TipsandTechniquesfortheDetailGouge.doc.docVIP

Alan N. Leland Tips and Techniques for Using a Detail Gouge Roughing with a Spindle Gouge I prefer to rough out my spindles with a 1 1/4” roughing gouge or a ?” roughing gouge. Roughing out can be accomplished with a detail gouge but it takes a bit longer and the finished cuts are not as smooth. Used properly a 1 ?” roughing gouge can leave nearly the same finish as a skew. For roughing cuts: the cut is started approximately 2” in from the tail stock end and proceeds in multiple 2” increments cutting toward the tail stock until approximately 3” from the head stock end of the blank at which point the direction of cut is reversed toward the head stock these cuts are accomplished with the tool handle perpendicular to the blank and the end of the handle down at approximately a 45 degree angle to insure that when the cutting edge makes contact with the wood that the bevel is rubbing and the tool is not cutting until the handle is raised up to start the cut. Hold the tool firmly but not tight as in all turning the tool needs to be easily manipulated and this can not be done with a tight grip on the tool. The feet should be spread apart and the body should be free to move with the cut. To achieve the most control, the flute of the tool is sandwiched between the thumb and fingers of the left hand. The thumb is exerting pressure down toward the tool rest and is griping the flute against the fingers. With this grip it is very easy to rotate the flute a small amount to improve the angle of the flute in the cut, by moving it between the fingers. The right hand is holding the end of the handle and raises and lowers the handle to control the depth of the cut and the amount of pressure exerted on the bevel. The arms are tight against the body so that any movement of the body is reflected in the movement of the handle through the cut. Thus the woodturners dance begins. The flute is in the fully opened position with the back of the tool mak