Don't try this....
- Thread starter Adam Pinson
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Mark Hancock
Established Member
Whilst It is well known that you don't use a spindle roughing gouge on cross grain timber the reason given in this video is not the complete explanation. Yes the profile/grind of the tool isn't appropriate but more importantly the tool is not made to deal with varying grain directions. It is a forged tool with a reduced tang. That tang cannot deal with those varying grain directions and the forces involved. Consequently the tool may bend or even break in use - there are numerous images on the internet of this tool having been broken when used in the wrong situation. Compare the spindle roughing gouge to a modern day bowl gouge and you will see the difference; a forge tool against a milled tool with a substantial tang. Hence the name "spindle roughing gouge"; only to be used on parallel grain timber. I personnally apply that to all reduced tang tools, scrapers excluded but I have no time for them 
Adam Pinson
Established Member
Hi Mark, did you make that item, the one you use as your profile pik?Whilst It is well known that you don't use a spindle roughing gouge on cross grain timber the reason given in this video is not the complete explanation. Yes the profile/grind of the tool isn't appropriate but more importantly the tool is not made to deal with varying grain directions. It is a forged tool with a reduced tang. That tang cannot deal with those varying grain directions and the forces involved. Consequently the tool may bend or even break in use - there are numerous images on the internet of this tool having been broken when used in the wrong situation. Compare the spindle roughing gouge to a modern day bowl gouge and you will see the difference; a forge tool against a milled tool with a substantial tang. Hence the name "spindle roughing gouge"; only to be used on parallel grain timber. I personnally apply that to all reduced tang tools, scrapers excluded but I have no time for them
Mark Hancock
Established Member
Yes. It's a piece from my signature series.
