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what is a spindle gouge

by Tyreek Harber Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Spindle gouge

  • Description. A spindle gouge, also known as an inside-bowl turning tool, is the most commonly used of all woodturning tools.
  • Purpose. Woodworkers usually use a spindle gouge is for hollowing work and shaving away the waste to create spindle-shaped components.
  • Price. You can buy spindle gouges individually or in sets of different shapes and sizes. ...

The spindle gouge is the mainstay tool of woodturning of chair legs, banisters, etc. - everything that is turned with the grain of the wood running between centers. Spindle gouges are also useful for shallow hollowing, drilling and beading work.

Full Answer

What is the difference between Bowl Gouge and spindle gouge?

However, the flute of the spindle gouge is a wide-open, shallow U-shape which divides the metal shaft in half. Because less material surrounds the tip of the spindle gouge, this tool is less fortified at the tip compared to the bowl gouge.

What is a spindle roughing gouge?

Photo 1. The spindle roughing gouge is one of four gouges commonly used for turning. It is instantly recognizable by its deeply fluted semi-circular shape, vertically ground edge, and tang-style end.

What is a fingernail spindle gouge?

Traditional fingernail spindle gouges have a deeper flute than that of a detail spindle gouge, and a wider flute profile than your standard bowl gouge. Whether cutting coves, roughing material, or forming beads, the spindle gouge is incredibly versatile, and certainly a tool to beef up your arsenal!

What does the angle of the spindle gouge determine?

The angle of the spindle gouge dictates how much control and detail can be created with the spindle cutting tip. It is common to have multiple spindle gouges each with different style beveled tips. I use a more standard ground spindle gouge and a steeply ground detail spindle gouge.

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What is a spindle gouge used for?

Used to shape a piece and create coves, beads and other details, spindle gouges are identifiable by their shallow flute and are available in a wide range of sizes. Most spindle gouges have a 'fingernail' grind, meaning the edges are ground back for versatility and clearance.

What is the difference in a bowl gouge and a spindle gouge?

What is the difference between a bowl gouge vs spindle gouge? The bowl gouge flute is curved with wings and designed for turning wood bowls. A spindle gouge has a more open flat flute and is best used for details and spindle turnings.

What is the difference between a bowl gouge and a fingernail bowl gouge?

0:4016:08Bowl Gouge Vs Spindle Gouge Woodturning Tools Compared VideoYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGouge is more of an open flat curve the flute on the spindle gouge is very open just goes across theMoreGouge is more of an open flat curve the flute on the spindle gouge is very open just goes across the top whereas the flute on the bull gouge is more u-shaped.

What is spindle roughing gouge?

A spindle roughing gouge is designed to quickly shape square wooden blanks that are mounted on the lathe so the grain runs parallel to the bed. It's a great tool for removing the blank's corners, creating cylinders and straight tapers. It can also shape convex and concave tapers, if the curves are gradual.

How do you sharpen spindle gouges?

0:041:21Sharpening a Spindle Gouge (Woodturning) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSingle bevel to sharpen placed the spindle gouge in the very grind jig. Using the 2 inch RaptorMoreSingle bevel to sharpen placed the spindle gouge in the very grind jig. Using the 2 inch Raptor grinding jig set the tool position and tighten.

What angle should a spindle gouge be?

35ºReady for more woodturning tips?ToolAngleSpindle roughing gouge35º

What do you use a 1/4 bowl gouge for?

1/4″ bowl gouge was traditionally used for finishing the inside or outside of a bowl. I prefer to make a light finishing cut with a 1/2″ gouge that has a fingernail profile. 5/8″ or 3/4″ bowl gouge is useful for making heavy, aggressive cuts on bowls larger than 14″ in diameter.

What bowl gouge should I buy?

For small bowls with a diameter of 12" or less, we suggest a 1/2" bowl gouge. For medium to large bowls with diameters of about 12" to 14", a 5/8" bowl gouge will be more efficient. For sizable work with a diameter of 14" or larger, a powerful 3/4" bowl gouge will really get the job done.

What is a standard grind bowl gouge?

The 5/8" Fingernail Grind bowl gouge is the go-to tool for roughing out - especialy bowls, hollow forms, and platers. Use the Fingernail Ground Bowl Gouges for all you roughing out - smaller pieces smaller gouge, larger pieces larger gouge.

Can you use a spindle gouge for roughing?

0:009:07An important lesson with a Spindle Roughing Gouge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA spindle roughing gouge is perhaps the most used lathe tool in my shop. Because among other thingsMoreA spindle roughing gouge is perhaps the most used lathe tool in my shop. Because among other things it excels at turning rough blanks into cylinders for making furniture. Parts.

How do you sharpen wooden gouges?

Place the cutting edge on a strop with a 30degree angle. Pull and roll the gouge to catch the whole bevel back and forth repeatedly 30-40 times with speed to get the whole of the bevel polished out, work from one side to the other. While doing this you'll notice that inside of the gouge is highly polished out.

What is a skew chisel?

A skew chisel is a hand-held wood carving tool with 2 beveled edges and an angled blade. With one notable exception--the hooked skew--these tools are generally used with a wood lathe to produce turned pieces. Because of this, many skew chisels are sturdy tools with comparatively long shafts and large handles.

Can you use a spindle gouge to turn a bowl?

For the most part, and particularly for beginner woodturners, spindle gouges are not suited for bowl turning. Spindle gouges tend to be ground at a steeper, more aggressive angle than a bowl gouge. In addition, they have a shallower flute, forming a different cutting edge profile. These two factors can lead to catches.

What angle do you sharpen a bowl gouge?

The steepness of the bevel on your bowl gouge is somewhat of a personal preference. In general, though, a steeper bevel will result in a more aggressive cut. A bevel that's tipped closer to 30 degrees will give you good tool control.

How do I choose a bowl gouge?

For small bowls with a diameter of 12" or less, we suggest a 1/2" bowl gouge. For medium to large bowls with diameters of about 12" to 14", a 5/8" bowl gouge will be more efficient. For sizable work with a diameter of 14" or larger, a powerful 3/4" bowl gouge will really get the job done.

How do you use a spindle roughing gouge?

2:166:06How to use a Roughing Gouge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo once again anchor the tool a B let the bevel of the tool. Right against the wood to do this weMoreSo once again anchor the tool a B let the bevel of the tool. Right against the wood to do this we slightly raise the handle up and the wood will rub. Against the bevel of the tool.

Master this most basic turning tool

When I introduce someone to woodturning, I choose the spindle roughing gouge. When I work with kids, it’s the first tool I place in their hands. Why? Because, used correctly, the spindle roughing gouge is the safest, most user-friendly turning tool of them all. And don’t be fooled by its name.

Designed for spindle work

Photo 1. The spindle roughing gouge is one of four gouges commonly used for turning. It is instantly recognizable by its deeply fluted semi-circular shape, vertically ground edge, and tang-style end.

Strengths

The spindle roughing gouge is a great choice for creating cylinders the best tool for removing the corners on any square stock measuring up to 5″ by 5″. It’s much faster than tilting the tablesaw blade and running the stock through numerous times, and safer, too.

Using the spindle roughing gouge

Photo 5. To use the spindle roughing gouge, point the flute in the direction of travel and the handle held low. Move the tool forward so its bevel contacts the wood. Raise the handle slightly, until the edge starts to cut. Hold the tool steady and move in the intended direction.

Shaping and sharpening

Photo 10/11. The edge of this spindle roughing gouge is properly shaped. When viewed from above, the edge runs straight across. When viewed from the side, the edge appears vertical. It can also cant slightly back. The edge should never extend forward at the top.

Why is the spindle gouge less fortified?

Because less material surrounds the tip of the spindle gouge, this tool is less fortified at the tip compared to the bowl gouge.

How much spindle gouge do I need for wood bowl turning?

However, I really feel to have a well-rounded, yet minimal wood bowl turning toolset, you need to add a spindle gouge. And I recommend adding a 1/2” spindle gouge with a detail grind. The spindle gouge directly picks up where the bowl gouge can’t go.

What are the disadvantages of a bowl gouge?

Bowl Gouge Disadvantages. The bowl gouge is a bit bulky at the cutting tip when it comes to tight spaces. Unlike the spindle gouge, the bowl gouge cannot get into sharp cove valleys easily. If any tight detail work is needed, the bowl gouge is not the ideal tool for this task. Because the bowl gouge is used so frequently, ...

What is a bowl gouge flute?

The bowl gouge flute is curved with wings and designed for turning wood bowls. A spindle gouge has a more open flat flute and is best used for details and spindle turnings.

What type of gouge should I use for a bowl tenon?

I use a more standard ground spindle gouge and a steeply ground detail spindle gouge. The detail spindle gouge allows access to tight spaces, like the inside angle of a properly created bowl tenon.

Why is a bowl gouge extended?

Because of the mass of metal material at the cutting tip and the overall substantial nature of the bowl gouge, it can be extended, within reason, far beyond the tool rest edge. This extra reaching attribute is critical when turning down deep into a bowl.

What shape is a bowl gouge?

The curved flute might be U-shaped, V-shaped, or parabolic in shape. That interior flute design allows the bowl gouge to have exterior ground beveled wings that create a larger cutting surface all the way around the tip of the bowl gouge.

What is a spindle gouge?

A spindle gouge, unlike the bowl gouge, has a wider and a shallower-U shaped flute, which divides the metal shaft in half. This round metal shaft is also called cutting-edge. It is a traditional turner’s tool and a workhorse for all except a dedicated bowl turner of course.

How wide is a spindle gouge?

The different types of this gouge depend on the angle, and it typically ranges from 1/4″ to 1″ in width.

What makes the bottom of a bowl gouge thicker?

As for the thickness, the deep flute makes the bottom thicker in the bowl gouge than on the sides. And on a spindle gouge, the metal is close to the same thickness all around.

What is the difference between a spindle gouge and a bowl gouge?

The spindle gouge has shallower flat-across grind than the bowl gouge, with a bevel usually between 25 to 40 degrees. As a result, the tip comes to a point. This shallow size allows a better shaving clearance and is more helpful for details and spindle turnings.

Why did they make bowl gouges?

Strength. One of the reasons for inventing bowl gouges was because, while turning a bowl’s inner side, the longer section remains unsupported. The bowl gouge has a deep flute which makes it stronger. But if you use a spindle gouge to hollow out the bowl, it could easily get bent.

Why is the tip of a spindle gouge less fortified than that of a bowl gouge?

Moreover, the tip of the spindle gouge is less fortified than that of bowl gouge because of less material surrounding it .

What is a gouge tool?

It is the most commonly used tool for woodturners. This tool has a metal exterior shaft that is round. Its interior is curved, known as a flute. The exterior round portion is known as the rod. This solid round rod makes the gouge extremely strong.

What is a spindle gouge?

They also have a larger cutting edge because of their curvy flute size. Spindle Gouge: It’s a woodturning tool specifically created to turn and shape spindle projects (long and thin end grain projects between lathe centers) and create detail cuts. They are lighter and shorter than a traditional bowl gouge.

What is the difference between a bowl gouge and a spindle gouge?

Well, the main difference between a bowl gouge vs. a spindle gouge is the difference between the curves of the wings and the size of the flute. Spindle gouge specializes in detail work and turning end grain spindles, whereas bowl gouge is best for turning bowl-shaped projects.

What angle can a spindle gouge go?

Spindle gouge: The angle for a spindle gouge is much lower than a roughing gouge and bowl gouge. Although you can go up to 45° angle, it normally stays between 25° – 35°. Such as the case of fingernail gouge.

What is a V shaped gouge?

Usually, a “V” shaped gouge comes with a fingernail grind that is ideal for detailing, roughing, and finishing. Spindle Gouge: As a rule, spindle gouges have a much shallower flute than bowl gouges, unless it’s a spindle roughing gouge. You can easily recognize them by their external flute size.

What is a bowl gouge?

Definition. Bowl Gouge: A bowl gouge is one of the most important woodturning tools that we use to remove woods from bowl blanks with efficiency. Bowl gouge can take much stronger forces from a larger diameter piece alternating between end grain and long grain.

How to tell if a bowl gouge is sharp?

The easiest way to tell if your tool needs to be sharpened is to look at the chips or dust.

What angle is a 40-40 grind?

However, this comes between the 40-40 grind which is 40° angles to up to Micro Bevel Grind at 70° angles, depending on the project requirement. Here are some types of bevel angle for a bowl gouge-. 40-40 Grind. Fingernail Grind. Traditional Grind.

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Why do you need a Spindle Gouge?

An essential tool for woodturning is the spindle gouge. With this tool, woodturners can create a variety of shapes from wood. The two types of spindle gouges are straight and bent. They are essential tools for woodturning since they are used to cut and shape the wood.

Roughing gauge

You can use a spindle gouge to create spindles and other shapes effectively, but the process requires much practice and patience. This is where roughing gauges come in! You may have heard of these before since they’re often confused with spindle gouges which we just learned about.

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The difference between spindle gouge and roughing gauge

So, what is the difference between spindle gouge and roughing gauge? We’ve already discussed how spindles are inside-bowl turning tools while roughing gauges are outside bowl cutting tools, but there is more to it than that.

What is the best angle for a spindle gouge

The standard method of holding a spindle gouge is with the fingers on one side, the thumb on the other. A depth gauge can be used to ensure that cuts are at a consistent depth between centres.

What angle is a spindle gouge

Rolling is the most common method of using spindle gouges. As a result, the cut becomes smoother and more scalloped with fewer ragged edges. A rolling method involves working into an edge at an angle perpendicular to it, moving parallel towards it with purposeful strokes about 1/4″ at a time.

Why use a spindle gouge for drilling?

For drilling straight into end grain, a technique some use in box making, a spindle gouge is used because the flute is ground to the center of the bar, as opposed to a detail gouge which might only be ground 1/3, leaving the center of the bar to get in the way.

What is the difference between a spindle gouge and a detail gouge?

The main difference between the detail gouge and spindle gouge Is that the flute is ground into the the top of the bar for the detail gouge while the top 1/3 of the bar is ground off the spindle gouge then the flute is ground. For the same manufacturer the flute shapes are about the same and usually rather shallow.

Which is better, spindle or detail gouge?

Detail gouge has a lot more metal under the flute so it is a lot stiffer which makes it better for heavy cutting and for workin further over the tool rest. Spindle gouge takes a 30 degree bevel better. A 30 degree bevel on a detail gouge gets reall long.

Can you drill with a bowl gouge?

The trick with drilling on the lathe with gouges is to start the point dead center. I can drill with my bowl gouges. The spindle gouge and especially my detail gouge drill easier because they have a more acute edge. My detail gouge also has a smaller rounded point that makes it push in easier.

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1.Videos of What Is a Spindle Gouge

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24 hours ago  · The spindle-roughing gouge has a flat tang and a wide flute—it’s sometimes called a “half-circle gouge.” Its uses include removing the corners from blanks in long-grain …

2.The Detail/Spindle Gouge | Popular Woodworking

Url:https://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/the-detail-spindle-gouge/

7 hours ago  · The spindle roughing gouge is one of four gouges commonly used for turning. It is instantly recognizable by its deeply fluted semi-circular shape, vertically ground edge, and tang …

3.Woodturning: What is a Spindle Gouge? - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZl0wiYnnm0

15 hours ago A spindle gouge, also known as an inside-bowl turning tool, is the most commonly used of all woodturning tools. You may find spindle gouges in various types and shapes, such as …

4.The Spindle Roughing Gouge | Popular Woodworking

Url:https://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/the-spindle-roughing-gouge/

4 hours ago  · This video describes and demonstrates the proper way to use a spindle gouge. Proper cutting technique as well as how to cut beads and coves will be covered.

5.Bowl Gouge Vs Spindle Gouge Difference Explained

Url:https://turnawoodbowl.com/bowl-gouge-vs-spindle-gouge/

18 hours ago  · For drilling straight into end grain, a technique some use in box making, a spindle gouge is used because the flute is ground to the center of the bar, as opposed to a detail …

6.Bowl Gouge Vs Spindle Gouge: What Are the …

Url:https://takebacktheland.org/bowl-gouge-vs-spindle-gouge/

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7.Bowl Gouge vs. Spindle Gouge: An Easy Explanation

Url:https://www.lathematters.com/bowl-gouge-vs-spindle-gouge-difference/

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8.Spindle Gouge vs Roughing Gauge: What’s the Difference?

Url:https://woodworkingset.com/spindle-gouge-vs-roughing-gauge/

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9.How to Use a Spindle Gouge - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUo6HrQ5Ey8

35 hours ago

10.Spindle vs detail gouge | American Association of …

Url:https://www.aawforum.org/community/threads/spindle-vs-detail-gouge.13069/

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