Easy Wood Tools Carbide Scrapers Review (onlineEXTRAS)

Traditional steel turning tools work well for a lot of applications. But when I absolutely need a razor-sharp edge and want to reduce the risk of a catch, as when turning the spindle of the Inside-Out Cake Stand (Oct/Nov 2023), I turn to carbide-tipped scrapers. Several brands make them, but I like my Easy Wood Tools mid-size set. The three tools include square, round, and diamond-shaped cutters on robust, color-coded handles. When one edge goes dull, simply unscrew and rotate the carbide cutter head to a new edge. Replace the cutter when you’re out of sharp surfaces. The medium handles, crafted of solid maple, measure 14” long while the 3/8” square tool bars extend seven inches and sit flat on any tool rest. The three basic shapes let me turn any just about profile – rough pieces to shape with the square cutter, then use it to part off or create tenons; fine-tune curves with the round cutter; and detail with the diamond-shaped tool. Then, when I need to cut beads, I swap the square cutter head for the compatible negative rake beading cutters. Set the cutter’s points at the outer edges of your bead location, then push straight in and the cutter’s curve creates a perfectly symmetrical bead. Available in 4 diameters, the beading cutter heads quickly screw in using the included hex wrench. Sharp edges means less chance of a catch while turning, and less sanding later, and time not spent at the grinder means more time turning.