There are several different kinds of wood lathe tools, such as chisels, gouges and scrapers. These different chisels are used to perform different actions. The profile of the chisel determines what job it is best suited for. Parting chisels are useful for some projects but would be completely useless in carving a bowl. Lets learn about some different kinds of wood lathe tools.
The most important aspect of a chisel is its general shape or profile. Whether the tool is round or flat makes a large difference in what sort of cut it will make in the wood. A bowl gouge has a rounded profile, and as the name indicates is useful in hollowing out a bowl while it turns on a lathe. Flat chisels are usually used to carve a solid cylindrical shape out of a piece of wood.
The angle of the chisel is also important in determining what kind of cut it makes. This is determined by the properties of the tool as well as the angle at which the wood worker holds it. The same tool can perform many different cuts in the hands of a skilled wood turner, who will vary the angle of attack as necessary. Tools vary in size, depending on the size of the project and lathe that is being used. Larger tools are more useful for big pieces of wood, whereas smaller chisels are better for detail work.
I hope you enjoyed this quick overview of wood lathe tools