Quote Originally Posted by cannonfodder View Post
Interesting, I would have thought the brass, while softer than HSS would still make a noticeable knock when the gouge hit it. Seems like I am constantly sharpening my tools but turning stuff like Nara, Cocobolo, Ebony, Zebra etc... will take a tole very quickly. I use a one inc strip sander with a 220 aluminum oxide belt. One quick pass and they are super sharp again.


Turned a set of portafilter handles and control knobs for an friends espresso machine a week ago. Did a set in Bacote for my machine, another with tapered beads in zebra wood for another and have some very nice figured Asian satinwood that is heading for another set for someone else.
You do very nice spindle work! I like making cutlery handles and cooking tools of cherry because is changes as it ages. With use or not, the cherry darkens and gains character. Plus it is cheaper than bocote because there's alot of it around (most of the cherry I use for turning I save from a fate in my woodstove).