question for Keith Tompkins

Re: question for Keith Tompkins

Keith tompkins

Hi Gary, yes, experimenting with various grinds for flute less gouges, I found that some of my grinds would catch unexpectedly. I discovered that the problem was the tool tip pointed upward, and had s tendency to self feed. When I ground the tip so it pointed downward, the problem was gone. The final result looked like a coving tool with a small bevel. Easy to grind, first grind the top bevel, then flip the tool over and grind the mini bevel. I will try to find a photo.

further question...

GaryG in MD

Thanks, Keith. It sounds like a useful tool.

One more question: do you grind the bevel by rotating the tool in the V-block (as you would with a SRG) or put it into the Vari-Grind (as you would a spindle gouge)? Thanks, Gary

Re: question for Keith Tompkins

john lucas

So are you describing a negative rake round nose scraper? Then using it like a bevel rubbing tool.

Re: question for Keith Tompkins

Joe Fleming

It sounds like the visual is the nose of the space shuttle. The point of the tool is not on center, but is well below center. Joe

Yes. Here's my thought..but let's wait for Keith..

GaryG in MD

I'll let Keith speak for himself, but the origin of my question is based on one of those simple, rod "coving tools" that is nothing but a drill rod ground to a fairly sharp angle (say 45º for the sake of argument) so the whole end is just an oval, and it's used almost like a skew, with the pointy end down.

I can't remember where I saw it, but recently Keith said he added a micro-bevel to the acute end -- it works kind of like a round skewgigouge. It's a cutting tool, not a scraper. I always found it very catchy (not surprisingly). Keith says the bevel tames it. Makes a lot of sense. I'm planning to make one, but I want to review the construction details before I do.

What say, Keith. Help me out here... ...GG

It's a cutting tool

GaryG in MD

John, Please see below my reply to Joe. It's like a small, round skewgigouge -- definitely a cutting tool. Of course, you could use it as a scraper, off the bevel, as you can any cutting tool, but that's not the point (so to speak). ...GG

It's this, with a micro-bevel on the acute angle

GaryG in MD

at the bottom.

http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=packard&Product_Code=104092&Category_Code=tools-tayl-elf

It's like this, only the bevel is much smaller and right at the bottom:

http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=tools-crn-schg

Re: question for Keith Tompkins

Keith Tompkins

OK, in this image, there is a Doug Thompson detail gouge, which I ground several bevels on to get rid of metal underneath the cutting edge. the center image is the tool Gary is referring to; in this case, a 3/16" diameter fluteless gouge ground as described above. I call this tool a "detailer"The finial at the top was turned using only the detailer tool. This is my smallest detailer so far; notice it is recessed into a 3/8" stainless steel piece of round stock for stability...I can cut hanging way over the tool rest with no vibration or flex. You cannot do that with a regular 1/4" spindle gouge, too much vibration. Advantages over regular gouge: the bevel has no metal under it, so I can get into tight situations that the regular detail gouge cannot. Also, the cutting edge is way below center, so the tendency to catch and roll over is nearly eliminated. Compare how above center the cutting edge is on the detail gouge in comparison. A catch wants to roll the tool over. Also, I can end grain hollow with my detailer...I have all kinds of sizes, including a bowl gouge. This is a cutting tool, not a scraper, but it will shear scrape if desired. The cove tool is a scraper, very difficult to cut with it, not very useful, IMO.

Re: question for Keith Tompkins

Keith Tompkins

To sharpen, I put the handle in the pocket of the jig, grind the top, flip the tool over, and grind the bevel, just one rotation of the tool for the bevel. You don't need a lot of bevel.

Thanks, Keith...

GaryG in MD

This is just the reminder I wanted.

(Where did I see this before?)

I like the idea of putting it in a heavier shaft.

Great "new" tool. Can't wait to try it out.

Cheers, Gary

couldn't be easier

Re: Thanks, Keith...

Keith tompkins

Thanks Gary, let me know how it works for you. I have a bowl version as well!

Reduces the sharpening angle

John C Lucas

Can't wait to get back to turning so I can try this tool. Seems like it's similar to reducing the angle on a skew. Beginners have trouble using a skew that's sharpened at a 25 gegree angle but if I reduce it to 45 degrees they have more control.

Re: Reduces the sharpening angle

Keith tompkins

I will be waiting for a full report John!