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Buying lathe chisels one at a time beats buying a big set. You get the sizes you actually use, in steel that suits each job, and you skip the extra scrapers that pad set counts. A good individual bowl gouge, a spindle gouge, a roughing gouge, a skew and one or two parting tools cover almost all spindle and bowl work.
The choices that matter are the tool's job, its size (and whether the maker measures the bar or the flute), the steel and the handle length. Below are seven individual tools, mostly cryo-treated high-speed steel from Hurricane (plus one BMWOOD gouge) and classic Robert Sorby HSS, with specs from the makers' and retailers' product pages. If you would rather start with a set, see our best wood lathe tools guide.
Our top picks at a glance
Hurricane Turning Tools HTT-242RAZW M42 Cryo 5/8 in. Bowl Gouge (1/2 in. Flute)Check priceBest Spindle Gouge
BMWOOD Cryo M2 HSS 5/8 in. Spindle Gouge with 15-1/2 in. Beech HandleCheck priceBest Roughing Gouge
Hurricane Turning Tools CryoCut Series HTT-509 M2 Cryo 1-1/4 in. Spindle Roughing GougeCheck priceQuick picks
- Best Bowl Gouge: Hurricane M2 HSS 3 Piece Bowl Gouge Set. Best for covering small, medium and large bowls with one purchase.
- Best Premium-Steel Bowl Gouge: Hurricane HTT-242RAZW M42 Cryo 5/8 in. Best for longer edge life between sharpenings.
- Best Spindle Gouge: BMWOOD Cryo M2 HSS 5/8 in. Best for beads, coves and spindle detail.
- Best Roughing Gouge: Hurricane HTT-509 M2 Cryo 1-1/4 in. Best for turning square spindle stock round fast.
- Best Skew Chisel: Robert Sorby 810H-1 1 in. Best for planing cuts with a forgiving, rolled-edge skew.
- Best Parting Tool: Robert Sorby 830H 1/8 in. Best for an all-purpose parting and sizing tool.
- Best Thin Parting Tool: Robert Sorby 865H 1/16 in. Best for pens, boxes and small work where every bit of wood counts.
Comparison table
| Tool | Best for | Steel | Size | Handle | Overall length | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane M2 3 piece bowl gouge set | Bowls | M2 HSS | 5/8, 1/2 and 3/8 in. bar | Stained beech | Not stated | See options |
| Hurricane HTT-242RAZW bowl gouge | Bowls, edge life | Cryo M42 powdered-metal HSS | 5/8 in. bar, 1/2 in. flute | 14 in. | 24 in. | Check price |
| BMWOOD 5/8 in. spindle gouge | Spindle detail | Cryo M2 HSS | 5/8 in. | 15-1/2 in. beech | Not stated (9-3/4 in. blade) | Check price |
| Hurricane HTT-509 roughing gouge | Roughing spindles | Cryo M2 HSS | 1-1/4 in. flute | 15 in. beech | 24 in. | Check price |
| Robert Sorby 810H-1 skew | Planing cuts | HSS | 1 in. wide | 12 in. ash | 18-1/4 in. | Check price |
| Robert Sorby 830H parting tool | Parting, sizing | HSS | 1/8 in. wide | Ash | See note | Check price |
| Robert Sorby 865H micro parting tool | Small work | HSS | 1/16 in. wide | 6-1/4 in. ash | 10 in. | Check price |
Note: one retailer lists the 830H at 13-1/2 inches overall in the title and 17 to 21 inches for the range in the description, so check the listing before you buy.
Turning tools visual guide
Pick a tool to see its shape from above, its cross-section and a starting bevel angle drawn to scale.
Angles are starting points from the makers and the AAW, not rules: pick one and grind it consistently. Carbide insert tools have no bevel to ride, so hold them flat and level. Sharpen on a slow-speed grinder (about 1,750 RPM) with light pressure. Sources: AAW Safety Guidebook for Woodturners and its first-bowl-gouge guide; Oneway, Tormek TTS-100 and Robert Sorby ProEdge sharpening charts.
The best lathe chisels, reviewed
1. Hurricane M2 HSS 3 Piece Bowl Gouge Set, Pro Series: Best Bowl Gouge
Who it's for: anyone turning bowls, from the first one onward.
The AAW calls the bowl gouge the most versatile tool you will own, and this set gives you three of them. Per the Amazon listing, it contains a 5/8-inch bar (1/2-inch flute) and a 1/2-inch bar (3/8-inch flute) bowl gouge, both with a side grind, plus a 3/8-inch bar (1/4-inch flute) gouge with a standard grind (Hurricane HTT-240W, HTT-241SGW and HTT-242SGW). Hurricane makes them from M2 high-speed steel in Sheffield, England, in partnership with Crown Tools, with stained beech handles and brass accents.
The 1/2-inch bar is the everyday size for most bowls on a midi lathe, the 5/8-inch bar gives more reach and stiffness on large work, and the 3/8-inch bar suits small bowls and detail. These are standard M2 rather than cryo-treated; if you want longer edge life on a single gouge, see the M42 option below.
Pros
- Three bowl gouge sizes in one purchase
- Side grind on the two larger gouges for shear cuts
- M2 high-speed steel, made in Sheffield
- Gouges also sold separately
Cons
- Not cryo-treated
- Handle and overall lengths not given on the listing
- Needs a jig to keep a consistent grind
Hurricane Turning Tools M2 HSS 3 Piece Bowl Gouge Set (5/8, 1/2 and 3/8 in. Bar), Pro Series
by Hurricane Turning Tools
Currently unavailable on Amazon
2. Hurricane HTT-242RAZW M42 Cryo 5/8 in. Bowl Gouge: Best Premium-Steel Bowl Gouge
Who it's for: turners who sharpen often and want each edge to last longer, especially on hard or abrasive woods.
The HTT-242RAZW matches the largest gouge in the M2 set (5/8-inch bar, 1/2-inch flute), with an 8-inch usable flute, a 14-inch handle and 24 inches overall, per its listing, but uses cryogenically treated M42 powdered-metal high-speed steel. Hurricane claims it holds an edge three times longer than M2. It is made in Sheffield in partnership with Crown Tools.
Powdered-metal steels are what the AAW's first-bowl-gouge guide calls "high-wear" steels, favored by many professionals. The trade-off is cost: this is a premium-tier tool.
Pros
- M42 powdered-metal HSS for longer edge life
- Same 5/8-inch size as the big M2 gouge
- Long handle for bowl work
- Fewer trips to the grinder
Cons
- Premium price tier
- Handle material and grind not stated on the listing
- Edge-life claim is the maker's own
Hurricane Turning Tools HTT-242RAZW M42 Cryo 5/8 in. Bowl Gouge (1/2 in. Flute)
by Hurricane Turning Tools
3. BMWOOD Cryo M2 HSS 5/8 in. Spindle Gouge: Best Spindle Gouge
Who it's for: spindle turners who want one gouge for beads, coves and detail on legs, handles and candlesticks.
We originally picked Hurricane's CryoCut HTT-529 here, but its Amazon listing showed as currently unavailable when we checked, so we switched to a similar tool you can order. BMWOOD's 5/8-inch spindle gouge is also cryogenically treated M2 high-speed steel, which the listing says improves wear resistance and edge holding. The listing gives a 9-3/4-inch blade with a 6-inch flute, set in a 15-1/2-inch solid beech handle with a stainless steel bolster. It describes a traditional flute for coves, beads and other profiles on spindle work between centers.
A 5/8-inch spindle gouge is on the large side. For pens and very fine detail, a 3/8- or 1/2-inch spindle gouge suits small lathes better; see our best spindle gouges. Like any spindle gouge, keep it off bowl work.
Pros
- Cryo-treated M2 HSS
- Long handle gives control on long spindles
- Traditional flute for beads and coves
- 6 inches of flute to sharpen
Cons
- Large for pens and miniatures
- Not for bowl work
- Lesser-known brand; grind as shipped not stated
BMWOOD Cryo M2 HSS 5/8 in. Spindle Gouge with 15-1/2 in. Beech Handle
by BMWOOD
4. Hurricane HTT-509 M2 Cryo 1-1/4 in. Spindle Roughing Gouge: Best Roughing Gouge
Who it's for: anyone who turns square spindle stock into cylinders.
A wide spindle roughing gouge makes fast, safe work of turning square blanks round. The HTT-509 has a 1-1/4-inch flute, a 1/4-inch-thick blade and a 15-inch beech handle, for 24 inches overall, in cryo-treated M2. Hurricane's listing is clear that it is for spindles only, matching the standard advice: a spindle roughing gouge is not designed for bowls or other face-grain work.
A 1-1/4-inch roughing gouge is a lot of tool on a mini lathe; on small work, a 3/4-inch roughing gouge is easier to manage.
Pros
- Wide flute removes waste quickly
- Long handle for control
- Cryo-treated M2
- Also useful for planing cuts on large spindles
Cons
- Spindles only, never bowls
- Large for mini lathes
- Bar size not stated on the listing
Hurricane Turning Tools CryoCut Series HTT-509 M2 Cryo 1-1/4 in. Spindle Roughing Gouge
by Hurricane Turning Tools
5. Robert Sorby 810H-1 1 in. Standard Skew: Best Skew Chisel
Who it's for: spindle turners ready to learn the planing cut, which leaves the cleanest surface of any turning tool.
The skew has a reputation for catching. Sorby's 810H-1 helps: it is a 1-inch-wide, rectangular-section skew with a dual bevel and slightly rolled edges, which the listing says are meant to help avoid catching an edge. The rectangular profile adds weight, which Sorby positions for spindle work such as newel posts and table legs. The blade is 6-1/4 inches long in a 12-inch hard white ash handle with a brass ferrule, 18-1/4 inches overall, in hardened and tempered HSS.
If you want a cryo-treated alternative, Hurricane's CryoCut HTT-514 is a 1-inch, 1/4-inch-thick M2 Cryo skew with a 12-inch beech handle, 19 inches overall.
Pros
- Slightly rolled edges, meant to reduce catches
- Heavy rectangular section steadies the cut
- 1-inch width suits most spindle work
- Classic Sheffield maker with long-established support
Cons
- Spindle work only
- Plain HSS, not cryo or powdered metal
- 1 inch is large for pens
Robert Sorby 810H-1 1 in. Rectangular Standard Skew Chisel
by Robert Sorby
6. Robert Sorby 830H 1/8 in. Standard Parting Tool: Best Parting Tool
Who it's for: every turner. A parting tool sets diameters, cuts tenons and parts finished work off the lathe.
Sorby's 830H in the 1/8-inch width is a straightforward, narrow parting tool in HSS with an ash handle and brass ferrule. At 1/8 inch, it wastes little wood when parting off and is still stiff enough for sizing cuts with calipers. Sorby says its HSS holds an edge about six times longer than carbon steel.
Parting tools are simple to sharpen: two flat bevels meeting in a point. Sorby's ProEdge chart lists 20 degrees per side.
For something heavier, Hurricane's CryoCut HTT-513 is a 3/4-inch-tall, 1/8-inch-thick M2 Cryo parting tool on a 12-inch beech handle (19 inches overall). Sorby's 833H is a 3/8-inch beading and parting tool (18-3/4 inches overall) that doubles as a bead-forming tool.
Pros
- 1/8-inch width wastes little wood
- Easy to sharpen
- HSS with a brass ferrule and ash handle
- A tool you will use on almost every project
Cons
- Overall length is listed inconsistently by one retailer
- Plain HSS
- Thin blades can flex if overhung far past the rest
Robert Sorby 830H 1/8 in. Standard Parting Tool
by Robert Sorby
7. Robert Sorby 865H 1/16 in. Micro Parting Tool: Best Thin Parting Tool
Who it's for: pen turners, box makers and miniature turners.
The 865H is a 1/16-inch micro parting tool from Sorby's miniature range. The blade is 3-3/4 inches long in a 6-1/4-inch hard white ash handle with a brass ferrule, 10 inches overall, in HSS, made in England. That small size gives you fine control on small lathes and keeps the kerf tiny, which matters when you are parting a lid from a box and want the grain to match.
It is not for large work. Keep it to small diameters and keep the tool rest close.
Pros
- Very thin 1/16-inch kerf
- Compact size for mini lathes and pen work
- Made in England
- Fine control for box lids and finials
Cons
- Too light for large spindles or bowls
- Short handle limits leverage
- Plain HSS
Robert Sorby 865H 1/16 in. Micro Parting Tool
by Robert Sorby
Buying guide: how to choose lathe chisels
Match the tool to the grain
Spindle work has the grain running along the lathe bed; bowl (faceplate) work has it running across. Spindle roughing gouges, spindle gouges and skews are designed for spindle work. Bowl gouges handle face-grain work. Parting tools and scrapers work on both. Using a spindle roughing gouge on a bowl is a classic, dangerous mistake.
Sizing: bar vs flute
The AAW's guide to a first bowl gouge points out that English makers usually size gouges by flute width and American makers by bar diameter, so an American 1/2-inch gouge is about the same as an English 3/8-inch one. Hurricane lists both numbers (for example, 5/8-inch bar, 1/2-inch flute), which removes the guesswork. The AAW's recommendation for a beginner's first bowl gouge is 3/8 or 1/2 inch with a fingernail grind.
Steel
According to the AAW, high-carbon steel does not hold an edge well, so most professionals use high-speed steel (usually M2) or high-wear powdered-metal steels. Cryogenic treatment improves edge holding but costs more. A good rule: spend on steel for the tools you sharpen most (bowl and spindle gouges) and save on tools you use less (parting tools).
Handle length
Long handles give leverage when the tool hangs over the rest, which is why bowl gouges come with 14- to 16-inch handles. Short handles suit small, controlled work like pens. The Sorby 865H's 6-1/4-inch handle and the Hurricane bowl gouges' 14-inch handles show the range.
Grind and sharpening
Many tools arrive with a factory grind you will refine, and listings rarely state the grind. Plan to sharpen before the first cut. Our guide to how to sharpen lathe tools covers angles for every tool here, and our sharpening jig picks help you repeat them.
Parting tool widths
| Width | Good for | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| 1/16 in. | Pens, box lids, miniatures | See options |
| 1/8 in. | All-purpose parting and sizing | See options |
| 3/16 to 1/4 in. | Sturdier sizing cuts, larger spindles | See options |
| Beading and parting (3/8 in.) | Forming beads as well as parting | See options |
For a deeper comparison of widths and flat vs diamond bars, see our guide to the best parting tool for a lathe.
When carbide makes sense
Carbide insert tools need no sharpening and are held flat and level. They scrape rather than slice, so they leave more sanding, but they are a good way to start. See our carbide lathe tools guide.
Price tiers
- Budget: standard HSS individual tools and Hurricane's non-cryo lines.
- Mid-range: Hurricane CryoCut and M2 Cryo tools, Robert Sorby HSS.
- Premium: M42 and other powdered-metal gouges.
How we chose
We did not test these tools ourselves. We compared the steel, sizes, handle lengths and stated uses on the makers' and retailers' product pages, and weighed them against the AAW's guidance on first tools, steel and gouge sizing. We favored tools that state their steel and both bar and flute sizes. Where a listing leaves out a spec or contradicts itself, we say so.
FAQ
What lathe chisels should a beginner buy first?
A spindle roughing gouge, a spindle gouge, a parting tool and a skew for spindle work, plus a 3/8- or 1/2-inch bowl gouge for bowls (the AAW's recommendation for beginners). Buying them one at a time lets you choose the right size and steel for each job. If you plan to start with bowls, buy the bowl gouge first.
What is a parting tool used for on a lathe?
A parting tool cuts straight in to make grooves, set diameters and tenons, and to part a finished piece off the lathe. Thin parting tools (1/16 to 1/8 inch) waste less wood and are popular for pens, boxes and small spindles. For pen work, see our woodturning pen kits guide.
What is the difference between a bowl gouge and a spindle gouge?
A bowl gouge has a deep flute on a round bar and is strong enough for face-grain bowl work. A spindle gouge has a shallower flute for beads, coves and detail on spindles. Hurricane notes that the bottom of its spindle gouge flute sits above the bar's center, which keeps it lighter for detail work.
Can I use a spindle roughing gouge on a bowl?
No. A spindle roughing gouge is made for spindle work with the grain running along the bed. Hurricane's listing for its roughing gouge says it is for spindles only. Use a bowl gouge for bowls.
Are cryo-treated lathe tools worth it?
Cryogenic treatment improves edge holding, according to the AAW's guide to a first bowl gouge, but it adds cost. For a bowl gouge you sharpen often, it is worth it; for a parting tool you use occasionally, standard HSS is fine.
Verdict
If you buy only one thing, make it the Hurricane M2 HSS 3 piece bowl gouge set, then add the HTT-509 roughing gouge, BMWOOD 5/8 in. spindle gouge, Sorby 810H-1 skew and Sorby 830H parting tool for a complete spindle-and-bowl kit. Upgrade to the M42 HTT-242RAZW when you are tired of sharpening, and add the Sorby 865H if you turn pens or boxes.
Related guides: best bowl gouges and best hollowing tools.