Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool vs PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning
Both made our Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #2. 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 PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System if you'd rather have carbide insert tools never need sharpening -- rotate the insert for a fresh edge, then replace. Overall we rank the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 list.
Winner overall: Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set
Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set vs PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 | #2 of 8 in Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Carbide |
| Brand | Robert Sorby | PSI Woodworking |
| Key features | M2 HSS steel; 5-piece set; Ash handles | Carbide insert; Replaceable tip; No sharpening |
| Biggest strength | Robert Sorby is the premier UK turning tool manufacturer -- the standard against which all others are measured | Carbide insert tools never need sharpening -- rotate the insert for a fresh edge, then replace |
| Main trade-off | Very high price per set | Carbide insert cost builds over time as inserts are replaced |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | Most buyers |
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 PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System section.
#2 pick · Best Carbide
Choose the PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System if…
- Carbide insert tools never need sharpening -- rotate the insert for a fresh edge, then replace
- The correct turning tools for beginners who have not yet learned to sharpen turning tools
- Excellent results on soft and medium hardwoods without any grinding knowledge
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
PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System
Pros
- Carbide insert tools never need sharpening -- rotate the insert for a fresh edge, then replace
- The correct turning tools for beginners who have not yet learned to sharpen turning tools
- Excellent results on soft and medium hardwoods without any grinding knowledge
- Numbered cutter edges make consistent, reliable rotation easy to track
Cons
- Carbide insert cost builds over time as inserts are replaced
- Carbide tools do not produce as fine a surface cut as a properly sharpened HSS gouge on difficult grain
Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set vs PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System: common questions
Which is better, the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set or the PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System?
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 PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System if you'd rather have carbide insert tools never need sharpening -- rotate the insert for a fresh edge, then replace. Overall we rank the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Wood Turning Tools 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set and the PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System?
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 PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System stands out because carbide insert tools never need sharpening -- rotate the insert for a fresh edge, then replace. The trade-offs differ too: the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set's main caveat is that very high price per set, and the PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System's is that carbide insert cost builds over time as inserts are replaced.
Is the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set worth it over the PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System instead if very high price per set is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System instead of the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set?
The PSI Woodworking LXPMSET Lathe Woodturning Ultra Carbide Chisel System suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set is best for buyers who want the best overall package.