Wood Thread Cutting & Turning Tools

Threading Wood

• Cutting threads in wood is much easier than cutting threads in steel or pipe. The operation is very similar; the materials are very different. Wood thread cutting kits come with a die for cutting threads on a dowel and one or two taps for cutting threads in a block of wood. The die is made from hardwood and brass, the tap from steel. Just about any wood will take threads if the tool is sharp enough, but hard woods are much easier to thread. These kits are available in various sizes, usually 1/2 inch through 1 inch.

Turning Tools

• Wood turning requires a unique set of tools. There are many individual turning tools, but they fall into three basic categories or shapes: gouge, chisel and parting. A gouge is used to remove large amounts of wood quickly and get your project into its rough shape. Chisels are used to create fine details in the piece as it turns in the lathe. Parting tools are used to separate the finished project from the waste wood.

Sharpening Tools

• Woodworking requires razor sharp tools. There are two reasons to pay special attention to the cutting edges: efficiency and safety. Dull tools will tear the wood, making it far more difficult to achieve a proper finish. They are also dangerous because they can catch on the workpiece and become a lethal missile in your shop. Sharpening hones, stones and machines are indispensable when working with wood cutting tools.