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Spec Grade

Spec Grade

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Oct 14, 2009
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Location
Maryland
What kind of gouges do you use for turning pens?
I have a complete set of Benjamin's Best HSS gouges, so no problem in which to use.
Thanks for any help.
 
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A 3/4" roughing gouge is probably best when getting started. Some people use a 1/2" bowl gouge. Start practicing with a 3/4 or 1/2" skew as soon as possible.
 
I use a 1/2" gouge to round out the blank. Then switch to a 1/2" oval skew to finish shape. I will use a parting tool to mark for tenons. I don't have a big selection yet, but these have done eveything I've needed to do so far.
 
I was told to use the sharpest tool I had.

So I use my wit's :)

1/2 gouge for roughing and turning round to close to finished size then skew...
 
I like the 3/4" roughing gouge as well. I still use it for the bulk of my material removal. When I get to the shaping and finishing stage I almost always grab my small skew.
 
After watching Ed Brown at a demo at the first Midwest Penturners Gathering, I've tried to stick with my skews... I think one is a 1 inch and the other 1/2 inch... If I seem to have trouble getting started, I'll take 1/2 inch round nose to rough the corners off, then back to the skew.

When I was first starting I did use the 3/4 inch roughing gouge, but found I got too aggressive with it.... blew out a lot of blanks that way.... also learned I wasn't getting my tools sharp enough and that leads to ..... blow out.
 
You can also rough off the corners on your belt sander. On really thick blanks, I have started using the sander more and sharpening my skews less often. Also, easier on the ears when you eliminate the corners without the BANG< BANG on the skew.
 
3/4" roughing gouge to round, then skew held as a scraper (flat on the tool rest and 90 degrees +/- a bit to the blank). Practice with the skew until you're comfortable -- you'll save a lot on sandpaper! I always grind skews with a curved edge rather than a straight cutting edge.
 
A gouge is a piece of paper that has abrasive material adhered to it.

I prefer an 80-grit gouge most of the time.


:wink::biggrin:
 
No gouges for my pen turning. I use skews from start to finish.

But, what if I had said a 5/8" parabolic fluted bowl gouge with an Ellsworth grind? :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

Do a good turn daily!
Don
 
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