Jun 26, 2018 · This chart shows you the different sweeps of each different size gouge. At around #11 the profile becomes V-shaped you can begin to refer to them by the angle of the V. You will find that the tighter or narrower the V angle, the harder it is to cut through the wood.

These sweep charts are close approximations of the various chisel and gouge sweeps. A lower sweep number indicates a flatter, less curved tool. The higher the number the more deeply curved the cutting edge. Chisels and Skew Chisels (#1 and #2) have straight cutting edges.

There are two numbers for each gouge; the sweep (or curvature) and the width. A #5 gouge decribes the curvature, 10 mm decribes the width measured across the tips of the gouge at its edge. Lower sweep numbers are shallower (flatter) and higher numbers are deeper.

Bowl gouges are the workhorses of bowl turning. Their size, the profile of the cutting edge, and the angle of the bevel can be varied to meet individual needs. Large gouges are essential for rough - ing out a bowl blank, medium-size ones are ideal for refining the shape of the bowl, and smaller gouges assist in adding detail. Bowl gouges are com -

I’ve been working with Jeff Lefkowitz on my 2nd set of carving-pattern drawings (now officially 8 months late, my fault! Hopefully ready to post today or tomorrow – Aug 23/24) – and as part of that set we devised this new diagram of 11 gouges in my kit.

When you’re starting, use one or two different gouges of medium diameter, a 1/2” bowl gouge is a good size to start with, and practice until you feel comfortable. After acquiring some experience, slowly introduce a smaller gouge, like a 3/8” gouge, to create fine, delicate finishing cuts.

Sep 4, 2017 · To determine the size of a gouge, measure across its widest part. Note that many gouges are measured in metric units not inches. The sweep is the curve of the gouge. There are two general systems to identify the sweep, but there are also variations between manufacturers.

Peter Clothier introduces the humble gouge and how best to use one. For the beginner carver, it is perhaps advisable to start with six or ten chisels or gouges, adding to this collection when a particular piece of work demands a specific tool.

Dec 2, 2013 · The carving gouge sweep sizes lie on a spectrum from #1 (a flat carving chisel, with no curve), up to a U-shaped #11 sweep (the largest curve). And the largest sweeps are #12 through #16, but they aren’t curved, but v-shaped (e.g. “V-parting tool” or “V-gouge”).

Apr 11, 2025 · What makes a gouge a gouge? What do the numbers printed on the handles of chisels and gouges tell you about the size and shape of their cutting edges? Before we discuss the specific characteristics of a spoon carving gouge, let’s briefly review a few details about chisels and gouges in general.