Sharpening Turning Gouges
- 1). Access the condition of the tool's edge. Look for excessively worn edges or chips. These must be straightened before any type of sharpening is done. Typically, unless there is severe damage, this step will not need to be performed each time the gouge is sharpened.
- 2). Equip a disk sander with 150 grit paper to straighten the edge. If you do not have a sander, the gouge edge may be corrected by simply rubbing the edge across grit paper on a block of wood. However, most sanders will have a built in rest which greatly aids in obtaining a truly straight edge. If the tool begins to over heat due to friction, spray or dip the gouge in water to sufficiently cool before proceeding.
- 3). Obtain a roughing of the edge. In other words, a true edge is not being sought here, rather the beginning or foundation on which to place the final edge is the objective. Change the grit you are working with to 320 aluminum oxide. Continue to watch for excessive heat build up from friction, as this may increase during this step. Take your time and be cautious so as to not burn the edge. Also do not allow the edge to fold over or the preceding straightening step will need to be repeated.
- 4). Hold the edge of the gouge in a position over the open space between the grit and the rest. A steady hand is required here, however, to properly move and position the designed curve of the gouge against the grit, it is not practical to continually hold the gouge against the rest on the sander.
- 5). Hone by hand for a true edge. Using a rolling motion, rub the edge parallel across 400 grit paper first on one side and then the other until the edge begins to form. Move to 600 grit paper and repeat, only with fewer strokes. Finally, a 1000 grit paper is used with even fewer strokes until you've established a sharp edge. As you complete the process with each grit, make one or two forward and back motions to ensure the edge is not being rounded or dulled.
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