#LCSET10
PSI Woodworking Products
Spindle Gouges are meant to do fine shaping. They can do Beads and Coves, as well as straight cuts and gradual sloping. The tip
shape is referred to as a fingernail grind and the bevels that sweep back from the tip are referred to as “wings”. The fingernail tip al
-
lows for a more focused cut than the roughing gouge allowing dynamic control of shapes through the position of the flute and handle.
The two sizes of Spindle gouges included with the set will perform the same type of cuts. However, there will be a difference in the
size of the shapes than can be made. The 1/4” gouge will be capable of making smaller coves and beads with a tight radius, while the
3/4” will create larger shapes.
Spindle Gouge
–Set includes 3/4” and 1/4”
Using Spindle Gouges:
The main advantage of a spindle gouge is in making curved patterns. The fingernail profile brings an added dimension to chisel posi
-
tion. With the flat tip of the roughing gouge, the handle can be rotated without changing the cutting edge. The fingernail grind on the
spindle gouges, however, means that twisting the handle will alter the cut.
A bead is a reasonably easy shape to make with the spindle gouge. Using the following technique, the bead will practi-
cally cut itself.
Initially the flute will face upwards at the center of where the bead will be (Fig. 12). To form the bead, you will rotate the
handle so the gouge rolls towards the edge of the bead while increasing pressure (Fig. 13). You can also swing the back
end of handle out so that it angles away from the center.
Once the bead has been cut to one edge, re-center the gouge and perform the opposite action towards the other edge of
the bead (Fig. 14). You can alter the depth and the curve by changing the angle of the handle and the rate of handle rotation
in addition to how quickly you move along the work piece. Repeat on each side to deepen and refine the curve (Fig15).
Cutting a Bead:
Fig 12: Start cut with flute facing up
Fig 13: Twist tool so flute rolls towards the cut
Fig 14: Do the same action in the opposite direction
Fig 15: Repeat and refine
7