Sharpening Handbook

Fluteless Gouge

This guidance covers Skewchigouges & Sorby Spindle Master.

The fluteless gouge is typically used in the same manner as the skew chisel (without the tendency to catch), or a spindle gouge.

Image courtesy Robert Sorby

Note: Some turners advise not grinding the bottom, curved edge when sharpening this; rather they advocate sharpening the tool by grinding along the top, flat side. They will use a fine-grade diamond plate to do this (as shown in the picture to the left).

Guidelines shown below are for use with the Tormek SVD-186 or SVD-185 Gouge Jig.

The life so short, the craft so long to learn.

Hippocrates

General Guidelines
α	β	Tormek SVD-186			Comments
α	β	JS	P	Hole	Comments
30°	n/a	2	55 mm	B	End view This is the more typical approach when sharpening this tool.
60° - 70°	5° - 10°				End view Reed “Robo Hippy” Gray recommends this angle for cleaning up the bottom of a bowl. The one he uses for this is more of a half-round tool, and he uses it as a scraper. The second video below shows it well.

Notes & Comments

Information regarding Grindstones

The use of a relief grind (β) is recommended but not critical. If one is used, +5° to +10° is recommended.

One school of thought is to grind the top face to be slightly concave. This is shown in an exaggerated view to the left. I am not a fan of adding this grind as it changes the angle of attack too drastically as the tool is rotated in use.

More Information

Books & Papers

David Reed Smith wrote really this article about the Sorby Spindle Master. In it, he goes into some good guidance about sharpening it, especially about the resulting shape.

Tom Wirsing wrote really good article, Modern Tool Steels and Grinders, which was published though the American Association of Woodturners.

Some information presented is from the Tormek handbook, Water Cooled Sharpening of Edge Tools, © Tormek AB.

Videos & Presentations

Tormek Sharpening Classes: Part 23 - Reshaping woodturning tools on a bench grinder (YouTube video). In this episode of the Tormek sharpening classes we explain how you can quickly and with full control, re-profile your turning tools on your bench grinder. The BGM-100 Bench Grinder Mounting Kit allows you to use the same jig settings as on your water-cooled Tormek sharpening system. It is therefore easy to do the rough shaping on the bench grinder and then continue to sharpen and maintain the edge of your Tormek machine.

Fluteless Gouge Tips by Robo Hippy (YouTube video)

Alan Holtham - Tormek SVD-186 Gouge Jig (YouTube video)

David Peters - Tormek SVD-186 Gouge Jig Review and Comparison to the 185 (YouTube video)

Jeff Farris - Sharpening with the Tormek SVD-185 Gouge Jig (YouTube video)

Sharpen short edge tools with the Tormek Short Tool Jig SVS-32 (YouTube video)

Tormek Turning Tool Setter TTS-100 (YouTube video)

Tormek AngleMaster WM-200 (YouTube video)

Published Articles

Sorby's document about the SpindleMaster is a useful reference.

Tormek is a copyrighted logo of Tormek AB. Its presentation on this site is used to help the user quickly understand when specific Tormek tools, jigs, or setting are being used. For specific information regarding Tormek AB, or its products, please refer to the www.Tormek.com.

About this site Remember : The goal of sharpening is to produce sharp tools, and these tools can injure you if mishandled. Safety measures should be followed to protect yourself and those in your shop. Be sure to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer, and and utilize proper safety equipment. Never consume alcohol or anything that could impair your judgement before sharpening tools, or using sharp tools. Comments can be sent via eMail to me at SharpeningHandbook@Gmail.com.