● Woodworking · Comparison

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.

✎ PickHonest Research Desk▦ Updated October 15, 2026◷ 4 min read

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.

Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool SetView on Amazon VS

GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning SetView on Amazon

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.

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Best Wood Turning Tools 2026
Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set review
GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set review
All woodworking

Bottom line

Best Overall

Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set

Robert Sorby

Robert Sorby is the premier UK turning tool manufacturer -- the standard against which all others are measured

M2 HSS steel
5-piece set
Ash handles
UK made

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

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon

Best Value

GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set

GreatNeck

And carbon steel -- sharpenable with standard wheel grinder. One caveat, carbon steel, not HSS -- edge retention is shorter than M2 HSS.

8-piece set
Carbon steel
Budget price
Beginner 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

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon

FAQ

Common questions

Which is better, the Robert Sorby H6542 Turning Tool Set or the GreatNeck 800 8-Piece Wood Turning Set?

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 ma in 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.