This fall I have a Turning Class with Alan Lacer scheduled. I have only done pens so far and only been turning them for about 6-7 months. I'm taking the class to learn more about turning but I do not have the necessary tools yet for bowls etc. I have been looking and pricing different tools but would like some advise on what I have been thinking about. From Packard Woodworks I have a price on Crown tools of $223 + shipping. Their own tool line, the Price is $221 + $12 shipping.
CraftUSA the Sorby tools are $329 + shipping If I drop the Roughing Gouge from Sorby it will bring the price down to around $237 + shipping. I have a 3/4 " roughing gouge that would work so a new one is not a "must have", its a "like to have."
Is the Sorby that much better then the Crown and Packard that it would justify the extra $100 ? And what are you thoughts on the Crown and Packard tools.
I know there is a lot of knowledge out there and I'm just trying to draw on some of it.
The list of tools I have to buy comes from the tool list needed from Mr Lacer and the school.
Thanks to all