Richard Raffan on the uses of a ½-in spindle gouge

If I was forced to choose just one tool for turning wood it would be a ½-in spindle gouge. With this gouge I can turn big and small spindles — you see a very small spindle, and reduce square spindle blanks to round. (You don't need a roughing gouge.) This is my preferrd tool for hollowing into endgrain and shaping bowl profiles, and it can hollow small bowls.

[debbiecoull]

When I first started turning, the tool I used for mostly everything was the 1/2" spindle.
I was comfortable and proficient with it.
About 18months into turning, we had a professional come to our club to do a demo, and a hands on session.
He slated me for using the 1/2" spindle gouge, actually taking it off me and insisting I used a bowl gouge.
Being reasonably new, I was a bit embarrassed and felt flustered.
I then went through weeks of trying to become comfortable using the bowl gouge.

My beloved spindle looking on forlornly.

It's very satisfying to have you state that a spindle gouge is a perfectly good tool to use, and know that I was not turning badly.

Debs

[malbun]

Hi Richard
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge on the spindle gouges.for years I’ve bumped my way round the outside of a bowl blank with my bowl gouge, now I use the spindle gouge method, it’s so fast to create the bowl shape it’s amazing it’s great to learn from you with your clear demonstrations.you’ve taught this 81 year old dog many new tricks.
Thank you
Regards from NZ

[robertprobert]

Another. Good one. From. Richard. On how to made. Easy. Always. Good. To. Watch

[glencrandall]

Thank you Richard. As a bowl turner I haven't paid much attention to my spindle gouges. This video has encouraged me to look into using them more. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[stevenholton]

Thanks for this Richard, especially the last sentence! The more I watch your videos the more familiar I become with your techniques and the more experienced I seem to become!

[johnnyb]

Thank you for the master class in using, sharpening, and selecting gouges. Thank you for sharing!

[jorisdemoel]

It is amazing to see you use a single tool for so many things. Many thanks for another entertaining and instructive video.

[cooperken]

Brilliant video Richard, beautifully demonstrated as usual and so well explained. Thanks for sharing.

[edwardukleja]

Another useful video. I “acquired” a 1/2 inch spindle gauge after watching several of your ear.liber videos, I know use it on almost everything.

[MarklTucson]

Thank-you for this very clear exposition of the versatility of this tool. I really like that angle tool you showed, am going laser cut something like it to use, seems much more user-friendly than an angle gauge.

[paulplager]

Thank you Richard, again your have taught me a tremendous amount. Your knowledge is very much appreciated and not taken for granted by myself.

[bradbyers]

Very useful information. I do a fair amount of spindle work as well as faceplate (chuck, actually) turning, although I’m just a hobbyist. This demonstration really helps me personally. Thank you, Sir. 👍🏼

[danielelse]

Always a joy to watch a master at work.

[emgiwoodworks]

At first I wanted to start regrinding my gouge but now I have learned I need more than one. 😯
Thus far I have only one that's decent. My hopes are on Santa. 😎

[douglasperry]

I’ve got to try your grinds! I always use a bowl gouge for all my bowl turnings. The spindle gouges sit on my rack. Occasionally I will cut a tenon. Lol Thanks Richard your the best!

[dianadougherty]

I love the way that you teach us along the way.

[bernardfutter]

Thanks, Richard. So some of my practices are not outrageous after all.(30 degree bevel; asymmetric tips). I liked the way you ripped off the bark for your second blank. I know you are renowned for speed turning. Bernard.

[MASI_forging]

Another great video. Such a beautiful piece of work 👍👍

[kitwarren]

Perhaps you've already considered this and have decided against it, but I sincerely believe that you would do very well with YouTube shorts - people of that format are mad for this sort of mastery and the mesmerising and satisfying nature of the work. Of course I would't risk mentioning it if it came at the expense of these wonderful longer form videos - just a thought. Thank you!

[josephpotterf]

Thanks I always learn from your videos.