Gouge angle?

[yorkie]

I use a 3/4 roughing gouge for making all my pens and nothing else.

The problem is, I sometimes go through this phase where I need to resharpen it every 3-5 pens and find I may have lost the angle to keep it sharper longer.

What is the angle of the cutting edge on your roughing gouge?

 

[flyitfast]

I try to keep mine at 45 degrees. I use my 1 1/4 roughing gouge on pens and this angle helps me stay on bevel when using it like a 1/2 skew. I guess what we use depends on how we learned. It is definitely the tool for rounding. I don't grind as often as you do, but I do use a honing tool (Alan Lacer's product) between pens and that keeps it sharp enough for each pen. When I lose the hollow grind, it is time for touchup on the grinder.
gordon

 

[mark james]

I am by no means an "experienced" turner... But I also use the 3/4" roughing gouge frequently, as well as the Sorby Mini Set - for pens. I believe my angle is about 40 degrees, but it probably does not matter if you are used to "your" angle and it works for you.

I use the grinder every few weeks, and in between, use a diamond hone to bring back the edge. I was at a demonstration at a Woodcraft Store with a Sorby Demonstrator and that is what he recommended. Grinding, very infrequently, honing, often (for dense woods, every 3-5 minutes). But takes about 10 seconds and some spit .

You are probably aware, but. HSS sharpened properly is superior to Carbide (BUT THEY BOTH HAVE THEIR PLACE AND I USE BOTH).

 

[Jim Burr]

The angle is valid under two conditions...tool type and style. This may be of help...

Bevel Angles - Suggested Starting Points for Woodturning Tools
http://azwoodturners.org/Sharpening2.pdf
http://woodturninglearn.net/articles/sharpen2.htm
Sharpening-Roughing Gouge - YouTube

Although I also use many "bowl sized" gouges in pen turning, grind is important...but what you are comfortable with may matter more.

 

[yorkie]

Thanks a lot, guys. Very helpful.

I have a pinnacle cryogenic so I was hoping the edge would have held longer. I use a 10" Tormek for sharpening, with a black stone. I'm going to try honing in between. What do you use for honing?

Thanks.

 

[mark james]

Thanks a lot, guys. Very helpful.

I have a pinnacle cryogenic so I was hoping the edge would have held longer. I use a 10" Tormek for sharpening, with a black stone. I'm going to try honing in between. What do you use for honing?

Thanks.

JUst Me...

Woodcraft: #147298. DMT Dia Sharp 2.5" Mini Honing Kit. $27.50.
There are 3 grades, can be bought individually for $10.75. I actually use only the FINE.

There are many others available and probably work just as well. It just gets the HSS tools sharper between the need for grinding.

For What Its Worth... I bought some tools at Thompson Tools and was given a 25 minutes demo before my invoice was printed (I was a prisoner)!!! After showing me how to sharpen the gouges on the grinder, this was the final demo.