Replaceable Gouge tips

The only ones I have used are those from Kelton. They are an excellect quality of tool steel, but .... The flute is 2" long as it comes from the factory, and that creates some problems for me.

They are too short to be used in a Wolverine (Oneway) grinding jig. I don't know about the other jigs, but this means that they HAVE to be ground freehand.

I have no problem with the free-hand grinding, and I prefer to do that most of the time. But, I like to use a bowl gouge with a long (1") side grind, and the short flute really limits the remaining life as a useful turning tool.

It is an expensive way to buy turning tools. $30 for less than 2" of useable flute length is a very expensive turning tool for me.

Use your own judgement whether these are prolems for you.

Russ Fairfield Post Falls, Idaho

I think Ken makes some good points and must say that my experience with replaceable tip gouges is limited to the Kelton. Kelton usually makes outstanding tools, but if one ventures into enough areas, one is sure to have an occasional flop, and I think this is Keltons (again, not the steel, but the overall package).

Ken's tools, much like Kelton, are almost always well thought out tools of good value. I don't have the experience with his them to say whether or not that applies to his gouges, but I know that for me it applies to his bowl saver, hollowing tools, hollowing gate, and handles.

I must admit, I remain somewhat skeptical and note that replaceable tip gouges have never really caught on in North America. Henry Taylor has long had a premium replaceable tip gouge (Japan Woodworker carries it and has a nice detailed description in their catalog) but it has achieved little reputation or distibution. (I'm not sure if the Teknatool or the Henry Taylor actually first introduced the concept).

I'm embarassed to say that though I've had one for over a year (and like it) I've never tried the TruGrind jig with the Keltons, but I suspect it will not fit the Keltons any better than the Tormek of Wolverine. Replaceable tip gouges, almost without exception, pose a problem with orientation in a sharpening jig because of their short flutes that are no longer than the amount most jigs call for tip extension beyond the seating area in the jig. Thus the fluted area is forward of the mounting point and cannot be used to ensure consistent alignment in the jig. I don't see how Ken's are different in this respect, but he may have a solution to offer. The Keltons are even more awkward when it comes to mounting as the tips and shaft are slightly different shapes and the tip locking screw can interfere with seating in the jig (at least the Tormek one).

But again, I can only relate my dissatisfaction to the replaceble tip gouge that I have used, which is the Kelton. There are some definite theoretical and practical advantages to the concept, which Ken has articulated (solid shafts, relatively consistent length, etc.) and I suspect a replaceble tip gouge could definitely be made that would offer those advantages without being having them be overwhelmed by the disadvantages. I can't honestly say if such a thing presently exists, but I know it isn't the one that I've tried.

Lyn

Woodcut tools 2000 Ltd sales wrote:

I had better send you one to try Lyn As for the Tru grind Yes you must take care to align the flute, a simple matter in practise. Another benifit with the replacable tip is that because it never gets shorter you can continue to use your Jig over the whole life of the tool. As you know there is a lot of tool going to waste in the traditional gouge. Also the feel of the tools (replacement tip) are the same throughout tool life unlike the ever shortening English tools. As for the Henry taylor tools the tips are not the same as the shaft which also poses are problem over the tool rest. Food for thought""""

Ken, please don't send a tip to Lyn, we want to keep his excellent reviews without any appearance of being influenced.

OTOH, feel entirely free to send as many of your fine products to me. as you wish. My opinions shift like the sands and can be bought cheaply. Good reviews certain.

Sincerely, Arch (address in AAW directory)

Fortiter,

snipped-for-privacy@webtv.net (Arch) wrote in news:7814-40E6936F-373@storefull-

Arch, am I missing something? I went to your link, but all I find is the preview. I was hoping for the whole Musie.

LD

Hi LD, That's all there is, there ain't no more! Just a disclaimer to divert hassles, but too long to use as a signature. Arch

Fortiter,

What do you mean by this statement?

I don't think Ken means that literally - the tool tip will shorten with repeated sharpening, but it's only the last 2" or so of the overall tool length and at that point you'd put on a new tip. A regular gouge just keeps getting shorter and shorter - all the while changing the tool leverage and feel - and eventually becomes unsharpenable using a sharpening jig.

I don't think anything I say will sway Lyn's views, he has his opinions regardless of our suggestions. But without a tool to test he cannot make any. Yes Owen thats spot on