sharpening rough gouge

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 10:45 pm

After years of putting it off, I've started to do some turning. I have the SS chisel set, still in the box with red tips. Pulling up my notes from Rick Davis at the Traveling Academy, the rough gouge should be sharpened on the SS sharpening jig to about 13 degrees to left. This is significantly different from the angle on the gouge as shipped. Guess I just want some reassurance before I take off too much metal with the sanding disc.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 11:00 pm

I'd just keep the same angle as it is. WHY waste the metel while your learning.

rkh2 · Post by **rkh2** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 11:10 pm

Gary

I sharpened my gouge at the same degree on the SS sharpening guide and it was quite different than from what the original angle was from the factory. The 13 degree to the left on the sharpening guide is equal to a 32 degree angle and from what I have read, a lot of turners like between 30 to 35 degrees, so I figure the SS instructors knew what they were talking about. I never had Rick as an instructor but both Doug Reid and Mike Cobb recommended the same measurements. It works out ok for me.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:44 am

Much has been previously posted in regard to the reality that not only are the chisels NOT sharpened, they are NOT ground to the 'correct' angles. Apparently like plane 'blades' the manufacturer assumes the user will sharpen/hone them to their individual liking!

So after you get your hands dusty, sharpen them to whatever angle you have found published wherever that you think is 'good'! Do not be concerned that it may be 'different ' from that when they 'arrived'.

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 12:20 pm

Thanks guys.