Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool vs GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning
Both made our Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set if you want robert Sorby is the premier UK turning tool manufacturer -- the standard against which all others are measured. Choose the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set if you'd rather have 8-piece set at the lowest price for a complete turning tool set. Overall we rank the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 list.
Winner overall: Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set
Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set vs GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 | #3 of 8 in Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Value |
| Brand | Robert Sorby | GreatNeck |
| Key features | M2 HSS steel; 5-piece set; Ash handles | 8-piece set; Carbon steel; Budget price |
| Biggest strength | Robert Sorby is the premier UK turning tool manufacturer -- the standard against which all others are measured | 8-piece set at the lowest price for a complete turning tool set |
| Main trade-off | Very high price per set | Carbon steel, not HSS -- edge retention is shorter than M2 HSS |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | value-focused buyers who want the most for their money |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set if…
- Robert Sorby is the premier UK turning tool manufacturer -- the standard against which all others are measured
- M2 high-speed steel holds an edge longer than standard carbon steel turning tools
- The 5-piece set covers the essential turning shapes: spindle gouge, bowl gouge, skew chisel, parting tool, scraper
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set section.
#3 pick · Best Value
Choose the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set if…
- 8-piece set at the lowest price for a complete turning tool set
- Carbon steel -- sharpenable with standard wheel grinder
- The most affordable entry to traditional turning tools for beginners
Best for: value-focused buyers who want the most for their money
Prefer the alternative? See the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set section.
Pros and cons of each
Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set
Pros
- Robert Sorby is the premier UK turning tool manufacturer -- the standard against which all others are measured
- M2 high-speed steel holds an edge longer than standard carbon steel turning tools
- The 5-piece set covers the essential turning shapes: spindle gouge, bowl gouge, skew chisel, parting tool, scraper
- Ash handles are the traditional turning handle material -- balanced and durable
Cons
- Very high price per set
- Available primarily from specialty turning suppliers
GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set
Pros
- 8-piece set at the lowest price for a complete turning tool set
- Carbon steel -- sharpenable with standard wheel grinder
- The most affordable entry to traditional turning tools for beginners
- Covers all basic turning shapes for spindle and bowl work
Cons
- Carbon steel, not HSS -- edge retention is shorter than M2 HSS
- Less precise grinding from the manufacturer -- requires sharpening before first use
Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set vs GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set: common questions
Which is better, the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set or the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set?
Choose the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set if you want robert Sorby is the premier UK turning tool manufacturer -- the standard against which all others are measured. Choose the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set if you'd rather have 8-piece set at the lowest price for a complete turning tool set. Overall we rank the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set and the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set?
The Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set stands out because robert Sorby is the premier UK turning tool manufacturer -- the standard against which all others are measured, while the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set stands out because 8-piece set at the lowest price for a complete turning tool set. The trade-offs differ too: the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set's main caveat is that very high price per set, and the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set's is that carbon steel, not HSS -- edge retention is shorter than M2 HSS.
Is the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set worth it over the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set instead if very high price per set is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set instead of the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set?
The GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set suits value-focused buyers who want the most for their money, while the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set is best for buyers who want the best overall package.