Most woodworkers know that spindle gages and roughing gages are popular tools for making lathe parts. Have you ever wondered what the difference is? Spindle gages vs. roughing gages! This article will help answer your question, show you how each type can be useful, and also provide pricing tips!
Spindle gages
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Description
A spindle gag, or inner bowl turning tool, is the most popular woodturning tool. You can find spindle gages in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as tapered or spoon-shaped. This helps with a variety of cuts. These spindles are usually made of high-carbon steel, but you can also find them in different shapes, such as spade or skewer.
Purpose
Woodworkers often use spindle gages to hollow out wood and remove excess material to create spindle-like parts. That’s why they’re called “spindles.” It is a flexible tool that you can use to make spoons, bowls, and other utensils. You can use it at any angle or direction while working on your lathe. Be careful not to go too deep into the wood when hollowing out the wood, as this can cause rough edges.
Spindle gauges are good for beginners because they are easy to use and work well. They are also easy to change if you accidentally chip the edge or bend it out of shape, which is more likely to happen with a spindle gauge than a rough gauge.
Price
You can buy spindle gauges one at a time or in sets of different shapes and sizes. Prices range from around $40 for a single spindle cutter to around $300 for a complete set that includes various tools like a chisel, round nose, chisel, and parting tool.
Why do you need a Spindle Gouge?
A spindle moulder is an important tool for woodworking. This tool helps in shaping the wood into different shapes. There are two types of spindle moulders: straight and curved. They are important tools for woodworking because they shape the wood by cutting it.
Straight spindle moulder
This moulder is used to shape wood into straight shapes. Moulders can be used in many ways. A bowl moulder is the best tool for making bowls, vases, and trays. This type of moulder is also called a flat moulder.
Bent spindle moulder
This moulder allows you to carve wood into curved shapes. It can also be called a round moulder. With this moulder, you can make bowls, vases, candle holders, and other similar items. A curved moulder is also called a V-former.
V-former
V-formers are used to shape wood into any shape. These gauges are great for making bowls, vases, candle stands, trays, and more. They are also used to make the letter “V”.
How to Use a Spindle Gauge
You can use this tool with a variety of wood types. You can use this tool on almost any type of wood, including maple, birch, pine, oak, and cherry. Before using the wood, you should clean it or remove any rough spots. After shaping the wood, you can use this tool to shape it to your desired shape.
Roughing Gauge
Description
You can use a spindle gauge to create spindles and other shapes, but it takes a lot of effort and patience. This is where roughing tools come in handy! You may have heard of these before because they are often mixed in with the spindle gauges we just discussed. Spindle gauges are used to shape the inside of a bowl, while roughing gauges are made to cut the outside of a bowl.
Purpose
You can use a roughing gauge either when the lathe is stopped or while it is running, depending on what you prefer and are comfortable with. This tool has a cutting edge on one end, like a spindle gauge, but it is smaller so it is less likely to dig into the wood.
Roughing gauges are not as flexible as spindle gauges. They are best used on softwood or fresh wood for quick projects, as using them on hardwood requires more effort and skill. Since roughing gauges are smaller than spindle gauges, they are generally less expensive.
Price
Roughing gauges are smaller than spindle gauges, so they are generally less expensive. Prices range from $20 to $300 for a single item or a complete set when purchased from the same brand and type.
The difference between spindle gouge and roughing gauge
So, what is the difference between a spindle gauge and a roughing gauge? We have already discussed how spindles are tools for turning the inside of a bowl and roughing gauges are tools for cutting the outside of a bowl, but there is more to them than that. As you can see from their names, spindle gauges have a curved edge that makes them suitable for spindle work, while roughing gauges have a straight side that makes them best for removing large amounts of wood from the outside of a bowl blank.
Here are a few more differences between spindles and roughing gauges,
- Spindle gauges are useful for shaping the inside of bowls, while roughing gauges are mainly used for shaping the outside of bowls.
- Spindles have a curved edge, which makes them good for spindle work. On the other hand, roughing gauges have a straight side, which makes them useful for removing wood from the outside of bowls.
- Spindle gauges are good for beginners, but roughing gauges require more practice.
- Spindles can be made of high carbon steel or other materials, but roughing gauges are made of only one size and one material.
- Spindle gauges are generally less expensive than roughing gauges.
- Spindle gauges have a smaller spindle, making them easier for beginners to handle.
What is the best angle for a spindle gauge?
The usual way to hold a spindle cut is to place your fingers on one side and your thumb on the other. A depth gauge helps ensure that the cuts are the same depth between centers.
What angle is a spindle gauge?
The most popular way to use a spindle gauge is by rolling. This makes the cut smoother and more rounded, with less rough edges. The rolling method means working at a right angle to one edge, moving straight toward the edge in small, deliberate movements, about 1/4 inch at a time. Once you have the shape you want, clean up any small gaps or imperfections along the edges using small strokes similar to your original strokes.
What is the best size roughing gauge?
To prevent snagging on the edge of the form, use the smallest size roughing gauge.
It is used to shape large areas such as chair seats, table tops, panels, and other concave shapes with wood.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Project
When choosing between a spindle gauge and a roughing gauge, consider these factors:
Project Type:
– If you need to work on spindles or detailed designs, use a spindle gauge.
– If you need to quickly transform square pieces of wood into round shapes, use a roughing tool.
Skill Level:
– Roughing gauges can be easier to use for beginners because they are more flexible when removing material.
– More skilled woodworkers can use a spindle gauge for precision work.
Material Type:
– Softwoods are generally easy to carve using any tool. However, hardwoods may require careful selection based on how they are made and how well they cut.
Finish Quality:
– Spindle gauges provide a smooth finish that is good for artistic work, while roughing gauges can create a rough surface that requires additional sanding.
Tool Control:
– Consider how comfortable you are using each tool. Spindle gauges require more careful handling than stronger roughing gauges.
Time Efficiency:
– If you need to work quickly, roughing gauges are made for quick initial cuts.
By looking at these factors, you can choose the best tool to suit the needs of your project and your skills.
FAQ: Spindle Gouge vs Roughing Gauge
Is a roughing gauge the same thing as a bowl gouge?
No, they are different types of tools with different uses. A roughing gauge is a tool used to cut the outside of a bowl, while a spindle gauge is used to shape the inside of a bowl. A roughing gauge has a flat side, which makes it great for cutting large pieces of wood.
Is a roughing gauge better than using a regular dividing tool?
Yes, using a roughing gauge correctly will save you time, even if the end result isn’t perfect. You should only use this tool on softwood or green materials. It can be more difficult to use it on hardwood projects because they are more challenging.
What are the advantages of using a spindle gauge over other tools?
A spindle gauge is a simple tool for turning the inside of a bowl. You can use them for both roughing out and finishing. They are generally less expensive than a roughing gauge.
What is the difference between high carbon steel and other materials used for spindle tools?
High carbon steel is tougher, meaning it can withstand more wear and tear before breaking or bending. This means that you can use them more often without worrying about damaging your tool, as they are designed to handle a lot of use.
Are spindle gauges and roughing gauges interchangeable?
No, these tools serve different purposes, so they are not interchangeable.
What are roughing gauges made of?
Roughing gauges come in only one size and are made of the same material. They are mostly made of steel, but some are made of high carbon steel or different materials depending on the brand and type.
What are the best uses for roughing gauges?
Roughing gauges are typically used for cutting the outside of bowls. However, you can also use them on softwood or green wood if you want to do that. Don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the one that works best for your job.
Is there a price difference between spindle gauges and roughing gauges?
Spindles cost anywhere from $20 to $300 less than roughing gauges, depending on the brand and model. You can find both in most woodworking tool kits!
In Conclusion:
This guide will help you learn the difference between spindle gauges and roughing gauges and how to use both tools together. Keep in mind that each tool has its own advantages. If you want a smooth finish on your wood, you can use either side.
If you need to remove material quickly and don’t care too much about surface quality, choose the other option! You may need to do some research to see which option works best for you and your project. We hope this article helps you get started on your journey.
