Particle Metal Steels

[john lucas]

Al When I did my skew testing I tried all sorts of angles. The really sharp angle of 25 degree included angle cuts like a breeze but can be really catchy if you don't pay lots of attention. I found that a skew ground to 35 or 45 much easier for beginners to use. I have mine ground to 30. That gives a good edge that holds an edge well without chipping on harder woods but stills cuts very easily. The nice thing about a sharper angle with the skew is that you don't have to move the tool handle as far when rolling a bead. The bad side is if you come off the bevel and get a run back it digs in more than a blunter skew and ruins the bead.
With my spindle roughing gouge catches just aren't much of a problem even with the sharper edge. It's just the sharper edge is too fragile. I notice a lot of spindle roughing gouges come from the factory with a really really blunt edge. Sometimes about 70 degrees or so. I guess if you use it as a scraper rather than bevel rubbing tool then you want that blunt edge so you can use the burr.

 

[Jamie Straw]

In doing finish cuts on green wood and sometimes on dry bowls, I am usually sharpening to clean the bevel rather than because the edge is dull. The slight drag of the bevel sets up a vibration and interfers with getting a clean cut.

I keep a packet of Kirkland cleaning clothes open, next to the lathe, and wipe the tool edge when it gets gunky, but still has a sharp-enough edge. But then, I don't grind free-hand, so it saves me more time than those who are clever that way.

 

[Odie]

You can also use a brass bristle brush to clean the flute and/or bevel, just prior to re-honing.