Advice on turning tools for a newbie

[Dave Westover]

Whats a low price option for a turning tool set? I have an iexpensive lathe and Im not much into turning. Havent done it since high school, so Im just looking to play around a bit, and learn the ropes. Steelex or Windsor design keep popping up; are they even worth the $50 for the set, or should I look elsewhere? Im not looking for heirloom quality in my first set of lathe tools by any means, but i dont want something thats going to be completely useless either. Havent found much at auction, so used doesnt appear to be an option. Any advice?

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Dave....there's a Harbor Freight set for about $40 that a lot of folks here have bought and been happy with.

It doesn't have a bowl gouge however. You'll want to buy one.

PSI also has some Benjamin's Best that are really liked too.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Dave - I'll second Ken's advise on the Harbor Freight HSS tool set. They were the first tools that I picked up and almost 4 years later I am still using them. Also, they are great tools to learn to sharpen on!

[Marvin Hasenak]

Another vote for Harbor Freight set of HSS tools. Well worth the money.

Marvin

[Pat Doble]

Add me as another vote for the Harbor Freight set. I also have a couple of Benjamins Best tools and have had no issues with those either....

[robert hainstock]

ALso you might look at PSI's "Benjamens best line. They are excellant HSS steel,and fairly reasonable. HAPPY SPINNING!
Bob

[Dave Westover]

Wow, now thats consensus! I think ill try that harbor freight set. Thats what i was leaning towards.

thanks folks.

[Bernie Weishapl]

I bought the PSI Benjamins Best 8 piece set for %59.95 2 yrs ago and I still use them all. They have really been a good set.