Ashley Ilses Turning tools [Archive] - Sawmill Creek Woodworking Community

David Colafranceschi

10-31-2009, 6:43 AM

Any body used these tools? Likes dislikes.

Al Wasser

10-31-2009, 10:01 AM

I have two of them and really like them. One round nosed scraper and one spindle gouge.....

Sean Hughto

10-31-2009, 7:49 PM

I have about 5. I like them all a lot.

As a flat worlder, I came to like many Ashley Iles (and Ray too) non turning tools. So when I got a lathe a couple months back, I decided to get them as a starting point. I have sampled a few other brands now - can you say vortex - and the Iles stand right up there with any of them. I have grown partial to Thompson's, but you'll need to make (or buy) your own handles. The others that have stood out are the Crown PM, Sorby, Diamic (Henry Taylor), and Kryo, but I only have one or two of each of those. Yes, I already have more turning tools than I need, but I wanted to find out if there was a significant difference. There may be as far as how often you have to sharpen, but they all have worked well. Bottom line, I like my Iles and would recommend them to anyone!