Need a spindle gouge, recommendations?

[Jack Gaskins]

Was looking at purchasing the Ray Key spindle gouge with the long side wings. I want to learn to make boxes and I have watched that the long grind is good for hollowing out with the 3/8ths spindle gouge. Anyone got any suggestions on this?

[Matt Hutchinson]

Well, not sure you need that particular tool for box making. I have been hollowing smaller items with a regular spindle gouge using a back hollowing technique, then cleaned that up with a 3/4" scraper.

That said, I don't know anything about the tool you mention. However, I have to say I am loving the Doug Thompson spindle gouge I recently purchased. I'm using the heck out of it (for mainly hollowing), and I have only sharpened it once!

Hutch

[Michael E. Thompson]

+1 for the Thompson spindle gouge or any of his gouges for that matter. Just got mine for Christmas, very nice tool.

[Thom Sturgill]

IMHO, it is worthwhile to have spindle gouges with both 'conventional' and 'fingernail' grinds just like with bowl gouges. On the fingernail ground gouges (both types) I grind the heel back and round it so that it does not create pressure lines in the work. As far as which manufacturer, I have two of Doug's and will buy more as I add to my collection. But, if cost is the issue, any M2 or better HSS blade will give good service, just be prepared to sharpen more often.