The Best Carbide Woodturning Tools for 2024
Carbide is a much harder material than steel, the best carbide woodturning tools will maintain a sharp edge for much longer than traditional steel tools. This means that they do not need to be sharpened as often, which saves time and effort in the workshop.
In addition to their long-lasting sharpness, carbide woodturning tools also tend to produce smoother, cleaner cuts. This is because the hard, dense nature of carbide allows it to slice through the wood more cleanly and precisely than softer, more ductile materials like steel. This can result in a more finished and polished appearance on the wood, which can be especially desirable for certain types of projects.
Another advantage of carbide woodturning tools is their reduced tendency to chatter or vibrate. Chattering and vibration can occur when the cutting tool is not properly balanced or when it encounters resistance in the wood. These issues can cause the tool to produce uneven or rough cuts and can also be tiring and uncomfortable for the user. Because carbide tools are generally more rigid and stable than steel tools, they are less prone to chattering and vibration, which will make the woodturning process more enjoyable and efficient.
What To Consider When Buying Carbide Woodturning Tools
Quality – When buying carbide woodturning tools, the quality of the steel that the cutters are mounted on should be your top priority. The steel should be strong enough to hold the carbide insert firmly in place and provide stability during use. Lower quality steel can result in poor performance and a shorter lifespan for your tools.
Cut Type – Another important consideration is the type of cutters that come with the tool. Carbide woodturning tools come in different shapes and sizes of cutters, each designed for different types of cuts. Some examples include scraper cutters for fine finishing work, roughing cutters for heavy stock removal, and detailed cutters for intricate designs. Understanding what type of work you’ll be doing will inform what cut type will be best suited to your needs.
Handle – The handle is equally important to consider when choosing the best carbide woodturning tool for you. A comfortable ergonomic handle can make a huge difference in your ability to work for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, a poor quality handle can lead to discomfort when working.
Price – The cost of carbide woodturning tools varies depending on the manufacturer, quality, and size of the tool. Ultimately, the amount you spend on carbide woodturning tools will depend on the amount of use you anticipate and the level of quality you require. Higher quality tools with more versatile cutters may be more expensive but can also provide better value in the long run.
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- Top Pick
- Runner Up
- Also Great
- Worthy Mention
- Best Carbide Mini Woodturning Tool Set
- Best Full Size Budget Option
Top Pick
Simple Woodturning Tools Carbide Lathe Turning Tool Set
Carbide woodturning tools have revolutionized the woodturning industry, and for good reason. They are fundamentally different from traditional high-speed steel (HSS) tools in their durability, sharpness, and ease of use. With that in mind, we set out to find the best carbide woodturning tools on the market, and we are thrilled to say that we have found them: The American made set of 3 full-size carbide wood lathe turning tools.
This set includes a hollower, detailer, and rougher with each tool specifically designed to cater to woodturners of all skill levels. The set stands out from the competition with its color-coded handles, making it incredibly easy to identify the correct tool for the job.
The overall length of the tools is 12 inches, with a handle tang of half-inch diameter and 2.5 inches in length. When the tool is inserted into the handle, the total length of the tool is 9.5 inches, plus the handle length of 17 inches, for a total overall length of 26.5.
The outside diameter of the handles is 1 3/8″ and the tool opening is 1/2″ in diameter. The carbide tips have multiple sharp edges that can be rotated several times, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The tools can be easily changed by loosening the two stainless steel set screws, there is also a Torx star wrench included for easy tool maintenance. The combination of carbide tips, solid aluminum handles, and comfortable foam grips make these tools a pleasure to use and are sure to last.
What We Like:
- Durability – The carbide tips with multiple sharp edges make these tools highly durable, ensuring they last longer than traditional high-speed steel (HSS) tools with just one edge. This is especially useful for those who engage in regular woodworking projects as it eliminates the constant need for sharpening tools.
- Easy Identification – The color-coded handles for each tool make it quick and easy to identify the correct tool for a particular task. This feature is especially useful for beginners who are still learning the various techniques and tools needed for turning different types of wood.
- Quick Tool Changes – The set comes with a Torx star wrench that facilitates easy and quick tool changes, eliminating the need for special tools. This feature is especially useful for those who work on multiple projects and need to switch between different tools frequently.
- Ergonomic Handles – The handles are designed with ergonomic foam grips that provide maximum comfort, even during prolonged use. This feature helps reduce hand fatigue and ensures the user is comfortable when working on long woodworking projects.
- American Made – These carbide woodturning tools are manufactured in America, which speaks to their high quality and ensures they meet the standard of woodworking craftspeople in the US.
Things to Consider:
- Limited Toolset – While the set comes with three essential tools, it may not be enough for someone who works on more complicated woodworking projects. They may require additional tools to achieve the desired results.
- Price – This carbide woodturning set is not the most affordable option in the market. While the high-quality design and construction justify the higher price point, those on a budget may not be able to afford it.
Runner Up
Carbide Tipped Woodturning Tool Set
Looking for a high-quality woodturning set that makes roughing faster, simpler, and safer? Look no further than the Asieg Tool carbide tipped woodturning set.
Crafted from durable materials like aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and tungsten carbide, this set features CNC-machined square stainless steel tools that are stronger, stiffer, and less likely to roll than round shaft tools. With a square shaft design, the tools keep the flat back flat on the tool rest and level with the floor, making them easy to use and great for both beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.
The set features a replaceable handle matched with two black aluminum alloy handles, easy-to-use and giving you a greatly simplified learning curve when turning. With no complicated angles to learn and remember, it’s a foolproof solution that lets you get started on your projects faster.
Each tool in the set is matched with a specific indexable replacement carbide insert design, allowing you to get fresh edges for maximum cutter life.
- The rougher-14 tool comes with matching indexable square 14 × 14 × 2.0mm carbide cutters.
- The rougher-15 with radius provides matched indexable square 15 × 15 × 2.5mm -Radius 150 carbide inserts.
- The finisher-R12 tool lets you quickly turn and hollow to the desired shape using the matching indexable 12mm round carbide tipped insert.
- The finisher-R16 tool offers a 16mm round carbide tipped insert.
- The detailer tool has a matching indexable diamond VEMN160208 and VEMN160202 carbide blades, making it perfect for small, intricate detail work.
- The hollowing tool offers a swan neck design that makes it easy to complete hollow forms.
- The parting and grooving tool has a brazed carbide tip blade that offers sharper effects for longer service life.
- The woodturning lathe tool handle offers a dimension of length 14.17″ (360mm), diameter 1.02″ (26mm), and aperture 0.472″ (12mm). The handle accepts woodturning tools bars with a 12mm diameter and already comes with two replacement parts, saving you time and money in the long run.
The Asieg Tool carbide tipped woodturning set offers a quality product that’s sure to satisfy both beginners and experienced woodworkers alike. With its easy-to-use design, durable construction, and versatile selection of tools, it’s a great investment that’s sure to last for years to come.
What We Like:
- Durable materials – aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and tungsten carbide ensure that the tools will last a long time and withstand heavy use.
- Indexable replacement carbide inserts – Allows you to get fresh edges for maximum cutter life, saving you time and money in the long run.
- Different insert designs – Allowing you to tackle a wide range of woodworking projects.
- Sturdy Handles – Comes with two replacement parts, making it a cost-effective choice for any woodworking enthusiast.
Things to Consider:
- Relatively Expensive – High cost compared to other woodturning sets on the market.
- The square shaft design – May take some getting used to if you’re used to using round shaft tools.
Also Great
Woodturning Carbide Lathe Tools
With multiple sharp edges that can be rotated several times, you can easily get a clean, sharp edge by rotating the cutter head ¼ turn. This means less downtime and more time spent turning wood.
These tools are CNC machined from ½” square stainless steel, making them stronger, stiffer, and less likely to roll than round shaft tools. And thanks to the square shaft, the flat back of each tool can be kept flat on the tool rest and level with the floor.
The handle is another area where this set shines. Made from hard and solid beech wood, the ergonomic design makes these tools comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Plus, unlike other wood turning tool sets on the market that come with only one handle, this set comes with a handle for each tool. That means no more changing out the bar every time you want to switch tools.
In this set, you’ll receive:
- Carbide tipped rougher tool – square 15x15x2.5mm R50°
- Carbide tipped detailer tool – radius diamond 10x28mm
- Carbide tipped finisher tool – round 12mm x 2.5mm -30°
- Two square carbide inserts – 14x14x2.0mm
- Two diamond carbide inserts – 10x28mm
- Two round carbide inserts – 12mm diameter x 2.5mm -30°
- All the screws – 4x8mm for round and diamond inserts, 6x8mm for square and radius square inserts
- Three star key wrenches
What We Like:
- High-Quality Carbide Tips – The carbide tips on each of these lathe tools are of premium quality, and they are CNC machined from stainless steel. The tips are incredibly sharp and durable, making it easy to cut through any type of wood.
- Ergonomic Handle – The handle of each of these lathe tools is made of solid and hard beechwood. The design of the handle is ergonomically efficient, making the tools comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
- Square Shaft Design – The square shaft design of these tools helps to keep the back of each tool flat on the rest and level with the floor. This design feature helps to improve the accuracy and consistency of each cut.
- Multiple Sharp Edges – Each carbide tip of these lathe tools is rotatable, providing the user with four different cutting edges. This feature allows for quick adjustments and helps to reduce downtime during use.
- Full Tool Set – In addition to the tools themselves, this set also includes all the screws, inserts, and a wrench needed for easy installation. This feature is great for beginners in woodworking.
Things to Consider:
- Heavier than Traditional Round Rods – The square shaft design allows for a flat back on the rest, but this also makes the lathe tools slightly heavier than traditional round rod tools. This may make it difficult for some users to maintain control over the tool.
- Limited Selection of Tools – While this set contains a rougher, detailer, and finisher tool, it may not cover all the necessary cuts for woodworking. Users may need to purchase additional tools separately.
- Cost – While carbide lathe tools tend to be more durable than traditional lathe tools, they also tend to come at a higher price point. Buyers should expect to pay more for this set’s high quality and durability.
- Beginners May Need Extra Supervision – Due to the sharpness of the carbide tips, beginners may need extra supervision and guidance when using these tools.
Worthy Mention
Carbide Wood Lathe Turning Tools
One of the standout features of the Aogbra turning set is the tungsten carbide cutters. Unlike typical carbon or high-speed steel tools, these cutters keep their sharp cutting edges longer, even after hours and hours of use. And if a cutter becomes dull, it’s as easy as rotating it to work with another new side of the edge. Changes take just seconds, allowing you to continue turning without interruption.
Another impressive feature of this set is the quick disassembly design. The 10.6″-long, machined aluminum solid handle incorporates an 8.6″ extend grip that utilizes a unique forward chucking system. No tools are required! Simply unscrew the knurled chuck collet to insert any of the four supplied shafts with carbide cutters, tighten the chuck collar, and you are ready to turn. This design makes it incredibly easy to switch between different cutting heads, giving you maximum flexibility while turning.
Each one of the four 8-1/4″ steel tool shafts is supplied with one of four carbide insert cutter profiles: a circle, square or diamond. The machined shafts have bottoms that are milled with flat bevels for extra stability on the tool rest, this stability is essential when turning delicate or intricate pieces.
The turning system itself is accompanied by a range of additional tools, including a gooseneck hollow tool and a T15 wrench. All of this comes packed in a presentation storage box, making it easy to keep everything organized and within reach.
What We Like:
- Tungsten Carbide Cutters – The durability of these cutters ensures exceptional quality cuts and long-lasting performance.
- Quick Disassembly Design – This feature allows for easy and efficient changing of the carbide cutters, allowing for flexibility when working on different types of wood.
- Stability – The flat bottom of the machined steel tool shafts provide exceptional stability while turning, reducing the risk of slips and improving accuracy.
- Ergonomics and Sure Grip – The handle has an excellent grip that fits comfortably in the hand, allowing greater precision and enhanced comfort for hours of woodworking.
- Presentation Storage Box – The set comes in a convenient box, which keeps everything organized and in one place, making it easy to transport and store.
Things to Consider:
- Replacement Parts – While the tungsten carbide cutters last longer than traditional carbon and high-speed steel tools, replacements may be needed down the line.
- Price Point – While this is an exceptional set for woodturning, it does fall on the higher end of the price spectrum. It may not be the best option for beginners or woodturners on a tight budget.
Best Carbide Mini Woodturning Tool Set
Savannah 3 Piece Carbide Mini Turning Tool Set
One of the best things about this set is that the shearing action produced by the carbide tipped cutters ensures cleaner, smoother cuts than traditional turning tools, which can leave rough surfaces. Plus, each mini turning tool features a flush fit comfort grip handle that is comfy to hold, and with a heavy duty steel ferrule for extra strength and support it is built to last.
With this set, you won’t have to worry about constantly sharpening your turning tools because the carbide cutters stay sharper for longer. And when they eventually dull, simply loosen the cutter screw, rotate the tip, and secure the screw for a fresh, clean cutting edge.
The Savannah carbide mini turning tool set comes with 3 turning tools, 2 each of 4” radius square, round, and diamond-shaped carbide cutters, 5 cutter head mounting screws, and 2 hex key wrenches. Plus, the thick, heavy duty carrying case makes storage and transportation easy.
Using these tools is simple. Use one cutter on your tool for roughing out or hogging out material, and use a second cutter dedicated to finishing cuts for the longest life from your finishing cutter. And remember to take your time, slowing down the rate of movement across the surface of the wood for smooth results. And don’t worry about forcing the tool into your stock, these tools make it easy to create clean cuts without any effort on your part.
When it’s time to replace a cutter, just lightly grease the threads on the socket screw with any kind of machine grease to keep it lubricated. It really is that simple!
So if you’re looking for an easy, efficient way to elevate your woodturning game, the Savannah Carbide Mini Turning Tool Set is the way to go. With its durable construction, comfortable handles, and easy-to-use carbide cutters, you’ll be creating stunning, smooth projects in no time.
What We Like:
- Easy-to-Replace Carbide Cutters – When the carbide cutter eventually dulls, you can simply loosen the screw, rotate the tip, and secure the screw for a clean, fresh cutting edge.
- Shearing Action of Carbide Cutters – Traditional turning tools can leave rough surfaces, but the carbide tipped cutters in this set produce shearing action that ensures cleaner, smoother cuts. This means less sanding or finishing work for you.
- Comfortable and Durable Handles – The Flush Fit Comfort Grip handles are approximately 9-1/8″ long and are comfortable and easy to grip. Plus, the heavy-duty steel ferrule ensures extra strength and durability.
- Versatile Set of Turning Tools – This tool set comes with three turning tools and six carbide cutters in various shapes and sizes, so you can tackle most any type of project. You can easily switch between the cutters for different stages of your project, making the whole woodturning process more efficient.
- Convenient Carrying Case – This carbide mini turning tool set set comes with a thick, heavy-duty carrying case with a removable foam tray liner, which makes storage and transportation of your tools even easier.
Things to Consider:
- Carbide Cutters Can Be Expensive to Replace – While the carbide cutters last longer than traditional turning tools, they do eventually need to be replaced. Compared to standard turning tools, replacement carbide cutters can be more expensive.
- Learning Curve to Using Carbide Tools – If you are used to traditional turning tools, there may be a learning curve to using the carbide tipped cutters. But with practice, you’ll quickly get the hang of it and start to appreciate the ease and efficiency of the shearing action.
Best Full Size Budget Option
VINWOX 20″ Full Size 4 PCS Carbide Wood Lathe Turning Tool Set
Designed with ease of use in mind, this set of tools is perfect for wood turners of all skill levels. One of the most significant advantages these carbide wood lathe tools is that they eliminate the need for constant sharpening of your turning tools. The rotatable cutter head allows for quick and easy access to a sharp edge.
This set includes a variety of chisels with different tip inserts, the 10mm straight square steel shank is sturdy and reliable, while the replaceable carbide tip is easy to change out when needed. The rougher boasts an 11.1×11.1×1.75mm 4 sided square shape carbide tip, while the finisher has a 12mm diameter round shape carbide tip. The detailer chisel has a 28x10mm diamond shape carbide tip, and the peach square radius is 11.3×11.3×1.75mm with a 4 sided 2″ arc square radius carbide tip.
The 1/2/3/4 Indexed Carbide tip design always offers the sharpest edge for turning and the maximum cutting life, so your tools last longer and provide better results.
What We Like:
- Easy to Use – These carbide turning tools are designed with ease of use in mind, making them perfect for wood turners of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wood turner, you can get started effortlessly.
- Swapable Carbide Tips – We love that each chisel comes with a replaceable carbide tip that can easily be swapped out when necessary.
- Rotatable Cutter Head – Featuring a rotatable cutter head that eliminates the need for sharpening. It also ensures quick access to a sharp edge whenever you need it, saving you time and effort.
- Indexed Carbide Tip Design – We like the indexed carbide tip design that ensures maximum cutting life and the sharpest edge for turning.
- Versatile Chisel Set – With a range of chisels with different tip inserts, this set is great for lots of woodturning projects.
Things to Consider:
- Learning Curve – These carbide tipped woodturning tools are different from traditional turning tools and may have a bit of a learning curve to use effectively. They may take some time and patience to master.
- Carbide Tip Replacement Costs – Although not excessively expensive, these tips will eventually need replacing.