How to Sharpen A Roughing Gouge – 2 Simple Methods

A roughing gouge is one of the most indispensable tools in the woodturning industry. You must have one and it must be sharp; a dull roughing gouge only delays your work. Since it gets dull so often, buying a new roughing is not an option.

Therefore, the best option is to sharpen it, time and again, whenever you need to- and it works! If you are wondering, “well, how to sharpen a roughing gouge?” The solution is here: learn and apply!

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How to Sharpen A Roughing Gouge: 2 Easy Ways

Roughing gouge for woodturning project

A roughing gouge is a tool that is used to shape wood. It has an edge with round sides and can be sharpened in two ways: freehand or on the grinder. Both methods are useful, but it depends on how much time you have and what kind of equipment you already own. Now, I will teach both techniques so that you can apply the most suitable one!

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1. Sharpen Your Roughing Gouge with A Grinder

A table grinder makes your life easier as a woodturning enthusiast; you can sharpen your chisels and gouges, as well as other tools with a single machine. It is the easiest way to do it and it takes just a little while! Here is the simple process:

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Wear Safety Goggles

Safety goggles keep your eyes safe from sparkles and harmful substances.

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Use a Marker

Use a marker on the edge of your gouge. It helps you avoid over-sharpening while also working as a guide. The goal is to sharpen the roughing edge of it and you need to take a little bit of material off.

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Adjust the Sliding Arm

Adjust the sliding arm of the one-way jig so that the roughing gouge can settle on it- tight and accurate. The handle of your roughing gouge should settle in the socket of the sliding arm while the other end of it touches the grinder wheel. Lock the sliding arm after making the adjustment.

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Turn the Grinder On

At this point, turn the grinder on and start sharpening your tool. To do it properly, rotate the roughing edge left to right. Try for accuracy; it’s hard but achievable with a little bit of practice.

This way you can sharpen your roughing gouge in no time. But if you don’t have a table grinder, or in case of load-shedding, you can use a sharpening stone to get it done.

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Read Also: A List of Our Favorite Tool Rolls Bag for Chisels & Carving Gouges.

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2. Sharpening Roughing Gouge by Hand

The act of sharpening a gouge by hand is an art that only the most skilled woodworkers can complete flawlessly. It takes precision, patience and skill to get everything just right. The process is not as simple as it may seem. There are many factors that must go into consideration when shaping this tool. Here is how to sharpen a roughing gouge without a jig:

You Will Need-

  1. Sharpening stone.
  2. Slip stone.
  3. Sanding Paper.

After gathering the necessary tools, it’s time for action!

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Sharpen the Outer Side

First of all, sharpen the outer side of your gouge. Gently slide the outer side of it on the sharpening stone. You can use multiple stones for extra accuracy, however.

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Use Sanding Paper

You can also use a sanding paper to remove some more materials to get as much sharpened as possible. Apply the sandpaper with a little pressure, evenly on the roughing edge.

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Use a Slip Stone

The inner side of the curve roughing gouge needs a little attention. A slip stone makes the job easy for you. Just slide the slip stone back and forth, and see what happens! After a few seconds of doing it, you can feel a burr on the surface. It means you are almost done, give it a final touch!

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Also Read: How to Pick A Paring Chisels for Your Woodworking Project.

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Conclusion

Yeah, it’s not as difficult as you may have assumed, and it’s not that easy either. However, it’s worth learning as well as sharing with others how you do it and what you think is the most effective and convenient way of doing it.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the article and learned the basic regarding how to sharpen a roughing gouge properly. And if you did, let us know your feedback. It’s easy and fun, just give it a try.

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You May Also Like:

Different Types of Wood Chisels & Their Uses (With Pictures)

How to Sharpen A Hand Plane – Easily Sharpen Your Blade!

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