#LCSET10
PSI Woodworking Products
The Roughing Gouge is one of the primary tools for woodturning. Its main purpose is to remove stock quickly until the surface is a relative even
diameter. The Roughing Gouge can do some decent final shaping as well with proper handling. The basics of turning, such as stance and chisel
control are easiest to learn with the roughing gouge. Note that Roughing gouges are different from other spindle gouges. The tip is usually flat
across, the curve of the gouge is u-shaped, and the thickness will be uniform around the flute.
WARNING: Using a Roughing Gouge for Side Grain Turning can result in a broken gouge and serious injury to the turner. Only use
for between center spindle turning. Under no circumstance should the Roughing Gouge be used for Bowl Turning or any cuts where
the gouge will be cutting into the end grain.
Roughing Gouge
–Set includes 7/8”
Using the Roughing Gouge:
The basic hold of the gouge will have the flute facing up while the
bottom of the gouge sits on the tool rest. When roughing, it is impor-
tant to have a solid grip on the handle and brace it with the arm to
reduce vibration from the impact of un-rounded stock.
The best approach is to allow the least amount of resistance when
cutting the wood. The edge should be in line with the surface you are
turning, and to do this you want to “ride the bevel”. This means the
bevel should have as much contact with the material as possible. With
this method, the edge is only deep enough to make small cuts and the
bevel is resting along the freshly cut surface. This helps support and
steady the edge and provides the least amount of drag as the material
is cut.
Before the first cut, the gouge should be placed on the tool rest with
handle low and the edge pointing above the spindle - the stock should
not be in contact with the tool. To begin the cut, slowly raise the butt
end of the handle to pivot the edge down towards the center of the
stock. The stock will first start to hit the heel of the bevel (Fig. 5) and
then the edge as the handle continues to rise. Raising the handle like
this is how you can adjust the depth and aggressiveness of the cut.
It also helps make sure the bevel remains in contact with the surface
(Fig. 6).
Start with light cuts, moving along the stock to make the surface
even (Fig. 7). Rapid sideways movement will cause ridges, slower
movement will allow a more even surface. Continue to raise the
handle to increase the depth of the cut as the stock is reduced to
round. It may be necessary to move the tool rest closer to the material
as the diameter is reduced to aid in supporting the tool.
As the stock becomes round, you will be able to feel the difference in
vibration as the tool transitions from rounded to uncut stock. Stop the
lathe to check how close to fully rounded the stock is. You may wish to
gently touch the top of the stock to feel for any remaining flat sections.
It is important not to touch anywhere that is near the tool rest when
the stock is spinning; it can lead to injury.
Once stock is ready, you can may general shapes quickly with the
roughing gouge. With some practice, many work pieces can come
close to final shape using the roughing gouge only.
Fig 5: Initial contact with the heel of the bevel
Fig 7: Reducing to round
Fig 6: Bevel remains in contact with cut material
5