Intro to Gouges

There is much information about each tool and gouge when it comes to woodturning, whether it be their uses, sharpening instructions, as well as deciding which tools you need for your turnings. Firstly, no matter what tool you are using, it is paramount that your tools are kept sharp, as sharp tools allow for clean and efficient cuts, reducing time spent cutting as well as time sanding. Because of this, when buying your first set of tools, it is necessary to buy a grinder with them, preferably a slow-speed grinder so the high-speed steel of the tools does not overheat and temper. Even with a slow-speed grinder, it is a good idea to keep a little cup of water next to your grinder to dip the tools in to cool them down during the sharpening process.

When getting started with woodturning, it is not necessarily a bad idea to buy a set of woodturning tools, which often come in a pack of eight. While some of the tools in the set are not necessary, they serve as a good introduction to turning tools for a low price. The necessary tools that come in these packs are the spindle roughing gouge, the spindle gouge, the parting tool, the scraper, and the skew. Each of these tools has a unique purpose and function best when cutting in a certain grain orientation. 

When it comes to posture when turning on the lathe, your dominant hand should go on the back end of the tool, holding it up against your waist, and your other hand should rest near the cutting end of the tool, pushing up against the tool rest. Your back hand is the hand that should generate all of the force when turning, and your non-dominant front hand should be therefore delicate maneuvers, detail, and generally keeping the tool in control. The movement of the tool should be synchronous with the movement of your body, as this will render a smoother and more consistent cut; this is why your tool should be pushed up against your waist.