[Woodcarver] Gouges

[Charlie Briggs]

Hey Guys & Gals of the list,

I have a question in regards to using gouges that I am sure you can help me with. Over the years I have noticed that there is very little written about how to use gouges, there is plenty of info on how to sharpen them but not so much on when to use what gouge.
If the answer would be so long winded and you tell me to buy a book, that's OK please  just tell what book to buy.

*Is the answer as simple as using the flattest gouge that will work for you at that time?

* Someone once told me that gouges are designed to cut across the grain, when I try that the wood usually splinters and chips.

* Some gouges have a different angle or bevel at the cutting edge, what is the reason for that? Does it have something to do with the hardness of wood you are trying to carve that determines which angle you should use?

*I have a few gouges that I inherited that have the bevel on the opposite side of the gouge, it is like the cutting edge is reversed. How and when would they be used?

Thanks in advance for your help.
 
CharlieB
cbcarver12 at optonline.net
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