Material ID: U7M2-MAT-001
Purpose: Quick reference for tool identification, bevel angles, and sharpening procedures
| Tool |
Flute/Profile |
Typical Width |
Bevel Angle |
Primary Use |
Restrictions |
| Spindle Roughing Gouge |
Shallow U-flute |
1-1/4" to 2" |
45° |
Roughing spindle stock to round |
NEVER on faceplate work |
| Spindle Gouge |
Shallow flute, fingernail grind |
3/8" to 3/4" |
30-40° |
Coves, beads, detail work |
Spindle work preferred |
| Bowl Gouge |
Deep parabolic flute |
3/8" to 5/8" |
45-65° |
Bowl/faceplate turning |
Safe for all work |
| Skew Chisel |
Flat, angled edge |
3/4" to 1-1/4" |
25-30° |
Planing, V-cuts, beads |
Spindle work only |
| Parting Tool |
Narrow, deep blade |
1/8" to 3/16" |
25-30° |
Sizing, tenons, parting off |
Use perpendicular to axis |
| Round-Nose Scraper |
Flat with curved edge |
3/4" to 1" |
70-80° + burr |
Bowl interior finishing |
Present below center |
| Square-End Scraper |
Flat with straight edge |
3/4" to 1" |
70-80° + burr |
Flat surfaces |
Present below center |
Steel Types Comparison
| Steel Type |
Sharpening Frequency |
Heat Tolerance |
Best For |
| Carbon Steel |
Every 5-10 min |
Low—blues easily |
Budget tools, hand tools |
| M2 HSS |
Every 15-20 min |
High (1100°F) |
General turning—best value |
| M42 HSS |
Every 20-30 min |
Very High |
Extended turning sessions |
| PM HSS (CPM-10V) |
Every 30-45 min |
High |
Premium, long edge retention |
| Carbide Insert |
Replace tip when dull |
N/A |
No-sharpening option |
Sharpening Angle Quick Reference
| Tool |
Angle |
Grind Type |
| Spindle Roughing Gouge |
45° |
Straight across |
| Spindle Gouge |
35° |
Fingernail/Irish grind |
| Bowl Gouge (standard) |
50° |
Swept-back wings |
| Bowl Gouge (aggressive) |
60° |
Heavily swept-back |
| Skew Chisel |
25° |
Flat bevel both sides |
| Parting Tool |
25° |
Both sides equal |
| Scraper |
75° |
Flat top, then raise burr |
Sharpening Procedure Checklist
Gouge (Wolverine V-Arm)
- [ ] Set V-arm length for desired angle
- [ ] Color bevel with marker
- [ ] Verify full bevel contact (grinder off)
- [ ] Start grinder, light pressure
- [ ] Rotate handle to sweep full edge
- [ ] Check: marker evenly removed?
- [ ] Check: no light reflected from edge?
- [ ] Remove flute burr with slip stone
- [ ] Test on end grain
- [ ] Set platform to 75°
- [ ] Grind top face with 2-3 light passes
- [ ] Secure scraper for burnishing
- [ ] Draw burnisher across edge at 5-10° above horizontal
- [ ] 3-4 firm passes
- [ ] Verify burr with loupe
- [ ] Test: produces shavings, not dust?
When to Sharpen vs. When to Replace
| Symptom |
Action |
| Dust instead of shavings |
Sharpen immediately |
| Increased cutting force needed |
Sharpen |
| Rough surface finish |
Sharpen |
| Visible nicks in edge |
Grind past nicks |
| Tool vibrates or chatters |
Check edge AND tool rest distance |
| Blade cracked or chipped severely |
Replace tool |
| Handle loose on tang |
Replace handle or re-seat |
Last Updated: 2026-03-19