FAQs
TOOLS/PRODUCTS
What's the difference between a Micro and a Mini tool?
Our Micro is the smallest turning tool we make. At an overall length of 9 1/4", it's perfect for pens, blade handles, wine stoppers, cutlery, and the like, with a single profile handle. Our Mini is the next size up at 16" overall length and features our famous two position handle.
Which chuck do I need?
We offer two Easy Chuck™ sizes, 1" and 1 1/4", so the best chuck depends on the spindle thread size of your lathe. Check your lathe's Owner's Manual for this information.
I have two different sized lathes: do I need two Easy Chucks?
No! You can buy a 1" or 1 1/4" Easy Chuck™ and buy one of our Spindle Adapters to use one chuck on both sized lathes.
Can I use any Easy Wood Tools® carbide cutter on any EWT tool?
No: you should use only the cutter designed specifically for your tool. Our tool handles have different sizes, and our carbide cutters have different sizes and functions, too. Use only the size cutter that is made for your handle in either our Standard Carbide Cutter or Negative Rake Carbide Cutter. Each tool bar is engraved with the specific type/size coordinating carbide cutter (Example: Ci3). See our Carbide Cutters page for more information or click here to view our Carbide Cutter Guide.
Do I need all three tools (Rougher, Finisher, Detailer) in the same size?
That depends! Some turners use one tool for their entire project; others use two or three; still others use a combination of tools, like a Pro Series Easy Rougher™ with a Mid-Sized Easy Detailer™ on some wood, but use a Mini Easy Finisher™ with our Patented Negative Rake Carbide Cutter for their acrylic. Keep in mind that the Rougher is great for removing bulk material in a short amount of time; the Finisher is great for inside curves; and the Detailer is perfect for small coves, beads, and other fine details. Many turners like the flexibility they get by using all three tools, but it's your choice to see what works best for you.
Why are your tool bars square instead of round?
Our square tool bars making turning easier and safer! The square bar makes sure that you hold the tool flat on the rest and parallel to the floor, which helps eliminate catches and blow outs. And you enjoy a shorter learning curve - you don't have to learn specific bevels or vertical angles to make your cuts: you simply rest the tool on the bar and move it left, right, or center to make your cuts. Easy peasy.
Can I use metalworking cutters on my Easy Wood Tools®?
No.
Why are your handles different sizes?
While the obvious answer is that different size tools are used for different size projects, there are also considerations for the desired heft and feel of a tool. Larger tools absorb greater impact and reduce vibration; smaller tools work well for finer detail work. We provide the widest range of possibilities; you get to choose which tools work best for you.
Do I need a chip deflector?
The short answer is no. The longer answer is that a chip deflector protects your hands and keeps work space cleaner by putting wood chips and acrylic ribbons on the ground instead of flying back at you.
Do you sell hex keys?
A hex key comes with every turning tool we sell. It is affixed to the folded instruction sheet that comes with your tool(s). If you lose yours, click here for screw size/hex key chart.
Do your tools work well with soft and/or green wood?
Yes, they work great with soft and green wood! Our standard carbide cutters work best for soft and green woods.
Do your tools work well with man-made materials like acrylic or resin?
Absolutely! We recommend using our Patented Negative Rake Carbide Cutters with any of our tools when turning these media. See our Negative Rake Cutters page for more information.
Do your tools work well with super hard woods like mesquite or ironwood?
Of course they do! We recommend using our Patented Negative Rake Carbide Cutters with any of our tools when turning super hard woods.
Can I turn other materials like shells, stone, metals (ferrous and non-ferrous), and other inlays?
Our carbide inserts hold up very well when turning different inlays, and cut materials that might chew up high speed steel.
Where can I buy Yorkshire Grit right now?
You can buy directly from us using our Shop Here Page, and at authorized Easy Wood Tools Retailers and Amazon Stores worldwide.
What is the difference between Yorkshire Grit Original and Yorkshire Grit Microfine?
Yorkshire Grit Original is formulated for use on all woods. Yorkshire Grit Microfine is formulated for use on resins, hybrids and woods. Both products are woodturning abrasive pastes, and act like liquid sandpaper.
How do I use Yorkshire Grit Original?
The product is easy to use. Click here for full product use instructions.
How do I use Yorkshire Grit Microfine?
The product is easy to use. Click here for full product use instructions.
TURNING
At what angle do I hold the tool for the best results?
Unlike high-speed steel tools, you don't need to hold Easy Wood Tools® at any particular angle. Our square bar makes sure that you hold the tool flat on the rest and parallel to the floor, which helps eliminate catches and blow outs. And you enjoy a shorter learning curve - you don't have to learn specific bevels or vertical angles to make your cuts: you simply rest the tool on the bar and move it left, right, or center to make your cuts. Easy peasy.
When should I use a square or radius cutter?
Square cutters can remove bulk material fast and efficiently, so it's best to use them when you're roughing out your form. The radius cutters allow for some shaping and you can use them to create sweeping arcs. The higher the number (R4, for example), the wider the curve, or radius, of the cut.
When should I use a round cutter?
Round cutters are great for creating smooth inside and outside curves, and final shaping.
When should I use a diamond cutter?
A diamond cutter makes great corners and dovetails, small coves, beads, and other fine details.
When should I use a negative rake cutter?
Our Patented Negative Rake Carbide Cutter* is best when you're working with man-made materials like acrylic or resin, as well as with super hardwoods like mesquite or ironwood. We have a Negative Rake Carbide Cutter for every turning tool in our product line. The tool bar is engraved with the cutter size for that tool and the Negative Rake Carbide Cutters* are the same size with the "NR" noted after that size. *Pat No. 902966, 902967, 902968
When should I use a hollowing tool?
If you want to create a hollow form or deep bowl, then reach for one of our Easy Hollowing Tools™. Their shapes are designed specifically to let you work deep inside your medium safely.
CARBIDE CUTTERS
What kind of carbide do you use?
Unlike any other turning company, Easy Wood Tools® manufactures our own carbide cutters, using a proprietary recipe that results in the sharpest and longest lasting cutting edge. In fact, we started the replaceable carbide turning industry!
When should I use a negative rake cutter?
Our Patented Negative Rake Carbide Cutter* is best when you're working with man-made materials like acrylic or resin, as well as with super hardwoods like mesquite or ironwood. We have a Negative Rake Carbide Cutter for every turning tool in our product line. The tool bar is engraved with the cutter size for that tool and the Negative Rake Carbide Cutters* are the same size with the "NR" noted after that size. *Pat No. 902966, 902967, 902968
How long do your carbide cutters stay sharp?
It depends. There are many variables that affect sharpness: your medium (man-made materials or the type of wood you're using, and/or how green it is); how much time you're turning; and how aggressive your cuts are. But as a general rule, a carbide edge lasts ten times longer than high-speed steel (HSS) edge. With carbide, you simply rotate to a new edge and get back to turning instantly; with HSS, you spend time sharpening on a grinder.
Is carbide as sharp as high-speed steel?
Yes and no. When a high-speed steel edge is freshly off the grinder, then at times it can be sharper than carbide. However, after only one or two passes, the steel edge is duller than its carbide counterpart and you'll need to stop turning and start sharpening instead. Overall, carbide provides the sharpest edges for longer periods of time. With carbide, you spend more time turning and making!
What do I do when my cutter gets dull?
Simply loosen screw and rotate cutter to expose a new edge and get back to turning! When all the edges are dull, then you can switch out a cutter easily and quickly. Whenever loosening or removing the screw please ensure the screw pocket is free of debris, and that the hex key is fully seated into pocket before loosening screw. Do not overtighten mounting screw.
Can I sharpen my cutters?
We prefer that you replace your cutters instead of sharpening them. Sharpening may briefly extend the life of the cutter but it will not restore the edge to new full factory condition.
How do I keep track of which edge I used?
You can use a black marker to indicate the dull edge. When all the edges are marked, simply replace your cutter. Whenever loosening or removing the screw please ensure the screw pocket is free of debris, and that the hex key is fully seated into pocket before loosening screw. Do not overtighten mounting screw.
Which is more expensive, carbide or high-speed steel?
When comparing a tool-to-tool purchase, you'll see that carbide is more expensive than high-speed steel. However, over the long term life of your tool, replaceable carbide is much less expensive. You don't ever have to replace your entire tool, you simply replace the carbide cutters. And, you spend more time turning with carbide; no stopping to sharpen, then turn, then sharpen, then turn, then sharpen...
Can I use a square, round, or diamond cutter on any of my tools?
No: you should use only the cutter designed specifically for your tool. Our tool handles have different sizes, and our carbide cutters have different sizes and functions, too. Use only the size cutter that is made for your handle. Each tool bar is engraved with the specific type/size coordinating carbide cutter. See our Carbide Cutters page for more information or click here to view our Carbide Cutter Guide.
Can I use any Easy Wood Tools® carbide cutter on any EWT tool?
No: you should use only the cutter designed specifically for your tool. Our tool handles have different sizes, and our carbide cutters have different sizes and functions, too. Use only the size cutter that is made for your handle. Each tool bar is engraved with the specific type/size coordinating carbide cutter. See our Carbide Cutters page for more information or click here to view our Carbide Cutter Guide.
What does R1, R2 and R4 mean?
Some of our cutters are completely flat, and some square ones have just a bit of roundness to them. R1, R2, and R4 indicate the radius that the slightly rounded square cutters can create. These radii mean that you can create sharper or more gentle curves on your medium. R1 = a one-inch radius; R2 = a two-inch radius; R4 = a four-inch radius.
What if I lose one of the mounting screws that keep the cutters in place or the provided hex key?
Remember that you get a brand new mounting screw with every genuine Easy Wood Tools® carbide cutter that you purchase, and hex key is provided with each new tool purchase. Each time you replace your carbide cutter you should replace the mounting screw. But if you can't find one that you've lost, click here for screw size/hex key chart.
Should I replace the mounting screw every time I replace the cutter?
Yes! We provide a new mounting screw with every genuine Easy Wood Tools® carbide cutter purchase. It's best to replace the mounting screw with every new cutter and lightly grease the screw threads. Whenever loosening or removing the screw please ensure the screw pocket is free of debris, and that the hex key is fully seated into pocket before loosening screw. Do not overtighten mounting screw.
Are your cutters different in size?
Yes, they are machined to fit their corresponding tool size perfectly. Each tool bar is engraved with the specific type/size coordinating carbide cutter. Visit our carbide cutters page for more information or click here to view our Carbide Cutter Guide.
How do I clean the cutters?
Your cutters will get dirty, especially if you're working with green wood. Keep them clean by using mineral spirits and a soft cotton rag or light brush. You can use a light oil, too.
How do I clean the mounting screw if it gets packed with sawdust or resin dust?
See the answer above. Mineral spirits work great! New mounting screws come with a light coating of grease; when you clean them, apply another coating to help keep them clean. It is also good practice to keep the hex pocket of the mounting screw clean and free of debris to avoid challenges in removing the screw. Whenever loosening or removing the screw please ensure the screw pocket is free of debris, and that the hex key is fully seated into pocket before loosening screw. Do not overtighten mounting screw. Visit our technical info page for more information and tips.
Does your carbide overheat?
No, not under normal usage.
If the carbide gets a chip in it, can I use another edge?
As long as the chip doesn't interfere with the cutter properly installed on the tool and won't contact your project surface, you can rotate the cutter to a clean non-chipped edge.
CORPORATE
What is your Refund and Return Policy?
Easy Wood Tools stands behinds our products. If you are not satisfied with your product you may return to point of purchase (if not from Easy Wood Tools directly) according to that retailer's return policy. If purchased directly from Easy Wood Tools, if you are not fully satisfied with your product(s) you may return to Easy Wood Tools within 90 days for a full refund. If after 90 days, and upon our inspection, if product is deemed to contain defects in material and/or workmanship Easy Wood Tools will repair product if possible, or replace with same/similar product at no charge.
Do you offer demo tools?
No.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. For countries outside of the USA, Canada, or those served through one of our Easy Wood Tools Stores on Amazon, shipping charges will be assessed after a direct order is placed and payment is received. The shopper will then receive a separate invoice with shipping charges. Once the shipping invoice is paid, we will ship your product(s).
Please note that Easy Wood Tools® is not responsible for any customs, tariffs, or additional delivery fees required by any country.
How do I become a retailer?
Please contact us for more information.
Do you have any discounted or seconds products?
No. We sell only the highest quality-controlled new products.