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New and Hot

Thompson Lathe Tools

Handcrafted U.S Made Turning Tools

We've been hearing a lot about the new Thompson Lathe tools lately. Not only that you can buy these superior U.S. made tools direct but that other tool makers are using Thomspon steel as the basis for their tools! That sure got us to pay attention!

Thompson tools are made by Doug Thompson himself which means that a turner is making turning tools. We like knowing that they are being designed and made by someone that walks in our shoes (chips and all)!!

The Thompson line includes; both U- and V-shaped bowl gouges, spindle gouges, detail gouges, skews and scrapers! What more could you ask for?

And the steel, did we talk about the steel? It's some of the most modern steel available. It's the longest edge holding A-11, hardened to 60-62 Rockwell and then triple tempered with a cryogenic treatment. The Thompson statement is "Nothing else can be done to this steel".

Now, the secret is that you can buy these tools for basically the same price as tools without all this special attention! The only difference is that you need to buy or make your own handle! I think for experienced turners, this small inconvenience is well worth the abilty to use one of the best tools on the market!

If you want to find out more, you can visit:

Thompson Lathe Tools website

or

You can visit the Thompson Lathe Tools booth at the 2008 AAW Symposium in Richmond, VA.

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Personal Experience
Richard DiPerna
Woondturning Online Co-Founder

I purchased this vacuum about five years ago and have been extremely happy, and it is still going strong. It is top of the line in quality and features, and I feel the higher cost was well worth it. It's the one tool I use almost every time I'm in the shop.

This vacuum has plenty of suction for my purposes. I use it primarily for shop cleanup, especially at the lathe after shoveling up the shavings. I also use it in auto mode for my smaller power tools, e.g. my 5"random orbit sander on flat work.

It's the small particles that are most dangerous, so I added the 1 micron filter kit and use the disposable paper bags that also act as a pre-filter. I only use it dry to help keep it in top condition for woodworking.

Any questions about my experience with the Turbo II, just click Sumbit Comments on the left navigation bar, and I'll get back to you.

Woodcraft is Offering $30 off Accessory Kits When Purchased With a Vacuum

It's larger and smaller brothers are also on sale, but I have no experience with them.

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Methods and Jigs for Reverse Turning Bowls by John Lucas

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Methods and Jigs for Reverse Turning Bowls
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