Spindle roughing gouge

From WikiWOOD

Spindle Roughing Gouge

A Spindle Roughing Gouge, often referred to as simply a Roughing Gouge, is used primarily to rough square stock to round ("roughing down"), and to create rough approximations of the final shape ("roughing out").

1 Description
2 Warning
3 Working with the Spindle Roughing Gouge
4 Sharpening the roughing gouge

Description

Spindle roughing gouges are made from a thick pieces of flat steel forged into a round shape. They have a deep, wide flute which enable rapid removal of stock and allow for heavy cuts, though some manufactures make a shallow fluted version. The thickness of the steel makes it possible for the spindle roughing gouge to withstand the abuse it is subjected to in the course of shaping irregular shapes to round.

Warning

This tool is not intended for use on bowls.

A short, thin tang connects the blade to the handle. This is a weak spot in an otherwise tough tool. Spindle roughing gouges should never be used for turning bowls. The risk of the gouge breaking, after a catch on one of the wings, breaking the tang. This potentially could result in serious injury to the turner.

Working with the Spindle Roughing Gouge

Pear Vase Rough Turned with a Spindle Roughing Gouge

A spindle roughing gouge excels at starting with a blank, in this case mounted between centers; resulting in a cylinder, and some initial shaping. The spalted pear blank on the right is an example of the work a spindle roughing gouge can do.