2.4 How to Position Tool Rest for
Circumference Scraping
In scraping operations, the tool rest position is
not as critical as it is for cutting operations. The
chisel generally is held horizontally, though it can
be held at an angle to reach into tight places.
Considering that the wire edge of the chisel
does the scraping, sketches 9 and 10 show the
results of too low or too high a position for the
rest, and sketch 8 shows the chisel action with
the rest correctly positioned.
20
2.5 How to Position Chisel and Rest for
Diameter Scraping
When scraping on the diameter, that portion of
surface to the right of centre is moving upwards
(Sketch 11). If the chisel is placed in this area, it
will simply be carried up off the rest and out of
your hands. All diameter scraping operations
must be done at the left of centre.
Three different chisel contact points are shown
in Sketch 12. It will be noted that, when the chisel
is above the workpiece centre, or below it, the
work surface sweeps past the chisels’ edge at
an angle and tends to carry the chisel in one
direction or the other along the rest. Only when
the chisel contacts the work on the centre line
does the work surface pass squarely under the
chisels edge. This then, is the position in which it
is easiest to hold the chisel steady. To obtain
this position, place the rest approximately 1/8"
(3mm) - thickness of chisel, below the centre.
3.
USING THE GOUGE
Three gouges the 1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/4” are ample
for general DIY turning, but other sizes from 1/8”
to 2” can be purchased.
The main use of the gouge is for rough
circumference cutting of raw stock down to a
cylinder of working size. it is the best tool to use
for rapidly cutting away large areas of the
workpiece, but when so used does not produce
a smooth surface. With practice, it can be used
for cutting coves and the shaping of long cuts.
It is also useful for scraping.
When used for cutting, the gouge is always held
with the convex side down. It should be rolled
approximately 30° to 45° in the direction in which
it is being advanced along the rest, and the
cutting edge will be a little in advance of the
handle.
4.
USING THE SKEW
Two skews, the 1/2 and 3/4” sizes, are all that
are needed for general use. Other sizes are
available. This tool is nearly always used to make
finished cuts, to cut vees and beads, and to
square shoulders. Properly used, it produces the
best finish that can be obtained with a chisel. it
should not be used for scraping, as this quickly
dulls it.
For finish cutting, the skew is held with the cutting
Fig. 27
Fig. 25
Fig. 26
Fig. 24
