chatter tool vs. texturing wheel??

[Jeff Myers]

Happy New Year y'all !!

For those of you that are texturing your work and have used both the
chatter tool as well as a texturing wheel (like Sorby's spiral and texturing tool),,,,if you only were to buy one tool which would you go for?

Which is easier to use and which allows more creativity?
I've got a looong wish list and have to spread the funding thinly so only
want to purchase one texturing tool to get started.
Most of what i'll want to be texturing is the outside of bowls/HF's and
insides of platters.

As always, Thanks in Advance,
Jeff

[Mark Pruitt]

Jeff,
That was an easy decision for me, but your ambitions may be different than mine. I bought the Sorby Spiraling/Texturing System because of its versatility. The chatter tool, while good for its own purposes, is more limited in its capabilities.

I encourage you to go to the Sorby website (http://www.robert-sorby.co.uk/) and click on "Movie Clips." You will see a list of videos demonstrating these tools. There are three videos dealing with the spiraling/texturing tool, so be sure to watch all three to get a good idea of its functions. Just be aware that the fella using the tool in those videos makes it look easier than it is! There is a learning curve but don't let that scare you away.

In case you missed it, here is a thread I posted yesterday (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=48902) of a piece that I decorated with the texturing tool, showing one of its possible patterns.

[Frank Kobilsek]

Jeff,
For bowls, Platters & HF the texture tool is for you.

The chatter tool works on end grain of especially hard woods used in boxes, tops and sometimes collars.

Enjoy

Frank

[Gordon Seto]

Jeff,

Buy the spiralling tool and make the chattering tool yourself. A lot of people make the chattering tool with used saw blades.

A chattering tool is just a flexable blade held with a handle. You control (actually you can't) the chattering patterns by allowing how long the blade is sticking out, lathe speed, angle of your tool held against your work, hardness of wood. You can never predict what the final pattern you are getting.

Gordon

[Mike Ramsey]

Like Frank said the chatter tool is for end grain only.

[Gordon Seto]

Jeff,

Here is a link to the home made chattering tool:

http://www.crwoodturner.com/chatterwork/page2.html

I have not tried this one. The handle design is not critical because unlike other tools, you actually want it to vibrate.

Gordon

[Jeff Myers]

Thanks for the replies guys, spiral/texture tool it is,,,and Gordon,
thanks for the link on the chatter tool,,,i'll make one of those as well
since it won't cost me anything.
You all always come through!! Thanks!!