10 Best Lathe Tools

OUR TOP PICK

PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 8-Piece Chisel Set

Let’s start by taking a look at our top pick. The LCHSS8 8-Piece Chisel Set from PSI Woodworking is ideal for turning pepper mills, pens, spindles, bowls, and anything else you can dream of creating on your lathe. 

The sets comprises the following tools:

• 1 x 3/16-inch Parting Tool
• 1 x ⅝-inch Spear Scraper
• 1 x 1-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x ⅝-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x ⅝-inch Round Nose Scraper
• 1 x ½-inch Bowl Gouge
• 1 x ¾-inch Spindle Gouge
• 1 x ⅞-inch Roughing Gouge

Each of these tools measure 16 ¼-inches in length and features a 6 ¼-inch M2 High Speed Steel blade. The handles measure 10-inches in length and are made from hardwood, offering a comfortable yet firm grip. 

This chisel set comes complete with a wooden case for safe storage, and this also makes it easier to transport your tools to and from your workshop as needed. It also includes a 2-year warranty, offering you peace of mind and extra value for money. 

Pros:

• 8-piece chisel set - comprises 8 different chisels that are ideal for crafting pepper mills, pens, spindles, bowls, and more.
• M2 High Speed Steel blades - sharp, durable, and capable of carving clean, accurate details.
• Hardwood handles - allows you to establish a firm grip while ensuring you're as comfortable as possible.
• Includes a wooden storage case - offers a place to keep your tools safe when they aren’t in use and makes it easier to transport them as needed.

Cons:

• May require regular sharpening - some people found that these lathe tools dulled quite quickly so, depending on how regularly you use them, you may have to sharpen them sooner than expected.

EDITORS CHOICE

YUFUTOL 3-Piece Woodturning Tool Set

If you’re still relatively new to woodturning and you want to try crafting some basic items, this 3-Piece Woodturning Tool Set from YUFUTOL is an excellent choice. Perfect for smaller and medium-sized projects, the carbide insert cutters and Allen key are super-durable and sharp, helping to effortlessly hog away at the wood. 

The comfort-grip handles also allow you to establish a firm hold on the tools, allowing you to concentrate on hitting the right angles. 

This  set comprises the following tools:

• 2 x Round 12mm Carbide Cutters
• 2 x Square 11mm Carbide Cutters
• 2 x Diamond Radius Cutters

By offering you two of each type of cutter, you’re able to keep one freshly sharpened while using the other. In turn, there’s no need to worry about them dulling mid-way through your project. The shaft of each tool has also been cleverly designed to rest flat against the tool rest and level with the floor, making it even easier to hit those perfect angles. 

Pros:

• Ideal for beginners - easy to use and perfect for smaller, medium-sized woodturning projects.
• Durable - all cutters and the Allen key are made from super durable carbide.
• Comfort grip handles - allow you to establish a firm grip without causing discomfort.
• Comes with two of each type of cutters - this means you can keep on sharp while the other is in use.

Cons:

• Very sharp - while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it does mean that you’ll need to take extra care when replacing dull cutters for fresh ones. 

BEST VALUE

Hurricane Turning Tools 3-Piece Bowl Gouge Set

This 3-Piece Bowl Gouge Set from Hurricane Turning Tools is the perfect set of tools for anybody with a passion for crafting wooden bowls. Made from HSS (High Speed Steel) they are super tough and are designed to last up to 8x longer than carbide steel. 

This bowl gouge tool set comprises the following:

• 1 x ¼-inch Bowl Gouge (⅜-inch Bar Stock)
• 1 x ⅜-inch Bowl Gouge (½-inch Bar Stock)
• 1 x ½-inch Bowl Gouge (⅝-inch Bar Stock)

Another fantastic feature these bowl gouge tools have to offer is their extra-long handles. This allows you to keep a safe distance from your lathe while still being able to work intricately. The handles are also made from solid ash, so you can rest assured that they’ll be both comfortable and durable. 

Pros:

• Perfect for making wooden bowls - contains three bowl gouges in ¼-inch, ⅜-inch, and ½-inch sizes.
• Super durable - made from High Speed Steel and designed to last up to 8x longer than carbide steel.
• Extra long handles - allows you to keep a safe distance from your lathe while still hitting each angle perfectly. 

Cons:

• Only suitable for turning bowls - since this set only comprises bowl gouges, you’ll need to purchase an additional set if you want to create anything other than bowls. 

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Yellowhammer Essential 8-Piece Chisel Set

Designed with the professional woodturner in mind, this Essential 8-Piece Chisel Set from Yellowhammer contains everything you need to craft a huge variety of items. Each blade is made from High Speed Steel and designed to easily outlast traditional carbide blades, making it one of the most durable tool sets available. 

This 8-piece chisel set contains the following tools:

• 1 x ⅝-inch Shear Scraper
• 1 x 3/16-inch Parting Tool
• 1 x ⅝-inch Round Nose
• 1 x ⅝-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x 1-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x ½-inch Bowl Gouge
• 1 x ⅞-inch Roughing Gouge
• 1 x 1-inch Roughing Gouge

Each of these tools is perfectly weighted for accuracy. The beech handles also provide a firm grip, and have been ergonomically designed to prevent hand and wrist strain while you work.

Complete with a storage case, this tool set is a fairly inexpensive option when you take into consideration everything you get, so it’s ideal if you’re trying to stick to a limited budget. 

Pros:

• Perfect for turning a wide variety of projects - contains 8 different chisels that can be used to create wooden bowls, banisters, pens, pepper mills, and anything else you can dream of crafting.
• High Speed Steel blades - super durable and designed to last much longer than traditional carbide steel blades.
• Ergonomic beech handles - provide durability and comfort while you work.
• Includes a storage case - perfect for keeping your tools safe when they aren’t in use.

Cons:

• These tools arrive dull - this means you’ll have to spend a little time sharpening them before you can use them. 

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Simple Woodturning Tools 3-Piece Carbide Lathe Tool Set

If you don't want to worry about having to sharpen your tools before you can use them, this 3-Piece Carbide Lathe Tool Set is a great option. They arrive at your door pre-sharpened and ready to go. Perfect for any super-keen craftsman!

These tools are also ideal for all skill levels and their carbide blades make it easy to achieve clean, sharp edges with minimal effort. Each tool is engraved with its abbreviated initials as well, making it easier to attach the correct replacement cutters to each tool when needed. 

This 3-piece set contains the following lathe tools:

• 1 x Rougher
• 1 x Turner & Hollower
• 1 x 55º Detailer

The shaft is made from solid stainless steel, so there's no chance of them bending or breaking during use. The shaft is also specially designed to lay flat against the tool rest, offering you the ability to work with greater precision. 

Pros:

• Pre-sharpened - ready to use straight out the box
• Carbide blades - makes it easy to create clean, sharp edges the minimal effort
• 3-piece set - comprise one rougher, one turner and hollower, and one 55º detailer. 
• Stainless steel construction - won’t bend out shape over time and allows the tools to lay flat against the tool rest.

Cons:

• They can dull quickly - while these lathe tools do arrive pre-sharpened, some people found that they dulled quite quickly under frequent use.

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IMOTECHOM 8-Piece Woodturning Chisel Set

Presented in a beautiful wooden storage box, this 8-Piece Chisel Set from IMOTECHOM would make an excellent gift for any woodworking enthusiast. It also provides a safe, secure place to store your lathe tools when they aren’t in use, and features a high-density foam layer for extra protection.

Of course, it’s not all about their storage box though! Each of the chisels in this tool set is capable of helping you craft some truly exquisite workpieces. They are made from 6.3-inch High Speed Steel for ultimate durability and long-lasting sharpness. 

This 8-piece chisel set comprises the following tools:

• 1 x 1-inch Roughing Gouge
• 1 x ⅞-inch Roughing Gouge
• 1 x 5/16 inch Spindle Gouge
• 1 x 1-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x ⅝-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x ⅝-inch Spear Scraper
• 1 x ⅝-inch Round Nose Scraper
• 1 x ⅝-inch Parting Tool

Each of these chisels features a 10-inch walnut handle that isn’t only stylish but also extremely durable. This walnut wood construction also provides a secure, comfortable grip, and you’ll be able to work for long periods of time without your hands cramping. 

Pros:

• Durable - the blades are made from High Speed Steel for ultimate durability and long-lasting sharpness.
• Wooden storage case - ideal for keeping your tools secure when they aren’t in use
• 8-piece set - contains all the tools you need to make some beautiful pieces including roughing gouges, skew chisels, and spindle gouges.
• Walnut handle - offers comfort and durability while remaining incredibly stylish.

Cons:

• Expensive - these are the most expensive lathe tools on our list, so they wouldn’t be the best option for somebody trying to work with a limited budget.

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PSI Woodworking LCMINI2 5-Piece Mini Chisel Set

If you are looking for a great set of lathe tools on a limited budget, the LCMINI2 5-Piece Mini Chisel Set from PSI Woodworking could be exactly what you need. And, unlike many budget options, nothing is sacrificed in terms of quality or performance.

Made from premium High Speed Steel, each of the chisels in this set is extremely durable and provides long-lasting sharpness. They also feature a stained wood handle, a steel shaft, and brass ferrules. 

The set also comprises different types of chisels that can help you create a variety of pieces. Here’s the full list of what you’ll receive with this 5-piece mini chisel set:

• 1 x ¼-inch Roughing Gouge
• 1 x ⅛-inch Spindle Gouge
• 1 x ¼-inch Round Nose Scraper
• 1 x 3/32-inch Parting Tool
• 1 x ¼-inch Skew Chisel

To top it all off, this set of lathe tools is presented in an attractive wooden box. This gives you somewhere to store them safely when they aren’t in use and also provides that extra finishing touch if you’re planning to purchase them as a gift

Pros:

• Budget-friendly - an excellent set of inexpensive tools that, despite being so low-cost, lack nothing in quality or performance. 
• Comprises 5 mini chisels - ideal for turning a variety of different items.
• High Speed Steel blades - super durable and provides long-lasting sharpness.
• Stained wood handles and brass ferrules - offers extra stability and durability while giving each tool a stylish appearance.

Cons:

• Better suited to mini lathes - since this is a set of mini chisels, they may be too small to use with a full-sized woodturning lathe

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Werks 8-Piece Woodworking Tool Set

This 8-Piece Woodworking Tool Set from Werks is ideal for working on projects of all sizes including pens, bowls, and spindles. This versatility also makes it a good choice if you’re looking for lathe tools that can be used on both traditional and mini lathes. 

Each tool in this set features a blade constructed from M2 High Speed Steel, giving you long-lasting sharpness and years of durability. They also feature a brass ferrule that ensures an incredibly strong connection between the blade and the handle.

Within this 8-piece set you’ll find the following lathe tools:

• 1 x 3/16-inch Parting Tool
• 1 x ⅝-inch Spear Scraper
• 1 x 1-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x ⅝-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x ⅝-inch Round Nose Scraper
• 1 x ½-inch Bowl Gouge
• 1 x ¾-inch Spindle Gouge
• 1 x ⅞-inch Roughing Gouge

Each of the above tools is supported by a hardwood handle that provides both durability and comfort. They are also presented in a wooden display box which doesn’t only make them the ideal gift, but helps to keep the tools protected while in storage. 

Pros:

• Ideal for projects of all sizes - can be used with both traditional and mini lathes
• High Speed Steel blades - designed to outlast carbide steel 6-to-1 and provide long-lasting sharpness.
• 8-piece set - within this set, you’ll find a tool for almost any workpiece including skew chisels, a bowl gouge, and a roughing gouge.
• Presented in a hardwood box - makes an excellent gift and provides somewhere safe to store the tools when they aren’t in use. 

Cons:

• Not pre-sharpened - you’ll have to spend a little time sharpening each tool before you can use them. 

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Asieg Mini Carbide-Tipped Lathe Turning Tools

If you’re looking for ultimate durability, the Mini Carbide-Tipped Lathe Turning Tools from Asieg are made from some of the toughest materials you’ll find. Each blade is constructed from M2 High Speed Steel and tipped with carbide for added strength. This also provides a longer-lasting sharpness, so they won’t dull as easily as some other tools. 

The durability of these tools continues with the German ash tree handles. This makes them naturally strong and offers you a comfortable grip even when you’re turning for a long time. And, as if that wasn’t enough, they also feature brass ferrules that keep the blade and the handle firmly locked together. 

Within this set you’ll find the following tools:

• 1 x 1-inch Roughing Gouge
• 1 x ⅞-inch Roughing Gouge
• 1 x 1”-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x ⅝-inch Skew Chisel
• 1 x ⅝-inch Shear Scraper
• 1 x 3/6-inch Parting Tool
• 1 x ⅝-inch Round Nose Scraper
• 1 x ½-inch Spindle Gouge

This variety of tools make this set a great choice for anybody looking to turn a wider variety of items. You’ll also receive a wooden storage box that can be used to keep your tools protected when they aren’t in use. 

Pros:

• Extremely durable - the High Speed Steel blades are tipped with carbide steel for long-lasting durability and sharpness.
• German ash tree handles - super hard wearing and capable of providing a secure, comfortable grip.
• Brass ferrules - keeps the blade and the handles firmly locked together.
• Variety of tools in one set - includes roughing gouges, skew chisels, and a range of other tools that are ideal for turning different items.

Cons:

• Storage box is made from thin wood - while the storage box will keep your tools protected, it isn’t made from the strongest materials which may give you cause for concern. 

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Mengkai 8-Piece Woodturning Tool Set

The Megkai 8-Piece Woodturning Tool Set is the final choice on our list of the 10 best lathe tools. However, last certainly doesn’t mean least, and each of the tools and components within this set offers excellent quality and turning performance

At first glance, it can be confusing to work out why this is considered an 8-piece tool set as it only features three physical tools. However, it makes up its numbers with the inclusion of different cutters, which can be easily removed and replaced using the included Allen key.

Here are all the cutters that come in this set of lathe tools:

• 2 x 11mm Square Cutters
• 2 x 12mm Round Cutters
• 2 x Diamond Radius Cutters
• 2 x Diamond Sharp-Point Cutters

Each of these cutters is made from highly durable carbide. The shaft of each tool is also highly durable and is constructed from solid stainless steel. This doesn't only mean there’s no risk of them bending or breaking over time, but also means they are rust-resistant.

To top it all off, the wood handle provides a secure comfortable grip, while the brass ferrules keep everything securely held together.

Pros:

• Interchangeable cutters - simply remove and replace the cutters as needed using the included Allen key.
• Durable construction - the blades are made from carbide and supported by solid, rust-resistant stainless steel.
• Wooden handles - offers a secure, comfortable grip while you work.
• Brass ferrules - these keep the blade and the handle firmly held together at all times.

Cons:

• May be too small for larger lathes - the overall length of each tool is 12-inches so, while they are ideal for mini lathes, you may struggle to hit certain angles on a larger lathe.