the best tool for doing details - Woodworking Talk

Dvoigt · 10-19-2009, 09:30 PM

Just wonder what is your favorite tool is to turn details on your work? Beads, coves, and everything else.

Thanks
Derek

john lucas · 10-20-2009, 01:12 PM

Hands down it's my Thompson 3/8" detail gouge. I also have the 1/2" which is a close second. I have about 6 other spindle gouges of varying sizes and I use them all from time to time but I would say I use the Thompson 90 percent of the time.
You do have to make a handle because he doesn't sell handles but these tools are extremely stable. They hold an edge as long as anything out there and are still easy to sharpen.
http://www.thompsonlathetools.com/

Dvoigt · 10-20-2009, 01:39 PM

What is the difference between the Detail Gouge and the Shallow Detail Gouge, what is the benefits of each?

phinds · 10-25-2009, 10:49 AM

The difference is that the shallow one has a very shallow cannel but I can't tell you what the advantages are since I've never used a shallow one.

john lucas · 10-25-2009, 09:32 PM

Sorry, I read this last week but forgot to answer you. Doug makes 2 spindle gouges shapes. One is the detail gouge that has a flute that is very shallow. The spindle gouge has an outer diameter that is the same as the detail gouge but the flute is cut much deeper. He tells on his site what the difference is in the flute depth I think, I'll have to go look.
The difference is two fold. The thicker steel on the detail gouge means less vibration when you have to extend the tool over the tool rest further than normal. That's one of the main reasons I like that tool. Second, the shallow flute makes a narrower flute. This means after you grind the tool you have a narrower tip. This lets you reach into smaller areas for steeper narrow coves. The spindle gouge has a deeper flute and consequently a wider flute. The tip is more rounded like a fingernail and is easier to control on larger coves and long tapers.

Dvoigt · 10-30-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phinds

but I can't tell you what the advantages are since I've never used a shallow one.

That probably wold be a better way to phrase my question.

Thanks for the follow up John, Doug had some reasonable prices and a reason to learn to make my own handle. I'll keep him in mind when I'll getting some new tools.

Thanks!

rightuppercut · 11-03-2009, 02:46 PM

Like John, I use a Thompson detail gouge too. But I follow up with a 1/4" round skew. Robert Rosand offers 'em online. I find I can get into deeper areas with it. Also I can get a better finish off the tool, in certain (mostly tight) areas. I seem to use the detail as a rougher, and then come back and smooth, and refine with the skew. Love that little tool.