What profile and what angle on gouges?

Apr 09, 2004 3 Replies
S

I dont want to start a massive discussion here, I'm just after a bit of advice for a relative newcomer! There is so much information available on profiles and grinds for gouges I am getting a bit confused!



What I need is a good starting point for my bowl and spindle gouges and then I can play to see what suits me! So what would the experienced people here recommend for:


  1. a bowl gouge - fingernail or not - at what angle


  1. a spindle gouge - fingernail or not - at what angle



Then I'll go and play for a few years to see what suits me!



Stuart


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G

The reason there's so much discussion is because there are no rules. Pick your turner, check what 's being turned, and follow the grind used.

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D

Stuart As a rule of thumb for sharpening angles: bowl gouges: straight across at 45* roughing gouges: straight across at 45* spindle gouges: 30 degrees in a fingernail grind bowl gouges: center at 70* and bringing the wings back about 3/4" in a fingernail grind

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R

All good advice so far.

Whatever profile or angles you decide to use, always remember that the consistency of the shape is more important than what tool profile or bevel angle you are using. Without consistency, you will be trying to learn the cutting characteristics of a "new" tool in your hand after every trip to the grinder. If it takes a Wolverine, Ellsworth, Sorby, Glaser, or other grinding jig to do that, then there is nothing wrong with using it.

Russ Fairfield Post Falls, Idaho

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