Question.....

Is a "Roughing Gouge" squared off at the end? I've been using what I thought was a roughing gouge but upon looking around, appears it is not. It has a half moon shape and the end comes out in a half moon also. Kind of like something I saw "Spindle Gouge"

Maybe that's why it takes so long to rough out for me :err:

a roughing gouge is NOT squared off at the end but scraper is.
roughing gouge is concave like you said and curved at the end.

:vamp: FAST AND SHARP :vamp:

a roughing gouge is NOT squared off at the end but scraper is.
roughing gouge is concave like you said and curved at the end.

Actually, I'd call a classic roughing out gouge square at the end. It has a deep U profile in cross section, but the beveled edge is ground square to the it's length (like a broom handle cut square across). As you roll it, the handle does not need to sweep to keep the edge cutting. It has a steep bevel to make a durable shock resistant edge, and the bigger the tool, the better. Don't get one under 3/4", and 1 1/2", though expensive, is better. HSS is also worth the extra price. A spindle gouge has a flatter cross section and a radiused edge curving back from the center of the tool. It serves as a forgiving skew (but leaves a slightly ribbed surface). A bowel gouge is narrower, deeper, but also has a radiused edge (like a fingernail) and isn't much use for plug building.

Maybe I read it wrong? I guess I'll stick with it. I try to keep it very sharp, often just before turning, then about 4 plugs in, I'll re-sand it (using a belt sander) to get a new edge.

Thanks for the replies....just thought I might have found yet another flaw in my turning :laughs: