Parting tool, recommendations?

Skin-Job · Oct 21, 2017

I'm putting my kit together.

I have some nice carbide chisels being made up for me by Glenn at UK woodcraft and carbide chisels in Essex.

I'm looking for a good quality parting tool for pen work. Something to part small projects of course, but also to cut tenons and grooves.
Can anybody suggest a decent tool?

Many thanks,
Karl

Penpal · Oct 21, 2017

Make one using a metal lathe cut off steel.

Peter.

Bigblackdog · Oct 21, 2017

I have a wide (1/4"), no name cheap one, and an Ashley Iles narrow (1/8"?) one. Both are widest at the point and narrower at the top and bottom in cross section. To be honest, other than the width of cut I wouldn't know the difference in the steel. I use them interchangeably, but the narrow is a bit better for pens, because you save wood. The wide is a bit better when you have an overhang on the tool rest because it is longer and larger section. I don't do many bowls, and would rather cut tenons with a bedan or skew.

I would say choose one and don't spend too long worrying about it. Ashley Iles are my default for such purchases because the price and quality tend to be good.

GSteer · Oct 21, 2017

I've two, an old no-name one I inherited from my father (about 1/8") and a Sorby Slim Parting tool (1/16"). The Sorby one gets used almost exclusively, can't think when I last picked the other one up now. It's solid and does the job. I'm not a toolmaker myself so this seemed the best option for me.

Slim Parting Tool

silver · Oct 21, 2017

As the basis is pen turning if I remember rightly you are planning to stick with, I would go for the thinnest possible.

The reason I give is if you venture in to kitless pens then you will need a thin parting tool (1/8 ideal) to recess the root of the threads on the pen body.

GSteer said:
I've two, an old no-name one I inherited from my father (about 1/8") and a Sorby Slim Parting tool (1/16"). The Sorby one gets used almost exclusively, can't think when I last picked the other one up now. It's solid and does the job. I'm not a toolmaker myself so this seemed the best option for me.

Slim Parting Tool

Good solution that Greg has linked too.

Dalboy · Oct 21, 2017

I have a number of parting tools as Eamonn stated the thin one is better for the threads, also if you cut a piece in half using it little wood is removed making it easier to get a grain match this is not so noticable with pens but if you make small boxes it is ideal

21William · Oct 21, 2017

I use the Crown Firmager which is brilliant.

Crown Parting & Skew

http://www.crownhandtools.ltd.uk/Melvyn Firmagerc.pdf

Skin-Job · Oct 21, 2017

Great advice, many thanks for taking the time.

K

Skin-Job · Oct 21, 2017

Just ordered the Sorby slim parting tool.

Thanks everyone,
K

fortress · Oct 21, 2017

I did what many other have done, bought steel bars of e bay and made My own. :thumbs:

Penpal · Oct 21, 2017

In support of the Bedan for general use. I was introduced to this tooling by a visiting Frenchman of world repute. I essence already made,simply a square or round tool steel cut (sharpened) at 45 degrees. Set in a handle end of story. Very handy tool. Look up Stuin Tokyo one of my heroes U Tube explanation and referring to the French visitor we had here many years ago.

Peter.

wm460 · Oct 25, 2017

Power hacksaw blades make great parting tools.

Dalboy · Oct 25, 2017

Skin-Job said:
Just ordered the Sorby slim parting tool.

Thanks everyone,
K

When using it wiggle the tool left and right very slightly this gives just enough room for the tool to cut deep without binding and also over heating as they are only thin. It is fine when doing thinner work of if you only want a shallow cut. Like most tools use them within there capabilities.

Skin-Job · Oct 25, 2017

Good advice, many thanks,
K

Parting tool, recommendations?

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