Looking for a 1 1/4 roughing gouge,,,,

[Jack Gaskins]

My 1220vs lathe will arrive the first week of July, if all goes well. I would like to purchase a 1 1/4 roughing gouge for spindle work. I have searched through some posts and found that the Thompson SRG has a 3/4" tang but the dang thing cost $175 :eek:... Someone out there has money because they are out of stock, even at that price. So which other brand should I look at purchasing for my first RG? I was thinking of the Sorby but I dont know how durable/thick thier tangs are? Crafts supply has the Hamlets for $50? The P&Ns are $90. ?? Help,,,

[George Guadiane]

I have a P&N and several of Dough's gouges, including a 3/4 v and a 3/4 u...
Since you asked, my advice is ...

WAIT! his tools are worth it (IMHO).

[Mike Minto]

I have the large Sorby roughing gouge, and think it's the cat's meow. Works very well.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I have a Sorby 3/4" IIRC. Great roughing gouge. Try this link for prices:

http://www.thebestthings.com/newtools/turning_tools.htm

They are competitive and I've had good service from them.

Another place is : http://www.cuttingedgetools.com/Onlinecat.htm/WebCatalog/Turning.HTM

Another brand that is Sheffield steel and has the handles put on here in the US is Robert Larson tools. They are great quality and typically a little cheaper than some of the better known brand name tools.

BTW at the best things...the 1 1/4" Robert Sorby is $85.

[Gordon Seto]

I would go with the P&N SRG. It is the second best. It also has the round shank like the Thompson; but instead of 3/4", it is 1/2" round. It will still be stronger than any flat tang.
It was reported that P&N has changed ownership. The quality has gone down hill. There was rough mill marks and the flute was not symmetrical. The replacement has better quality. You may want to take it out of the plastic sleeve and inspect before you purchase. Or ask the sales rep to check if you purchase by mail order. I hope the quality issue has been resolved.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Jack - not exactly high quality but it is not bad for a first RG and will get the job done. http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LX240.html

[Tony Kahn]

I have the large Sorby roughing gouge, and think it's the cat's meow. Works very well.

And agree with mike, here is the link to woodcraft they have it for 99.99 but they are constantly having specials, i.e. i think they are having a fathers day sale.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=06O44&FamilyID=392

[Bill Bolen]

I got the sheffield leyland 1 1/4gouge 2 years ago. It has done all that was asked of it and more. Holds its edge for quite a bit too. KMS tools has it at $92 and I paid $52 just a few short years ago. just google KMStools. Bill

[Jack Gaskins]

I have a Sorby 3/4" IIRC. Great roughing gouge. Try this link for prices:

http://www.thebestthings.com/newtools/turning_tools.htm

They are competitive and I've had good service from them.

Another place is : http://www.cuttingedgetools.com/Onlinecat.htm/WebCatalog/Turning.HTM

Another brand that is Sheffield steel and has the handles put on here in the US is Robert Larson tools. They are great quality and typically a little cheaper than some of the better known brand name tools.

BTW at the best things...the 1 1/4" Robert Sorby is $85.

Not bad pricing compared to the norm. I got an email from Rockler for 20% off which would make their 1 1/4" Sorby RG around $80. What size is good to start out with? Much of what I have read has said to go with a 1 1/4"?

[Jack Gaskins]

And agree with mike, here is the link to woodcraft they have it for 99.99 but they are constantly having specials, i.e. i think they are having a fathers day sale.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=06O44&FamilyID=392

Well I revceived an email from rockler with a 20% off coupon which would make the 1 1/4" Sorby RG around $80. But I am hearing that the PN gouge has a stronger tang. ??

[Jack Gaskins]

Jack - not exactly high quality but it is not bad for a first RG and will get the job done. http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LX240.html
I looked at those first but just not sure they will hold up. Being new to turning if I make a big catch with one I wouldnt want it to snap BUT on the other hand if it did I guess I would only be out $20ish..

[Jack Gaskins]

I got the sheffield leyland 1 1/4gouge 2 years ago. It has done all that was asked of it and more. Holds its edge for quite a bit too. KMS tools has it at $92 and I paid $52 just a few short years ago. just google KMStools. Bill

Kinda of hesitant with KMS. I ordered a VM100 chuck and had to send it back a couple weeks ago. It had shavings in the threads and scratchs all over and the threads on the insert were chipped. Still waiting for them to receive my bad one and send me a good one. They do have good prices though.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Jack I have that same gouge Steve posted. I have used it for 3 yrs. now and yes I have had my share of catches with no problems. I have several PSI tools and use most of them even though I have several expensive gouges. They are some good tools.

[Gordon Seto]

It is a safety issue. Keep the tool rest close. When the gouge snaps, it is a high speed sharp projectile. It can do serious damage.

[Don Orr]

I love my Crown 1.25" RG. Good steel, good price. Got mine through Klingspors Woodwoking shop.

[John W Dixon]

I'll second Don on the Crown 1 1/4 roughing gouge. Very good price and it just fits my hands very well.

John

[David Walser]

Here's a link: http://www.oneway.ca/tools/hallamshire.htm

[Doug Thompson]

I'll be the first one to tell a person starting out get the P&N because it has a shank, the other brands are fine too but have a tang that might break if you have a catch. Remember this, buy tools when you see a need.

People do buy these, there is a group who turn spindles all the time and professionals. Another group figured out they can used to rough the outside of bowls... big stuff 20 - 30 inch.

[Jeff Nicol]

Well here is my .2 worth, I have a 1" hamlet with the 2060 steel and have had it for 5 years and have never had a catch with it ever. Like already said keep the rest close to the wood and don't get careless and to agressive with the cuts and all of the roughing gouges will do the job. Keep them sharp and at the best working angle and grind for you and you should never have a problem. Most all catches are operator error and not the fault of the wood or gouge! Take your time and learn good techniques and you won't be dissapointed with whichever gouge you buy,

Work safe,

Jeff

[Bill Blasic]

Personally myself I think a 3/4 SRG is plenty for a Jet 1220. The tool rest on these lathes is not very big or super strong. And if you use the 12" rest, well there is very little meat on the end for that big gouge. Be careful.

[Gordon Seto]

Be careful.

I think the 1-1/4" is OK. But be careful when you are using the SRG in a skew angle.
I also have a large 2" Crown SRG. It is fine when using it perpendicular to the spindle. But when skewed at an angle, using the wing such as in the blue arrow area, the support is not directly under load. The SRG has a tendency to roll, the corner can easily dig in and create a big catch.http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o83/gbseto/c77af556.jpg
The 2" Crown SRG looks very strong with very long handle, but the tang is less than 1/2" X 1/4". It is not difficult to snap at the tang. BTW, the 3/4" Sorby SRG has wider tang (5/8").
I believe, not every SRG are the same; some are better than others.
When you swing the SRG roughly 45 degree, it cuts like a skew with a nice finish.

[Bob Hallowell]

I have the smaller pn 7/8's roughing gouge. I love it very strong.

Bob

[Jack Gaskins]

I have the smaller pn 7/8's roughing gouge. I love it very strong.

Bob

Where did you get your gouge? Did it come with or without a handle? I am stuck between getting the PN or the Sorby.:confused: