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Henry Taylor Tools Launches Online Store for Woodturning & Woodworking Tools in the UK
We’ve Launched Our New Online Store for UK Woodturners and Woodworkers
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Henry Taylor Tools online store (shop,henrytaylortools.co.uk), giving customers across the United Kingdom a new way to purchase Diamic and Hamlet Craft Tools woodturning and woodworking tools directly from us.
For generations, Henry Taylor Tools has been dedicated to producing high-quality woodworking tools trusted by professional craftsmen and hobbyists alike. With the launch of our new online store, we’re making it easier than ever for UK customers to browse and buy our British made woodturning tools from the comfort of their own workshop.
A New Way to Buy Henry Taylor Woodturning Tools
Our new online store has been designed to create a simple, convenient experience for UK woodturners and woodworkers looking for reliable tools. Whether you’re searching for your next bowl gouge, replacing a well-used spindle gouge, or expanding your chisel collection, our website allows you to explore our range of traditional woodworking tools quickly and easily.
At launch, we are offering shipping throughout the United Kingdom, allowing UK woodworkers to order directly from us with confidence.
Explore Our Range of Woodturning Tools
In the new store, you’ll find a wide selection of high speed steel woodturning tools designed for precision, durability, and performance on the lathe. Our Hamlet Craft Tools and Diamic by Henry Taylor Tools ranges include:
- Bowl gouges
- Spindle gouges
- Skew chisels
- Hollowing tools
- Woodturning tool sets
- Handles and accessories
We also stock a range of woodworking chisels, from bevel edge chisels to mortice chisels, and even heavy duty framing chisels. Every tool we produce is manufactured with the craftsmanship and attention to detail that has defined Henry Taylor Tools for decades.
Supporting the UK Woodturning Community
Woodturning continues to grow in popularity across the UK, with more people discovering the creativity and satisfaction that comes from working at the lathe.
By launching our online store, we want to make it easier for woodturners across the country to access the tools they need—whether they’re experienced professionals or just starting their woodturning journey.
Our goal has always been to provide tools that woodworkers can rely on for accuracy, balance, and long-term durability.
Visit Our New Online Store
Launching our online store is an exciting milestone for us. It allows us to connect more directly with the woodturning community and provide a convenient way to purchase Hamlet Craft Tools and Diamic by Henry Taylor woodturning and woodworking tools online.
If you’re looking for high-quality professional woodturning tools in the UK, we invite you to explore our new store and discover the tools that continue to support woodturners around the world.
We’re proud of our heritage in toolmaking, and we’re looking forward to supporting your next woodturning project.
Visit our new store now at shop.henrytaylortools.co.uk
🪵 Top 5 Woodturning Tools That Every Beginner Should Have
Woodturning is a rewarding craft — transforming raw timber into beautiful bowls, spindles, and bespoke creations. But getting started can feel overwhelming with so many tools on the market. At Henry Taylor Tools, we believe in giving every woodturner — especially beginners — the best possible start. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 5 woodturning tools that will take you from novice to confident creator.
Whether your focus is spindle work or bowl turning, these essential tools will support your early projects and grow with you as your skills develop.
🛠️ 1. Spindle Roughing Gouge — for Turning Cylinders with Confidence
The spindle roughing gouge is the tool that takes you from block to round.
- Ideal for turning square blanks into cylinders
- Makes shaping faster and more efficient
- Great first gouge for beginners
Tip: Keep your bevel rubbing on the tool rest to maintain control and safety.
See our Spindle Roughing Gouges here:
Diamic Gouges | Henry Taylor Tools
Hamlet Gouges | Henry Taylor Tools
🔪 2. Detailing Gouge — the True Workhorse of Woodturning
Often considered the most versatile tool in a woodturner’s kit, the detail gouge is your go-to for shaping, smoothing, and refining forms.
- Perfect for detail work on spindles
- Useful for both roughing and fine cuts
- Helps you learn tool control early
Why it’s great for beginners: It encourages proper hand position and helps you learn how wood grain affects cut.
See our Detail Gouges here:
Diamic Gouges | Henry Taylor Tools
Hamlet Gouges | Henry Taylor Tools
🪓 3. Parting Tool — Precision at its Finest
If spindle turning is on your agenda, a reliable parting tool is essential.
- Used for defining shoulders and depths
- Allows you to separate work pieces cleanly
- Helps with precise sizing of tenons
Ideal for: Making collars and ensuring a snug fit between your workpiece and lathe accessories.
See our Parting Tools here:
Diamic Parting Tools | Henry Taylor Tools
Hamlet Parting Tools | Henry Taylor Tools
🌀 4. Bowl Gouge — for Freeing Your Woodturning Creativity
Bowl turning can be intimidating — but the right bowl gouge makes it achievable for beginners.
- Designed for face work and hollowing bowls
- Sweeping flute for smoother cuts
- Excellent for learning curvature and bevel control
Key advice: Start with shallow faces and gentle cuts — the bowl gouge rewards patience and technique.
See our Bowl Gouges here:
Diamic Gouges | Henry Taylor Tools
Hamlet Gouges | Henry Taylor Tools
🔧 5. Skew Chisel — Master Finesse and Finish
The skew chisel has a reputation for being tricky — but it’s one of the most satisfying tools when you master it.
- Great for planing cuts
- Leaves a super-smooth surface
- Helps refine spindles and detail work
Beginner tip: Use light cuts and keep the bevel rubbing — it’s safer and gives better results.
See our Skew Chisels here:
Diamic Skews & Chisels | Henry Taylor Tools
Hamlet Skews & Chisels | Henry Taylor Tools
🎯 Final Thoughts: Start with the Right Tools
The right tools make a huge difference in your woodturning journey. For beginners, quality and reliability matter just as much as versatility. The top 5 tools above will help you build solid turning fundamentals — from rough shaping to refined finish work.
At Henry Taylor Tools, we’ve been crafting premium woodworking and woodturning tools for generations. Our tools are designed for comfort, balance, and performance — helping you enjoy every moment at the lathe.
👉 Ready to kit out your workshop? Explore our full range of woodturning tools at www.henrytaylortools.co.uk
Woodturning Skew Chisels: Benefits, Uses, and How to Choose the Right One
Radius End vs. Straight End Skew Chisels – Which One Should You Use?
In woodturning, few tools inspire both respect and hesitation like the skew chisel. Known for producing glass-smooth finishes straight from the lathe, it’s also notorious for its tendency to catch if not handled carefully. Among the variations of this tool, the radius end skew chisel and straight end skew chisel are the most popular — and each brings unique advantages to your turning work.
Below, we’ll break down the benefits, uses, and differences between these two styles to help you choose the best one for your turning style.
Radius End Skew Chisel
The radius end skew chisel, sometimes called a round-end skew, features a gently curved cutting edge. That simple change makes it easier to control, especially for new turners or when working on curved profiles. The added benefit of the radius end skew chisels manufactured by each of the brands ‘Hamlet Craft Tools’ and ‘Diamic’ by Henry Taylor Tools is that they also have a rolled edge along the length of the tool blade; which provides a steadiness on the tool rest without the risk of drag.
Benefits
- Reduced chance of catches: The curved end minimizes sharp corners that can dig into your workpiece.
- Smooth transitions: Ideal for rolling beads, shaping coves, and blending curves.
- Versatile cutting area: Different parts of the curve can be used for planing, detailing, or slicing cuts.
- Clean slicing action: The progressive engagement of the curved end creates a smoother, tear-free surface.
Best Uses
- Shaping beads, coves, and curved details.
- Producing fine finishing cuts with minimal sanding required.
- Beginner-friendly learning tool for mastering skew techniques.
- Great for decorative spindles, table legs, and artistic turnings.
Hamlet Craft Tools – Radius End Woodturning Skew Chisels
| Product Ref. | Description |
| HCT104R | 1/2″ Rolled Edge Radius Skew Chisel |
| HCT105R | 3/4″ Rolled Edge Radius Skew Chisel |
| HCT106R | 1″ Rolled Edge Radius Skew Chisel |
| HCT107R | 1.1/4″ Rolled Edge Radius Skew Chisel |
Diamic by Henry Taylor Tools – Radius End Woodturning Skew Chisels
| Product Ref. | Description |
| HS147 | 1/2″ Rolled Edge Radius End Skew Chisel |
| HS148 | 3/4″ Rolled Edge Radius End Skew Chisel |
| HS149 | 1″ Rolled Edge Radius End Skew Chisel |
Straight End Skew Chisel
The straight end skew is the classic design — a flat, straight end that delivers exceptional control and precision. While it takes more practice to master, it remains a staple for fine craftsmanship.
Benefits
- Precision planing: Excellent for long, flat surfaces and straight cuts.
- Easy to sharpen: Maintaining a consistent bevel is simpler on a flat end.
- Sharp definition: Perfect for crisp V-cuts, shoulders, and tenons.
- Traditional control: Many experienced turners prefer its predictable feel and feedback.
Best Uses
- Creating flat, smooth surfaces (e.g., spindles, handles, balusters).
- Cutting tenons, shoulders, and joinery details.
- Achieving sharp transitions and fine detailing.
- Ideal for experienced turners seeking precision.
Hamlet Craft Tools – Straight End Woodturning Skew Chisels
| Product Ref. | Description |
| HCT100 | 1/2″ Standard Skew Chisel |
| HCT101 | 3/4″ Standard Skew Chisel |
| HCT102 | 1″ Standard Skew Chisel |
| HCT103 | 1.1/4″ Standard Skew Chisel |
| HCT104 | 1/2″ Rolled Edge Standard Skew Chisel |
| HCT105 | 3/4″ Rolled Edge Standard Skew Chisel |
| HCT106 | 1″ Rolled Edge Standard Skew Chisel |
| HCT107 | 1.1/4″ Rolled Edge Standard Skew Chisel |
Diamic by Henry Taylor Tools – Straight End Woodturning Skew Chisels
| Product Ref. | Description |
| HS8 | 1/2″ Rolled Edge Standard Skew Chisel |
| HS21 | 3/4″ Rolled Edge Standard Skew Chisel |
| HS22 | 1″ Rolled Edge Standard Skew Chisel |
| HS9 | 1.1/4″ Rolled Edge Standard Skew Chisel |
Radius vs. Straight End Woodturning Skew Chisels: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Radius End Skew | Straight End Skew |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Easier, more forgiving | Requires more skill |
| Risk of Catch | Lower | Higher if misused |
| Surface Finish | Best on curves | Best on flats |
| Sharpening | Slightly more complex | Easier |
| Best For | Curves, beads, and beginners | Flats, tenons, and experienced users |
Final Thoughts
Both types of skews have their place in the woodturner’s toolkit. The radius end skew excels in safety, smoothness, and versatility — making it the perfect choice for beginners and curved projects. Meanwhile, the straight end skew remains unbeatable for precise, flat cuts and professional-level control.
If you’re new to turning, start with a radius end skew to build confidence. As your skills develop, adding a straight skew will give you the precision and versatility to tackle any spindle turning project.
💡 Pro Tip:
Regardless of which skew you use, always keep it razor-sharp and practice before approaching your final workpiece. The skew rewards patience and precision!