3 Common Spindle Gouges Explained
Spindle gouges are incredibly versatile. There are several variations, each useful in different situations.
3 Common Spindle Gouges Explained
Spindle gouges are incredibly versatile. There are several variations, each useful in different situations.
Detail Spindle Gouge
A uniquely shallow flute sets apart this style of spindle gouge. A great deal of material remains under the flute, creating a stiff, sturdy little tool. This advantage aids heavy cuts and ensures less chatter when you're hanging over the tool rest to accomplish deeper cuts.
The unique flute design also takes to a swept back grind, and the nose tends to have a smaller radius. For intricate details and tight transitions, these features set the detail gouge apart.
Watch Sam Angelo share detail spindle gouge techniques here.
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! A spindle gouge can be ground with varying profiles and tip radii, depending on the type of work you're looking to accomplish. (And as you require a more pointed nose, for v cuts for instance, reaching for your detail spindle gouge is advantageous.) We always suggest a standard fingernail grind, with a gently rounded tip profile (as shown above) for those new to the spindle gouge.
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.
A detailed video by Sam Angelo on spindle gouges can be found here.
Low Profile Spindle Gouge
Compare a low profile gouge to a traditional spindle gouge, and you'll notice significantly lower wall height. This provides great access and allows for fine details and maneuvers. This style spindle gouge is well-suited for finials, and other delicate projects.
Detail Spindle Gouge
A uniquely shallow flute sets this style of spindle gouge apart. A great deal of material remains under the flute, creating a stiff, sturdy little tool. This is advantageous when taking heavy cuts and ensures less chatter when you're hanging over the tool rest to accomplish deeper cuts.
The unique flute design also takes to a swept back grind, and the nose tends to have a smaller radius. For intricate details and tight transitions, these features set the detail gouge apart.
Watch Sam Angelo share detail spindle gouge techniques here.
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 keep in your arsenal! A spindle gouge can be ground with varying profiles and tip radius', depending on the type of work you're looking to accomplish. (And as you require a more pointed nose, for v cuts for instance, reaching for your detail spindle gouge is advantageous.) We always suggest a standard fingernail grind, with a gently rounded tip profile (as shown above) for those new to the spindle gouge.
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 dangerous catches.
A detailed video by Sam Angelo on spindle gouges can be found here.
Low Profile Spindle Gouge
Compare a low profile gouge to a traditional spindle gouge, and you'll notice significantly lower wall height. This provides great access and allows for fine details and maneuvers. This style spindle gouge is well-suited for finials, and other delicate projects.