I was recently asked to look at a broken turning tool sent back from a customer. Upon inspection it was evident the tool had not been sharpened before use. Why is this a cause for breakage? Most new tools don't come sharpened. Using a non-sharpened tool causes the user to apply more force thereby scraping the wood. More force heats the tools from friction on the wood and causes the tool to bounce off the tool rest and then catches on the wood. This bouncing is very hard on the tool and can cause breakage particularly on thinner tools.

Actually the result of an UN-sharp tool not cutting is an indication of the need to sharpen your tool (sharpen when you find yourself pushing the tool harder to remove fiber).

By the way, most new woodworking chisels have not been sharpened, just ground. Read the catalog or ask the customer service personnel if it comes sharpened.

To find out more about sharpening options for your woodturning tools, CLICK HERE .

Phil can be reached directly via email at woodturnerphil@gmail.com