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Good wood lathe tools matter more than the lathe. A sharp, well-chosen gouge on a modest lathe beats a dull bargain-bin set on a Powermatic every time. The problem is that most tool sets pad the piece count with scrapers and odd sizes and leave out the one tool most turners use most: a proper bowl gouge.
So we judged sets by what is actually in them. Does the set include a real bowl gouge? A usable parting tool? What steel is it, and how long are the handles? Below are seven sets and kits, from budget high-speed steel to Robert Sorby and carbide, followed by a plain-English guide to what each tool does.
Our top picks at a glance
Quick picks
- Best Overall: Hurricane M2 HSS 5 Piece Basic Set, Pro Series. Best for five useful tools, including a bowl gouge, in M2 high-speed steel.
- Best Budget Set: Hurricane Standard Series 8 Piece Starter Set. Best for the widest tool spread for the least money.
- Best Premium Set: Robert Sorby 67HS Six Piece Turning Tool Set. Best for a classic English-made core kit.
- Best for Bowls: Hurricane HSS 3 Piece Bowl Gouge Set. Best for turners moving into bowls who want three gouge sizes.
- Best Carbide Set: Easy Wood Tools Full Size Rougher, Finisher and Detailer. Best for beginners who do not want to sharpen yet.
- Best Budget Carbide: Hurricane 3 Piece Mid-Size Carbide Tool Set. Best for carbide on mini and midi lathes for less.
- Best for Pens: Hurricane HSS 5 Piece Pen Turners Tool Set. Best for small, controllable pen and spindle tools.
Comparison table
| Set | Best for | Pieces | Steel / cutter | Bowl gouge | Skew | Handles | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane M2 Pro Series 5 Piece | Best overall | 5 | M2 HSS | Yes, 5/8 in. side grind | No | Stained beech | See options |
| Hurricane Standard 8 Piece | Budget | 8 | HSS | Yes, 5/8 in. bar | Yes, 1 in. | Beech, 10–15 in. | Check price |
| Robert Sorby 67HS | Premium | 6 | Not stated on product page | Yes, 3/8 in. | Yes, 3/4 in. | Not stated | Check price |
| Hurricane HSS 3 Piece Bowl Gouge Set | Bowls | 3 | HSS | Three (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in. flute) | No | Beech | Check price |
| Easy Wood Tools Full Size | Carbide | 3 | Carbide inserts | No (carbide finisher) | No | 16 in. | Check price |
| Hurricane Mid-Size Carbide | Budget carbide | 3 | Carbide inserts, 11–12 mm | No | No | Beech, 12-1/2 in. | Check price |
| Hurricane 5 Piece Pen | Pens | 5 | HSS | No | Yes, 1/2 in. | Beech | Check price |
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 wood lathe tool sets, reviewed
1. Hurricane M2 HSS 5 Piece Basic Set, Pro Series: Best Overall
Who it's for: beginners and improvers who want fewer, better tools that cover both spindle and bowl work.
This is the set we would buy first, because every piece earns its place. Per the Amazon listing, you get a 5/8-inch side-grind bowl gouge, a 3/4-inch spindle roughing gouge, a 1/2-inch spindle gouge, a 3/4-inch round scraper and a 1/4-inch parting tool (Hurricane part numbers HTT-230W, HTT-237W, HTT-242SGW, HTT-261W and HTT-245W). Hurricane makes them from M2 high-speed steel in Sheffield, England, in partnership with Crown Tools, with stained beech handles and brass accents. This Pro Series set is standard M2 without cryogenic treatment; Hurricane sells cryo-treated tools separately if you want longer edge life later.
The one gap is a skew chisel. Add a 3/4- or 1-inch skew when you are ready for planing cuts on spindles.
Pros
- Includes a real bowl gouge with a side grind
- M2 high-speed steel, made in Sheffield
- Covers spindle and bowl work in five tools
- No filler tools
Cons
- No skew chisel
- Listing does not say whether tools arrive sharpened
- Only one bowl gouge size
- Handle lengths not given on the listing
Hurricane Turning Tools M2 HSS 5 Piece Basic Set, Pro Series
by Hurricane Turning Tools
Currently unavailable on Amazon
2. Hurricane Standard Series 8 Piece Woodturning Tool Starter Set: Best Budget Set
Who it's for: budget buyers who want to try every basic cut before deciding which tools to upgrade.
Unlike many cheap sets, this one includes a 1/2-inch bowl gouge on 5/8-inch bar stock. The rest of the kit is a 1/2-inch spindle gouge, a 1-inch spindle roughing gouge, 1-inch and 1/2-inch round nose scrapers, a 3/4-inch square nose scraper, a 1-inch skew chisel and a 3/4-inch diamond parting tool. The steel is heat-treated HSS, which Hurricane says lasts about eight times longer between sharpenings than carbon steel. Handles are solid beech, 10 to 15 inches long.
Three scrapers is one more than you need, and standard HSS dulls faster than cryo or powdered metal. For learning the cuts, it is very good value.
Pros
- Includes a bowl gouge, skew and parting tool
- HSS, not carbon steel
- Handles sized to each tool
- Lowest cost per useful tool here
Cons
- Standard HSS needs more frequent sharpening
- Three scrapers is more than most need
- No case mentioned in the listing
Hurricane Standard Series 8 Piece Woodturning Tool Starter Set
by Hurricane Turning Tools
3. Robert Sorby 67HS Six Piece Turning Tool Set: Best Premium Set
Who it's for: turners who want a proven, English-made core kit and are happy to pay for it.
Robert Sorby calls the 67HS its flagship and most popular set. It includes a 3/4-inch spindle roughing gouge, a 3/8-inch spindle gouge, a 3/8-inch bowl gouge, a 3/4-inch skew with a slightly rolled edge to resist catches, a 1/8-inch parting tool and a 1/2-inch round nose scraper. That covers roughing, beads and coves, bowls, planing cuts and parting off.
Two notes. Sorby is an English maker, so its 3/8-inch bowl gouge is sized by flute width. The AAW points out that this is roughly equal to an American 1/2-inch gouge sized by bar diameter. And Sorby's product page does not list the steel or handle details, so check the retailer listing if those matter to you.
Pros
- Well-chosen six-tool spread with a bowl gouge and skew
- Rolled-edge skew is more forgiving for beginners
- Thin 1/8-inch parting tool wastes less wood
- Long-established maker with parts and replacement tools
Cons
- Premium price tier
- Steel and handle specs not listed on the maker's page
- Only one bowl gouge size
4. Hurricane HSS 3 Piece Bowl Gouge Set: Best for Bowls
Who it's for: spindle turners moving into bowls who want a bowl gouge in each common size.
Bowls are mostly gouge work, and this Standard Series set gives you three bowl gouges: a 1/4-inch flute on 3/8-inch bar stock, a 3/8-inch flute on 1/2-inch bar and a 1/2-inch flute on 5/8-inch bar, per the Amazon listing. Hurricane describes them as high-speed steel with solid beech handles, for turning the outside and inside of bowls and vessels. The small gouge suits small bowls and detail, the middle one is close to the 3/8- or 1/2-inch first bowl gouge the AAW suggests, and the 5/8-inch bar gives reach and stiffness on larger work.
It is a specialist set, not a starter kit. Pair it with a spindle roughing gouge and parting tool from another set, and add a scraper if you want one for refining the inside.
Pros
- Three bowl gouge sizes in one purchase
- Includes a common first bowl gouge size
- High-speed steel with beech handles
- Gouges also sold separately
Cons
- Bowl gouges only, no scraper
- Listed as HSS, with no M2 or powdered-metal grade stated
- Grind as shipped not stated on the listing
Hurricane Turning Tools HSS 3 Piece Bowl Gouge Set, Standard Series
by Hurricane Turning Tools
5. Easy Wood Tools Full Size Rougher, Finisher and Detailer: Best Carbide Set
Who it's for: beginners who want to turn now and learn sharpening later, and anyone with a shoulder or wrist that dislikes bevel-rubbing cuts.
Easy Wood Tools is the best-known name in carbide-insert turning tools. The full-size trio pairs a square-cutter Easy Rougher (standard Ci1-R4 cutter with a 4-inch radius), a round-cutter Easy Finisher (Ci0) and a diamond-cutter Easy Detailer (Ci4). Each has a 1/2 x 8-1/2-inch bar, a 16-inch handle, 24-1/2 inches of overall length and up to 4 inches of reach over the rest. Easy Wood Tools says its carbide tools are always held flat on the rest and parallel to the floor, which is far simpler than presenting a gouge bevel.
The trade-off is surface quality. Carbide tools scrape, so expect more sanding than after a sharp gouge. When the edge dulls, you rotate or replace the cutter. Negative rake cutters are sold separately for a smoother finish. Our carbide lathe tools guide compares them in more depth.
Pros
- No sharpening to learn on day one
- Simple flat-and-level technique
- Long 16-inch handles for control
- Optional negative rake cutters
Cons
- Scraping cut needs more sanding
- Replacement cutters are an ongoing cost
- Premium price tier for three tools
Easy Wood Tools Full Size Easy Rougher, Easy Finisher and Easy Detailer
by Easy Wood Tools
6. Hurricane 3 Piece Mid-Size Carbide Tool Set: Best Budget Carbide
Who it's for: mini and midi lathe owners who want carbide for less.
Hurricane's mid-size set includes a finisher, rougher and detailer on 10 mm (3/8-inch) square bars, 6-1/4 inches long, in 12-1/2-inch beech handles for 18-3/4 inches overall. It ships with a 12 mm round insert, an 11 mm square insert and a diamond insert. Hurricane says the cutters are compatible with many popular replacement brands, which keeps running costs down.
The mid-size bars are right for pens, spindles and small bowls, but they will chatter if you hang them far over the rest on bigger work. You will need a 2 mm Allen key, which is not included.
Pros
- Budget price tier for carbide
- Standard 11 and 12 mm insert sizes
- Right size for mini and midi lathes
- Compatible with many replacement cutters
Cons
- Shorter bars and handles than full-size tools
- Allen key not included
- Same extra-sanding trade-off as all carbide
Hurricane 3 Piece Mid-Size Carbide Tool Set
by Hurricane Turning Tools
7. Hurricane HSS 5 Piece Pen Turners Tool Set: Best for Pens
Who it's for: pen turners and anyone turning small spindles, ornaments and finials.
Small tools give you better control on small work. This set includes a 1-inch roughing gouge, a 1/2-inch spindle gouge, a 1/2-inch skew chisel, a 1/2-inch round scraper and a 3/4-inch diamond parting tool, all in heat-treated HSS with solid beech handles sized to each tool.
There is no bowl gouge, which is the point. Pair it with a mini lathe and see our woodturning pen kits guide.
Pros
- Sized for pens and small spindles
- Includes a narrow 1/2-inch skew
- HSS throughout
- Budget price tier
Cons
- Not for bowls
- Standard HSS dulls faster than cryo or PM steels
- Listing does not give overall lengths
Hurricane HSS 5 Piece Pen Turners Tool Set
by Hurricane Turning Tools
Buying guide: choosing wood lathe tools
Know the core tools and what each one does
- Spindle roughing gouge: turns square spindle stock round. Use it only on spindle work with the grain running along the lathe bed. It is not designed for bowls or other face-grain work.
- Spindle gouge: beads, coves and detail on spindles.
- Bowl gouge: a deep-fluted gouge on a round bar, strong enough for face-grain work. The AAW calls it the most versatile tool in the box.
- Skew chisel: planing cuts and V-cuts on spindles. It leaves the best surface and catches most often while you learn.
- Parting tool: cuts grooves to depth and parts work off the lathe. Our parting tool buying guide covers which width to choose.
- Scrapers: refine surfaces, especially inside bowls. Negative rake scrapers catch less.
For individual gouges, skews and parting tools, see our best lathe chisels guide.
Bowl gouge sizing: American vs English
The AAW's guide to your first bowl gouge flags a common source of confusion: English makers size gouges by flute width, while American makers size them by bar diameter. An American 1/2-inch gouge is about the same as an English 3/8-inch one. The AAW's recommendation for beginners is a 3/8- or 1/2-inch bowl gouge with a transition (fingernail) grind.
Steel: carbon, HSS, cryo and powdered metal
According to the AAW, high-carbon steel does not hold an edge well, and most professionals use high-speed steel (usually M2) or powdered-metal steels such as 2030, 2060, A11 and V15. Cryogenic treatment improves edge holding but costs more. For a first set, M2 HSS is the sensible baseline. Avoid any set that does not state its steel.
Grinds and bevel angles
Bevel angle decides how a gouge behaves. The AAW's bowl gouge guide gives typical ranges: 45 to 55 degrees for a traditional grind and 45 to 60 degrees for an Irish (swept-back) grind. It cites English turner Allan Batty's advice that deeper bowls need blunter angles, around 55 degrees once depth exceeds the radius and roughly 60 to 65 degrees for very deep forms, with 45 to 55 degrees as a good working compromise. Sorby's Bottom Feeder takes this idea further with a 60-degree primary bevel.
HSS vs carbide
HSS tools cut with the bevel rubbing, which shears the fibers and leaves a cleaner surface. They also need sharpening, often several times per bowl. Carbide insert tools are held flat and level and need no sharpening, but they scrape and leave more sanding. Many turners start with carbide, then add an HSS bowl gouge and spindle gouge as their skills grow.
Plan for sharpening from day one
HSS tools are only as good as your sharpening. The AAW recommends a slow-speed grinder (about 1,750 RPM) over the common 3,600 RPM bench grinder, light pressure and never grinding on the side of the wheel. A jig makes grinds repeatable. See how to sharpen lathe tools and our lathe tool sharpening jig picks.
Handle length
Longer handles give you leverage and control on bowls. Look for 14 to 16 inches on bowl gouges and shorter handles on detail tools. Very short handles on a budget set are a sign of a tool designed for pens, not bowls.
Price tiers
- Budget: standard HSS sets like the Hurricane 8 piece.
- Mid-range: cryo-treated M2 sets and mid-size carbide.
- Premium: Robert Sorby sets, Easy Wood Tools full-size carbide and powdered-metal gouges.
How we chose
We did not test these tools ourselves. We compared what each set actually contains, its steel and handle specs, and its intended use, using the makers' and retailers' product pages. We weighed them against the AAW's guidance on first tools, steels and grinds. Sets that pad the count with filler, or do not state their steel, ranked lower. If a spec was missing from the maker's page, we say so.
FAQ
What lathe tools do I need to start woodturning?
For spindle work: a spindle roughing gouge, a spindle gouge, a parting tool and a skew chisel. For bowls, add a 3/8- or 1/2-inch bowl gouge. A scraper is useful for both. Five well-chosen tools beat a 12-piece set of sizes you never use. If you are still choosing a lathe, see our best wood lathes for beginners.
Are carbide lathe tools better than HSS?
Carbide tools are easier to learn because they need no sharpening and are held flat and level. HSS gouges and skews cut with the bevel rubbing, which leaves a cleaner surface and does more kinds of cuts. Many turners start with carbide and add HSS bowl and spindle gouges later.
What is the best steel for wood turning tools?
According to the AAW, most professionals use high-speed steel (usually M2) or powdered-metal steels such as 2030, 2060, A11 and V15. High-carbon steel does not hold an edge well. Cryogenic treatment improves edge holding but adds cost.
Do woodturning tool sets come sharpened?
Many budget sets ship with a factory grind that needs refining before use, and listings often do not say. Plan to sharpen any new HSS tool before your first cut, and buy a grinder or sharpening system at the same time as your tools.
What size bowl gouge should a beginner buy?
A 3/8- or 1/2-inch bowl gouge with a fingernail (transition) grind, per the AAW. Note that American makers size gouges by bar diameter and English makers by flute width, so an American 1/2-inch gouge is roughly the same as an English 3/8-inch.
Verdict
The Hurricane M2 HSS 5 Piece Pro Series set is the best wood lathe tool set for most turners: five tools that all get used, including a real bowl gouge, in M2 high-speed steel. On a tight budget, the Hurricane 8 piece covers every basic cut. If you would rather not sharpen yet, start with the Easy Wood Tools full-size carbide trio and add HSS gouges later.