Woodworking Chisels & Turning

Accurate joinery and smooth curves depend on controlled cutting edges. This collection of woodworking chisels and turning tools covers shaping, carving and lathe applications across furniture and joinery work. From removing waste in dovetails to shaping complex profiles on a spindle, these tools are built for reliability. Find the profile that suits your next project and work your timber with confidence.

Turning Chisel Sets (26)

Turning Gouges (46)

Turning Scrapers (26)

Turning Skew Chisels (14)

Turning Detail Tools (18)

Turning Hollowing Tools (23)

Turning Parting Tools (10)

Turning Tools with Replaceable Tips (54)

Shop our Range of Chisels and Turning Tools for Woodworking

Reliable cutting edges are a core part of many woodworking tasks. Having tools suited to specific operations, from joinery work to shaping turned components, supports consistent results and cleaner finishes. Our selection covers everything from heavy-duty bench chisels for general construction to delicate carving tools for intricate detailing.

For those focused on the lathe, our woodturning range supports woodworkers of all skill levels. Matching your tool to your current setup is essential. Heavier tools reduce vibration on larger projects, while finer tools allow for detail work. By choosing high-quality steel and ergonomic handles, you ensure your tools hold an edge longer and reduce fatigue during long sessions.

What to Look for in Woodworking Chisels

Woodworking chisels vary in blade width, edge profile and bevel angle, which affects how they perform across different joinery and shaping tasks. A wider blade offers stability for paring flat surfaces, while narrower blades are essential for cleaning out tight corners. The bevel angle is another critical factor; lower angles slice through softwoods easily, while steeper angles provide the durability needed for dense Australian hardwoods.

Handle shape significantly influences your control. A handle that fits well in your palm allows for precise force, whether you are using a mallet for chopping or hand pressure for paring. Assessing these features helps you maintain accuracy and achieve a superior surface finish in your everyday joinery and fitting tasks.

Common Uses for Wood Carving and Turning Chisels

Turning and carving require tools designed to handle rotational forces and multi-directional grain. In woodturning, gouges are your workhorses for roughing down stock and shaping profiles. Skews provide a glass-smooth finish when mastered, while parting tools are essential for sizing tenons and separating workpieces.

Scrapers are excellent for refining curves and smoothing end grain on bowls and vessels. Using these tools effectively relies on proper technique and sharp edges. If you are setting up your station, consider how these chisels interact with your lathes and lathe accessories to ensure safe and stable operation. For secure mounting while you shape, pairing the right gouge with reliable woodturning chucks and accessories gives you the confidence to tackle more complex forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of woodworking chisels do I need for general joinery?
For general joinery, a set of bevel-edge bench chisels is the most versatile choice. Sizes like 6mm, 12mm, 19mm, and 25mm will cover most tasks, including cutting dovetails, cleaning out mortises, and fitting hinges.

What is the difference between wood carving chisels and turning chisels?
Wood carving chisels are designed for hand pressure or light mallet work on stationary timber. Turning chisels have much longer handles for leverage and are made from thicker, more heat-resistant steel (usually High-Speed Steel) to withstand the forces generated by spinning wood on a lathe.

How do you sharpen a wood chisel?
Sharpening involves grinding the bevel to the correct angle and then honing the edge on sharpening stones (water, oil, or diamond) until a burr forms. You then remove the burr by polishing the back of the blade flat. Regular honing keeps the tool cutting cleanly and safely.

What chisel sizes are most useful for beginners?
If you are just starting, you do not need a full set immediately. A 12mm (1/2") and a 19mm (3/4") chisel can handle a vast amount of general woodworking tasks. You can add narrower or wider sizes as your projects demand them.

Can the same chisels be used for hardwood and softwood?Yes, but you may want to adjust your sharpening angle. A standard 25-degree bevel works well for softwoods, while a secondary bevel of 30 degrees creates a stronger edge that is less likely to chip when working with harder timbers.

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Woodworking Chisels & Turning

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