Replies

1. 
   rhagenstein | May 07, 2009 08:28pm | #1

   I have a roughing gouge and skew from them but haven't really put them through the paces yet so don't have a lot of first hand input to provide.  I purchased them because a) I am a rank novice at turning; b) the reviews were good on them for the price; and c) didn't want to spend my learning curve grinding away lots of expensive metal.  That was my logic inthe purchase. 

   Hopefully we'll get more learned responses to your question.

    

   Best,

   Randy

1. 
   chri7s | May 08, 2009 04:51am | #4

   I like the thinking of not grinding away an expensive tool while I am still learning. Chri7s

2. 
   RalphBarker | May 07, 2009 10:01pm | #2

   Note that "Benjamin's best" doesn't mean much, since Benjamin might only have poor-quality tools. ;-)

3. 
   mike4244 | May 08, 2009 02:34am | #3

   I have used "Benjamins Best" turning tools. At first I bought one parting tool. I had diamond shaped parting tools but I prefer straight. I was extremely happy with the quality of the tool. I then bought two sets, one for my grandson and the other is for bowl turning.I have Sorby and a couple of Henry Taylor tools. Benjamins Best is not second to either of the former.

   I would recommend these tools to any turner,rookie or long time turner.When grinding the tool they hold up just as well as the expensive tool, only difference I see is the price.

   mike

1. 
   chri7s | May 08, 2009 04:53am | #5

   Nice to have a input from someone with multiple brands. I went all out on the lathe and just wanted to make sure that I didn't hamper my learning curve with sub par tools. Thanks for the input.Chri7s

4. 
   pmmatty | May 08, 2009 11:17pm | #6

   not a waste of money.  My set is fine and has provided me with 8 months of quality turning.  Sharpening no more difficult than any turning tool.

   I pride myself on trying to be a smart shopper.  Even use harbor freight for certain items (the lathe, for example).  All it has to do is be rock steady and turn the blank at the desired speed- so I bolted it to my bench- no problem.

   go ahead and try penn states tools.  No problem on my end. pmm

1. 
   chri7s | May 09, 2009 06:01am | #7

   I ordered a handful. They should arrive next week and then I take the turning plunge. From everything that I have seen and heard I am likely to get hooked. Looking forward to it.Chri7s

1. 
   pmmatty | May 09, 2009 03:09pm | #8

   good luck and have fun. pmm

5. 
   katiedobe | Nov 22, 2009 05:30am | #9

   Well Chris tell us what you think of your Benjamin's best tools.
   I am thinking of buying their bowl turning set as I got a great batch of spindle tools with the lathe when I bought it from an old man.

   I almost went out and bought P& N but saw the Ben's best and thought maybe someone else thought they are ok and checked here first.

   So inquiring minds want to know.

6. 
   Buvar | Dec 03, 2012 03:57pm | #10

   Benjamin's Best

   If my memory serves me well, I used my 3-piece Carbide-tipped wood turning set yesterday... the first time.  The carbide tip of the gouge broke right off in philipine mahogany. The brazing has visible voids. 

   Oh! My memory is vivid! It was yesterday, now it is in the garbage so I can FORGETABOUTIT!

7. 
   bobk.us | Jul 05, 2015 10:14pm | #11

   just remembrer

   i think these tools are ok, but penn state charges more to ship, a additional charge, other places do not...do a search before you order.