Spindle Chisels with Specifications (Video #1 Request)
I have received a couple of requests for specifications and pictures of the tools I used in video #1 from the Tri-color Turners. Click on the photos to get a larger view.
This is the smaller fluteless gouge (1/4” diameter high speed steel (HSS)). The bevel is ground just like a gouge to ~35 degrees and there is a zero rake (i.e., the top is ground flat) on top. I try to keep the top ground back to about 1/2”-5/8”. Letting it go until about 3/8” is okay, but that is probably where you’d consider regrinding – that is really a matter of preference. The flat is roughed on a 46 grit wheel and finished and maintained on an 80 grit wheel. I grind the top by turning the tool on its side facing the side of the grinding wheel using a tool rest set to a zero degree angle. I then push the tool into the wheel with the majority of the pressure on the face of the wheel and light pressure on the side of the wheel and top of the tool – just enough pressure on the top of the tool to form a flat and even surface. The top should be ground down to somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 of the tools original diameter. You can reduce the surface scratches, caused by the 80 grit wheel, on the top by polishing the surface on sandpaper stuck to a flat surface or a sanding wheel attached to the lathe and/or with a diamond hone if desired. This will likely increase the keenness of the edge like it does for a typical scraper.
This is the large fluteless gouge (3/8” diameter HSS). Ground and maintained the same as the 1/4”.
This is the drop-nose chisel made from 1/4” square HSS stock. Originally the tool was about 6 – 6 1/2” long with about 1 1/2 – 2” in the handle. It is ground the same as the fluteless gouge. However, the bevel should be between 45-60 degrees. For general purpose spindle work I use 57 degrees and have found it to be the most comfortable and versatile. A bevel of closer to 45 degrees is good for steeper/shorter convex and concave curves. I should keep the top down between 1/3 and 1/2 of the tool height, but think I got a little low on this one. It works great though. This tool is great for spindle turning when riding the bevel, but is equally good for face turning and end-grain hollowing in scraper mode with the handle lifted above the horizontal.
The is a 3/4” round-nose chisel with a 57 degree bevel. My round-nose chisels are more half-moon shaped with short straight wings and are used in spindle work by riding the bevel and in facework in standard scraper mode. It is important to maintain the corners to make it more versatile for spindle turning.
All four tools from the video together, but shown at a different angle. I didn’t include my shopmade beading/parting tool, but will if someone is interested.
Best regards,
Matt