Arguably, we have already covered bead forming tools in the beading and parting tools section, but the tools shown here are in fact "form tools" used to achieve the same ends quickly and with completely uniform results: every bead identical in height and width.  Couple them with the ring forming tools and you have a means of producing loose-ringed items with no fuss or bother at all.

The tools listed below include the bead forming tool, which is available in a full  range of sizes, from 1/8" (3mm) to 3/4" (19mm), left-hand and right-hand ring forming tools for producing loose rings in combination with the bead forming tool, and sets of all three tools together.  Please note that the ring forming tools and the ring forming sets are not available in 3/16" (5mm) or 5/16" (8mm) sizes.

To produce a loose ring using these tools is simplicity itself.  The bead is first formed by introducing the bead forming tool into the timber.  Next, a relief cut is made on either side of the bead using a parting tool.  The ring tool is then located against the pre-formed bead and rotated around the bead so that its 'horn' cuts around behind the bead. This is repeated using the second ring forming tool  from the other side until the ring falls free.  Full, illustrated instructions are provided with the tools.

Beading Tools: An innovation from Henry Taylor designed to make the production of beads quick, simple and consistent.  They work superbly in dense close-grained timbers and in artificial materials such as artificial ivory and bone.  To sharpen, all that is required - unless major damage has occurred through misuse - is to hone the bevelled edge.  These tools, which are ground out of solid, square high speed steel stock, are so simple they can be used until the flute has been honed away completely - which should make them good for several centuries use!!  Note that these tools are supplied without handles.  If you know a woodturner, maybe he could make you some!

Dale Nish Bead Forming Tools: One of the 'revolutionaries' who helped start the resurgence of interest in woodturning in the US, Dale Nish has always taken a keen interest in hardware developments as well as artistic creativity.  These bead forming tools, which bear his name are designed to overcome the problems of forming precise and consistent beads on small boxes, bases and similar projects.  The tools are simply sharpened by honing the top face only.  Another simple but very effective idea from Henry Taylor Tools.

Henry Taylor Captive Ring Tools: These tools provide an economicsolution to the forming of loose rings for decorating goblet stems, rattles and the like.  The tools are double-sided and are used flat on the toolrest, entering the timber first from one side and then the other, then rotated in the horizontal plane to form the ring.  The cut is progressively deepened from both sides until the ring finally comes loose.

Remember, if you need any further advice to find the best tool for your needs from this vast range, send an e-mail and we'll happily answer your queries and give our tool choice recommendations.  We're here to serve your needs.

If you're a beginner to woodturning and would like advice on how to use some of these tools, why not visit our woodworking advisory website, Woodworking on the Web, or go straight to our Beginners Page there for some advice.