Gouge Preference?

[bgray]

I've always just used a standard 3/8 spindle gouge with a fingernail profile for pens.

I noticed CSU's deeper fluted "Kip and Rex" gouge recommended for penturning.

http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=988-0301

Just curious if anyone has used this, and generally, what's your preference in gouges for pens?

Thanks.

 

[Mikey]

I think I have the type of gouge you use and I also find it does a wnderful job in not only wood, but if you turn it sideways, it makes great cuts in all sorts of resins. I use a few other tools, but none get the same amount of use while making pens.

 

[TellicoTurning]

I like a round nose scraper for most of my wood pens... I used it for acrylics until I read Ed Davidson's post about using the skew... now I will round the blank with a scraper then switch to the skew to finish the cuts. I sometimes usa a spindle gouge is good to do very light finish cuts..

 

[twoofakind]

I use a Crown pro-pm 1/2" spindle gouge for most of my pen work. I also use a radius skew for finishing passes.
Andy

 

[bradh]

I have used a spindle gouge for turning pens. I prefer a skew, but the spindle gouge is a little easier to learn with.
The spindle gouge is good if you want to do some bead work on the pen.
Brad

 

[LEAP]

After watching Alan Lacers skew video I switched from the spindle gouge and now there is no going back. I find the versatility meets all the needs I have. Prior to watching the video I was "scared of the skew" I had had some major catches doing spindle work when I first tried one but found it was a case of technique and using too small a tool for the job. Now I hardly ever grab another chisel when doing a pen.

 

[bnoles]

Brian,

I have the Kip and Rex gouge and really like it. I use it to get the pen roughed down and then switch to the skew for clean up. The combination of the 2 tools works great for me.

 

[alamocdc]

Oh skew it, I don't use a gouge.[}]

 

[Dario]

I've reached the point where I can turn a pen using just ONE of my tool (bowl gouge, skew, roughing gouge, parting tool, scraper, etc.) if I wanted. BUT it won't be the most efficient way (for me) to do it so I don't.

I predominantly use both my roughing gouge and skew 99% of the time on all my pens. It all boils down to what best work for you [].

 

[kent4Him]

I use a gouge with the Irish grind. Far up the flute as I can go. I occationally use a skew, but I do mostly woods. For the few acrylics that I have done, the round nosed scraper is the best for me. On antler, I use a gouge until round and then I use the skew, but only as a scraper.

As you can see, there are many answers to this one question.

 

[Rmartin]

gouge to round and skew to turn. On resins a flat file to start.

I need to get me one of those scraper thingys

Rmartin

 

[Rifleman1776]

For pens, 3/8" spindle gouge to round, 1" skew for rest. Sometimes, I'll end up with a 3/8" skew at the ends.