Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Spindle Gouge Differences
don stephan
My apologies that I could not find a comparative picture on his web site, but Doug Thompson makes three different spindle detail gouges: a spindle gouge, a shallow detail gouge, and a deep flute spindle gouge. Are there best applications for each design, or is this more a matter of personal preference like U, V, and parabolic bowl gouges?
Re: Spindle Gouge Differences
john lucas
Well I don't have a deep flute spindle gouge but do have his detail and regular spindle gouge. The detail gouge has the shallowest flute. This lets you grind a very narrow point so it's great for reaching into tight areas (which is why it's called a detail gouge I guess). The spindle gouge has a deeper flute and consequently the nose is more rounded or fingernail shape. This is much better for turning really smooth flowing shapes. It can be done with the detail gouge but takes a lot more finess and concentration.
I also have a 1" spindle gouge that isn't a thompson. It's very shallow and wide. It's sort of like a go between a narrow spindle gouge and a skew. It's great for long ogee forms and larger legs. The 1/2" thompson spindle gouge is great for stool lets, Christmas ornament balls, and wine stoppers, etc. The detail gouge is great for Christmas ornament finials or anywhere you need to reach into tight areas or small coves.
Doug's detail gouge is a must have...
JamieDonaldson
....tool for me, although I also use a traditional spindle gouge on occasion. The detail gouge will do just about any cut possible with a spindle gouge except some hollowing cuts.
Re: Doug's detail gouge is a must have...
john lucas
Jamie I sharpen my detail gouge using the Wolverine jig so it sort of has wings. It's great for hollowing boxes.
Re: Spindle Gouge Differences
John K Jordan
I have the regular, detail, and shallow detail gouges. I use the regular spindle gouges the most, followed by the detail.
The shallow detail has a very small "point" which is good for fine detail. It's kind of like a much smaller gouge but with a massive shaft that that works great with longer overhangs. The detail gouge is somewhere between the regular and the shallow.
If getting just one, I'd definitely get the regular gouge. I keep several sharp so I don't have to quit turning when one starts to get dull.
I've never tried the deep spindle gouge. I didn't even know till now he had one. I bought all of mine a long time ago - maybe it's new since then. Looking at Doug's web site I see some other tools I didn't know about like the parting tool.
I don't see pictures of each tool on the new web site. Are they somewhere I haven't found? I'd like to see pictures and drawings before buying more tools.
JKJ
Re: Spindle Gouge Differences
Joe Fleming
A traditional spindle gouge is ground so that the bottom of the flute is exactly on the center line of the bar from which its ground. When manufactured this way, the spindle gouge can be used like a spoon bit to drill holes when an item is checked, similar to a drill/brace.
Re: Spindle Gouge Differences
john lucas
Joe don't know if that's true or not. I can drill holes with any of my spindle or bowl gouges. The trick is getting the point dead center in the wood. At least that works for me. I have a Thompson detail gouge and shallow spindle gouge and a V and U bowl gouge. I can drill a hole with all 4 of them and the flute depth is different on each ne.
Re: Spindle Gouge Differences
Joe Fleming
John, If the tip of the flute is not on center, then the bar will center on the hole and pull the tip off the center drill mark. A bowl gouge, for example, leaves a little nipple in the bottom of the bore.
Re: Spindle Gouge Differences
John C Lucas
I don't have problems. I frequently hollow my boxes with my various spindle or bowl gouged using the centering technique to drill down. It leaves a hole the size of t he gouge . If it leaves a center raised area it's not a problem ecause it will be removed with further billowing
