit that part of it it would be easier to work in some turning. Please keep me posted on your findings if you don't mind

Jack Lemley