Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
fingernail grind
Joe
>I am having trouble achieving a fingernail grind on a spindle gouge. I keep getting a "point" on the end, instead of a nice rounded fingernail. I have tried freehand, and with a fingernail jig. I have followed instructions in books, etc.
Any tips for achieving a nice rounded fingernail profile?
Thanks,
Joe in NH
Re: fingernail grind *LINK*
Phil Clevenger
>Joe, see if you can get a hold of the David Ellsworth video on his "signature" gouge and jig. I found it very helpful. He shows in pretty good detail what the grind should look like and the cuts you can make with it.
He talks about grinding one side, then the other, then blending the center to the sides. You may just be overginding the sides. You may need to spend a little more time shaping the center. His website is below.
Also, check the "Grinds Library" right here at Woodcentral...look up to the top of the page.
Ellsworth Studios
Re: fingernail grind
adrien
>He seems to be looking for help with a spindle, not a bowl gouge......
Re: fingernail grind
Dave Ramer
>Joe,
I am assuming you already have a bowl gouge and want the same profile ground on your spindle gouge.
Generally speaking, (because of the application/use between them) a spindle gouge does not have as thick of a cross-section as a bowl gouge and the width of the "valley" across the same size spindle gouge is generally wider and shallower.
When trying to grind a spindle gouge with a typical "bowl gouge" profile/technique, you will not achieve the same profile because you usually run out of "material" to grind on the shoulders. When you move up the "shoulders" to create the fingernail, you do not have the thickness you will need and therefore you end up with the point you describe.
As I said, I am speaking in general terms, as I do not know what brand of tools you are referring to.
Re: fingernail grind
Greg W. in NC
>Joe,
To avoid the undesired point, simply spend more time on the middle ("point") of the gouge. You can also use a bit more pressure on it by pulling up on the handle when doing the middle (if you're using a jig.) They're very easy once you get the hang of it. You might even pick up a cheap carbon steel gouge and experiment with it, so you don't grind away a more expensive gouge until you learn the technique.
There's an excellent sharpening video available from the AAW, as well, which is well worth the money, too.