The Best Wood Turning Tools for Beginners In 2024

Ready to dive into the world of wood turning? It’s an amazing hobby, we’re going to take a look at the best wood turning tools for beginners that’ll help you to create beautiful, handcrafted pieces. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve using just a lathe and a few simple tools!

First and foremost, you’ll need a lathe. These machines are the backbone of wood turning, and they come in all shapes and sizes to suit your needs and budget. Whether you go for a beginners benchtop lathe or even a larger, floor-standing lathe, your lathe will be the center of your wood turning setup.

Which Wood Turning Tools Do I Need To Get Started?

As we’ve already mentioned, you’ll need a wood lathe of course, now it’s time to stock up on chisels! These hand tools are essential for shaping and carving wood, and there are tons of different types to choose from. From roughing chisels to detail chisels to spindle gouges, you’ll want to have a variety on hand to tackle any project that comes your way.

And don’t forget the skew chisel! This specialized tool is perfect for fine, detailed work, and it’ll allow you to create precise, clean lines and curves on your turned pieces.

Of course, no wood turning setup is complete without a parting tool. This thin, pointed chisel is great for separating pieces of wood from the main workpiece, and it’s also handy for creating thin lines and grooves.

Last but not least, you’ll want to add a round nose scraper to your toolkit. This flat, circular tool is perfect for smoothing and finishing the surface of your turned pieces, and it has a rounded edge that allows it to follow the contours of the wood for a super smooth finish.

With so many different chisels to choose from, I recommend you go for a wood turning chisel set so that you get the chance to try out some of the most frequently used chisels and practice with them.

With these essential wood turning tools in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces that will be the envy of all your friends! Happy wood turning!

Top Pick

IMOTECHOM 8-Pieces HSS Wood Turning Tools

The IMOTECHOM 8-piece lathe tool set is a top-notch choice for any woodworking enthusiast. The fact that this is our top pick choice in our review of the best wood turning tools for beginners shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The carbon steel blades are accurately pre-sharpened by machine, ensuring a precise and clean cut every time. The 6.3-inch blades are also made of high speed steel, which is known for its durability and longevity.

The walnut wooden handles are a really nice touch, as they provide a comfortable and secure grip while turning. The 10-inch length is just right, allowing for ample control and maneuverability.

The wooden case that comes with the set is also a standout feature. It has double layer panels, an enlarged structure, and a thickened hinge, making it strong and protective of the tools inside. The packaging even includes EPE protection, ensuring that the case and tools stay in good condition during shipping.

As for the contents of the set, it includes everything a wood turner needs for a wide variety of projects:

• 1-Inch Roughing Gouge – This is great for shaping and smoothing rough wood. It has a wide, rounded blade that allows for efficient removal of material and a smooth finish.
• 7/8-Inch Roughing Gouge – Similar to the 1-inch roughing gouge, this tool is designed for shaping and smoothing rough wood. The smaller size of the blade is useful for working on smaller projects or for more precise control.
• 5/16-Inch Spindle Gouge – Perfect for creating decorative details on spindles and small bowls. It has a narrow, pointed blade that allows for precise cuts and intricate designs.
• 1-Inch Skew Chisel – The skew chisel is a versatile tool that is great for cutting and carving at an angle. It has a long, flat blade that is angled at the end, allowing for a clean and smooth cut.
• 5/8-Inch Skew Chisel – Similar to the 1-inch skew chisel, this tool is great for cutting and carving at an angle. The smaller size of the blade is useful for more precise control and smaller projects.
• 5/8-Inch Spear Scraper – An excellent tool for creating a smooth finish on your projects. It has a long, flat blade with a pointed end that is perfect for scraping and smoothing wood.
• 5/8-Inch Round Nose Scraper – This tool is similar to the spear scraper, but with a rounded blade that is perfect for creating curved or rounded surfaces.
• 5/8-Inch Parting Tool – The parting tool is designed for separating pieces of wood. It has a narrow, pointed blade that allows for precise cuts and clean separations.

This set includes a variety of tools, that includes roughing gouges, a spindle gouge, skew chisels, scrapers, and a parting tool, allowing for a wide range of projects and applications. This set is a reliable choice for any wood turner looking for a comprehensive and high-quality set of tools.

What We Like:

• Precise and Accurate Blades – The carbon steel blades are accurately pre-sharpened by machine, providing a clean cut every time.
• Comfortable Wooden Handles – The walnut wooden handles provide a comfortable grip, allowing for ample control and maneuverability.
• Durable Wooden Case – The wooden case is strong and protective, with double layer panels, an enlarged structure, and thickened hinge.
• Versatile Tool Set – The set includes a wide range of tools, including roughing gouges, spindle gouge, skew chisels, scrapers, and a parting tool, allowing for a variety of projects.
• High-Quality Materials – The high speed steel blades and wooden handles make for a long-lasting and durable tool set.

Things to Consider:

• May Take Time to Get Used to – New woodworkers may need time to get used to the tools and find their preferred technique.
• Will Require Maintenance – Although the blades are pre-sharpened, they may dull over time and will then require sharpening.

Runner Up

PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 Wood Lathe 8pc HSS Chisel Set

Continuing our review of the best wood turning tools for beginners, one of the things that you’ll really appreciate about this 8 piece wood turning chisel set is the fact that it includes a wide range of essential tools. Each of the chisels is designed for a specific purpose, and having all of these tools at your disposal allows you to tackle a wide variety of projects.

For example, the 3/16″ parting tool is great for creating precise grooves and dividing pieces of wood. It is a must-have for any wood turner working on projects that require precise cuts. The 5/8″ spear scraper is another essential tool that is perfect for smoothing and finishing surfaces. It is a versatile tool that can be used to create smooth, even surfaces on a variety of projects.

The skew chisels, with their 1″ and 5/8″ sizes, are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including creating clean, smooth cuts and adding decorative details to your projects. The round nose scraper and bowl gouge are both essential for shaping and hollowing out wood, and the spindle gouge and roughing gouge are great for creating larger, more complex shapes.

If you go for this 8 piece wood turning chisel set you won’t be disappointed, it’s a fantastic investment for any wood turner. It includes all of the essential tools you need to tackle a wide variety of projects, and the high-quality M2 High Speed Steel blades and beautifully turned hardwood handles make it a pleasure to use. The included wooden storage and carrying case is a great added bonus, making it easy to keep all of your chisels organized and protected when not in use.

What We Like:

• Versatile Set of Wood Turning Tools – With a range of chisels, including roughing gouges, skew chisels, scrapers, and a parting tool, this set allows you to tackle a variety of projects with ease.
• Essential Tools – The set includes essential tools like the 3/16″ parting tool and 5/8″ spear scraper, which are great for precise cuts and smoothing surfaces.
• High-Quality M2 High Speed Steel Blades – The blades are durable, accurate, and precise, ensuring clean and smooth cuts every time.
• Comfortable Hardwood Handles – The beautifully turned hardwood handles provide a comfortable and secure grip while turning.
• Convenient Storage Case – The included wooden storage case is sturdy and protects the tools from damage, making it easy to keep them organized and protected when not in use.

Things to Consider:

• Steel Blades – While the carbon steel blades are durable and precise, they may be more prone to rust than stainless steel blades.
• Quality Control – While the pre-sharpened blades are accurately done by machine, there may be some variations in quality control between sets.

Also Great

Mophorn Woodworking Lathe Chisel Set 8 Piece

Woodturners are always on the lookout for high-quality tools that can take their projects to the next level and that’s why we’ve included this 8 piece wood turning chisel set in our review of the best wood turning tools for beginners for you to take a look at.

First and foremost, the solid blades are made from high speed steel, which is known for its durability and accuracy. These chisels are not only finely ground, but they have also been heat treated, so they are ready to use right out of the box. This means you can start turning right away, without having to spend extra time and effort preparing your chisels.

The set includes a variety of essential chisels, including gauge, skew, round nose scraper, standard parting, and diamond parting. Plus, you’ll even get a free 5/8″ chisel as a bonus. With such a wide range of chisels included, this set is perfect for tackling a variety of wood turning projects.

Let’s take a look at these chisels:

First up, we have the gauge chisels. These chisels have a straight edge and a slightly rounded tip, which makes them ideal for marking and cutting precise lines. They are commonly used for detailing and finishing work, as well as for creating decorative elements on turned pieces.

Next, we have the skew chisels. These chisels have a long, flat blade that is angled at the end, which allows you to make clean cuts and smooth surfaces on your turned pieces. They are versatile tools that can be used for a wide range of tasks, including roughing out, shaping, and finishing.

The round nose scraper is another useful tool included in this set. It has a curved blade with a sharp edge, which is perfect for creating smooth, curved surfaces on your turned pieces. It is particularly useful for working with softer woods and for creating intricate, decorative details.

The standard parting chisel is a narrow, pointed tool that is used for separating pieces of wood and for creating precise, thin cuts. It is a valuable tool for any woodturner and is essential for creating delicate and intricate projects.

And finally, we have the diamond parting chisel. This chisel has a thin, diamond-shaped blade that is great for creating precise, narrow cuts in your turned pieces. It is particularly useful for creating decorative elements and for separating small pieces of wood.

The chisel handles are made from solid red eucalyptus wood, which gives them a beautiful, classic look. They are also ergonomically designed to be comfortable to use, even during long turning sessions. And the brass ferrules provide a reliable and sturdy connection between the blade and handle.

This set comes in an attractive wooden case, which makes it easy to store and transport your chisels. The foam bases protect the chisels from damage, and the compact design makes it easy to store in a workshop or to transport about when you’re on the go.

What We Like:

• High Speed Steel Blades – The blades are made from high speed steel, which is known for its durability and accuracy. This means you can work with confidence, knowing that your chisels will last a long time and cut cleanly and precisely.
• Ready to Use – The chisels are finely ground and heat treated, so they are ready to use right out of the box. This saves you time and effort in preparing the chisels, so you can start turning immediately.
• Wide Range of Chisels – The set includes a variety of essential chisels, including gauge, skew, round nose scraper, standard parting, and diamond parting. With such a wide range of chisels included, this set is perfect for tackling a variety of wood turning projects.
• Solid Wooden Handles – The chisel handles are made from solid red eucalyptus wood, which gives them a beautiful, classic look. They are also ergonomically designed to be comfortable to use, even during long turning sessions.
• Nice Wooden Case – This set comes in an attractive wooden case, which makes it easy to store and transport your chisels. The foam bases protect the chisels from damage, and the compact design makes it easy to store in a workshop or to transport when you’re on the go.

Things to Consider:

• Maintenance – These chisels need to be sharpened and maintained regularly to keep them in top condition. Make sure you understand the maintenance requirements and are willing to put in the time and effort to keep your chisels in good shape.

Best Budget Option

VINWOX HSS Wood Lathe turning tool Set

This may be the budget option on our review of the best wood turning tools for beginners that we’re looking at here but if your funds are limited then this 8 piece wood turning chisel set is definitely worth taking a look at.

The high speed steel blades are top quality they are also specially heat treated to last even longer than regular HSS blades, which is a huge bonus.

The beautifully turned hardwood handles are not only visually appealing, but they also provide a comfortable grip and improved control while turning.

And with a variety of chisels included, such as a roughing gouge, skew chisel, round nose scraper, bowl gouge, and more, you’ll have all the tools you need for a wide range of projects. Plus, they come sharp right out of the wooden box, so you can get to work right away.

Let’s take a look at what’s in the box:

• 1″ Roughing Gouge – This chisel is great for quickly removing large amounts of wood and shaping rough blanks. Its wide, curved blade is perfect for roughing out bowls and other rounded shapes.
• 1″ Skew Chisel – This chisel is used for creating precise cuts and finishes on your wood turning projects. Its angled blade allows for a smoother, cleaner cut, and it’s also great for creating decorative details.
• 5/8″ Round Nose Scraper – Another useful chisel in this set. Its rounded blade is perfect for creating smooth, concave surfaces on your projects, and it’s also great for removing any rough or uneven areas.
• 1/2″ Bowl Gouge – An essential chisel for any wood turner, and this set includes a high quality one. This chisel is great for shaping and hollowing out bowls, as well as creating other rounded shapes. Its curved blade allows for smooth cuts and a professional finish.
• 1/2″ Spindle Gouge – A versatile chisel that is great for creating decorative details and shaping spindles and other thin, cylindrical projects. Its thin, curved blade allows for precise cuts and a smooth finish.
• 3/16″ Parting Tool – This is a handy chisel for separating different sections of your project or creating thin grooves and details. Its thin blade is great for precise cuts and separating small sections of wood.

So if you want a decent wood turning chisel set that isn’t going to put a dent in your wallet and which enables you to get to work right out of the box, then go for this budget option.

What We Like:

• High Quality HSS Blades – The high speed steel blades are specially heat treated to last longer than regular HSS blades, making them a great value.
• Comfortable Handles – The hardwood handles are visually appealing and provide a comfortable grip, improving control while turning.
• Wide Range of Tools – With a variety of chisels included, such as a roughing gouge, skew chisel, and more, you’ll have all the tools you need for a variety of projects.
• Sharp and Ready to Use – The chisels come sharp right out of the box, allowing you to start turning immediately.
• Budget-Friendly – This is a budget option for beginner wood turners and offers great value for the price.

Things to Consider:

• Quality – While the chisels are good quality for the price, they may not be as durable as higher-end options.