RIDGID WL1200LS1 - Manual (Page 33)

33
Using The Gouge
Three gouges, the 1/4-, 1/2- and 3/4-in.
sizes, are ample for general homeshop
turning; but other sizes from 1/8- to 2-in.
can be purchased.
The chief use of the gouge is for rough
circumference cutting of raw stock down
to a cylinder of working size. It is the best
tool to use for rapid cutting away of large
areas of the workpiece; but when so used
does not produce a smooth surface. With
practice, it can be used for cutting coves
and the shaping of long cuts - is also use-
ful for scraping.
When used for cutting, the gouge is
always held with the convex side down. It
should be rolled approximately 30° to 45°
in the direction in which it is being
advanced along the rest; and the cutting
edge should be a little in advance of the
handle.
Using The Skew
Two skews, the 1/2- and 1-in. sizes, are
all that are needed for general use. Other
sizes are available. This tool is nearly
always used to make finish cuts, to cut
vees and beads, and to square shoulders.
Properly used, it produces the best finish
that can be obtained with a chisel. It
should be used but little for scraping, as
this quickly dulls it. For finish cutting, the
skew is held with the cutting edge consid-
erably in advance of the handle, bevel
side down. Keep the base of the bevel
against the work. Both the toe and the
heel of the skew can be used for taking
light cuts; but do not penetrate the wood
too deeply without cutting clearances, as
there is danger of burning the tip of the
tool.
Cutting Edge
Advanced
Wrong
Right
Pull
Back Swing
Tool
Direction
of cut
Path of
cut
Edge
does
cut
not
No Yes
No
Support
Using Toe
Using Heel