Lathe Tool Size

[AR. Hillbilly]

I just got a Sheldon 10x36 lathe. It's my first and I know nothing. It came with a lantern tool post with 1/4" holders and I added an axa size quick change tool post. As a beginner and with a lathe this size what size of tooling is best. I plan to buy lots in the future but for now (tax time) I can only buy what I need to get started. I have one 1/2" HSS bit pre sharpened right hand that a friend gave me. I plan to keep it to copy from. For now I plan to use HSS as much as possible so I can learn good sharpening skills. I have a 6" bench grinder that I plan to make better rests for that will be dedicated to sharpening tool bits.

 

[mikey]

I would suggest 3/8" tools. I have an 11" lathe and with an Aloris AXA I cannot get an unaltered 1/2" tool on center so I use 3/8" most of the time.

 

[David VanNorman]

I would use 3/8 most of the time. If I need the room or for threading sometimes I'll use 1/4" or 5/16".