Over the years, we've received countless questions about which tools we recommend for turning wood, resin, and hybrid projects.
With over two decades of experience developing and refining our tools, we've built a collection of favorites—many of which are now available in this convenient tool package.
This tool compilation showcases our current favorite tools and how we use them. Some are versatile enough for multiple applications, while others perform best with specific cutter styles based on the material being turned.
Important Note: Flat top carbide cutters can cause chipping when used on acrylic or epoxy. For resin projects, we recommend using negative rake cutters or the Simple Shear Cutting Finisher for smoother results.
Also worth noting—negative rake cutters work well on wood, especially in areas prone to tearout or when making light finishing cuts.
The tools in this package include:
- Simple Rougher (SR) with 90° square cutter
- wood projects - outside roughing and hollowing
- acrylic/resin/hybrid projects - can be used if cutter is swapped for negative rake square cutter (cutter included)
- Acrylic/Resin Simple 90° Detailer (AR S90)
- acrylic/resin/hybrid projects - outside roughing and hollowing
- Simple Turner and Hollower (STH)
- wood projects - hollowing & shaping
- Simple Scraper IV with negative rake oval cutter (Simple Scraper)
- all projects - deeper hollowing, flat bottoms, long straight lines, removing tool marks
- negative rake cutter can be swapped for regular oval cutter for wood only projects (regular oval cutter included)
- Simple Shear Cutting Finisher Mini (SSCF MINI)
- all projects - details, coves, turning punky wood, hollowing with support from the flat tool rest
- One 17" Long Foam Grip Handle (more handles can be added below, if desired)
-
OPTIONAL - Negative Rake Simple Parting Tool (SPT)
- acrylic/resin/hybrid projects - using the negative rake tip (we like the NR radius tip, which is included)
- wood projects - using the regular tip (NOT included)
- blade can be swapped on the same tool. You don't need 2 tools, you can swap the blades
- we use this tool on the flat tool rest to keep the tip on the center line and remove the chance of any teter tottering
- ALL of the above tools will work in the Simple Hollowing System.
Lathe speed and solid tool support play a key role in the success of your turning projects.
For woodturning, general lathe speed guidelines are provided below. Resin projects often require slightly slower speeds, but when using the Simple Shear Cutting Finisher to make shearing cuts, a bit more speed can improve performance.
Regardless of the material, solid tool support helps minimize vibration—leading to cleaner cuts and smoother finishes.
