#LCSET10
PSI Woodworking Products
A cove is a rounded groove, and it is the opposite of a bead. Coves therefore require almost the opposite motions. It may
help to imagine scooping ice cream using the side of the scoop. Try to do shallow coves to start; you want to avoid having
the end of the wings catch on the material. Again, marking the center and edges of the cove will help.
Initially, the gouge will be held with the flute facing towards where the center of the cove will be. Start cutting at the de
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sired edge of the cove (Fig. 16). While increasing pressure, twist the handle so the flute starts to rotate upwards and move
the tip towards the center of the cove (Fig. 17). There will be slight resistance as the tool rotating away from the center
while you are moving towards it.
Once the flute is facing directly upwards, reverse the flute direction and repeat the scoop from the opposite edge of the
cove (Fig. 18). Join and smooth the two curves at the center with the flute facing up (Fig. 19). You can alter the depth and
the curve of the cove by changing the angle of the handle and the rate of handle rotation in addition to how quickly you
move the tip along the work piece.
Cutting a Cove:
Fig 16: Start with flute facing center of intended cove
Fig 17: Make cut with a sideways scooping action
Fig 18: Make a second cut from the other side
Fig 19: Both cuts meet in the middle with flute facing up
Spindle Gouge
(continued)
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