How to make inset finger pull?

[Daniel Rode]

I've seen numerous examples of Pennsylvania/shaker/colonial/antique candle boxes with sliding tops. Most feature a simple inset finger pull. It's more or less half round ('D') shaped angles into the surface.

I recently made a candle box but I had no way to make the pull. In theory, I could have used a forstner bit at an angle, but I wanted to use and tools and original methods. I chose to make mine rectangular and used a bench chisel (below) but I would have preferred the rounded shape.

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My guess is that the rounded pull is made with a gouge and a chisel. I'd love to see a couple pictures or video of this being done. (or something similar).

It's a simple thing, but I've never used a gouge in my life.

[Jim Koepke]

It's a simple thing, but I've never used a gouge in my life.

Do you have a gouge?

If I have a chance today and my memory works I will try to make one on a piece of scrap. Most likely it will take me a bit of practice.

jtk

[Daniel Rode]

Do you have a gouge?

No, I don't but I hope to change that shortly.

[Reinis Kanders]

Gauge should work. Maybe a carving style knife or small chisel bevel down.

[Mike Brady]

Knife a line for the straight part and than use a gouge to make a graduated cut (or rather a series of cuts) that end at the knifed line. I think I have heard these referred to as "thumb nicks", since it gives you something for your fingernail to engage in the lid.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee300/finefettle/IMG_0418_zpsfjqxn9tn.jpg (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/finefettle/media/IMG_0418_zpsfjqxn9tn.jpg.html)

[Jim Koepke]

It was actually pretty easy:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rZgAS2JJ1mI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

if that doesn't work:

https://youtu.be/rZgAS2JJ1mI

jtk

[Barry Dima]

It was actually pretty easy:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rZgAS2JJ1mI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

if that doesn't work:

https://youtu.be/rZgAS2JJ1mI

jtk

Man, Jim, you have a voice made for giving instruction.

[Shawn Pixley]

Nice instruction, Jim

[Daniel Rode]

https://youtu.be/rZgAS2JJ1mI

Thank you so much, Jim! Seeing it makes all the difference for me. The round ended chisel is a useful bonus.

And I agree, you have a good voice for instruction :)

[Daniel Rode]

Gauge should work. Maybe a carving style knife or small chisel bevel down.

I thought of using a small chisel, but getting any sort of curve was not working out for me on a test piece.

[Jim Koepke]

I thought of using a small chisel, but getting any sort of curve was not working out for me on a test piece.

Do you have a piece of saw plate or old hacksaw blade? You could shape and bevel one of those for the first cut then all you need is a gouge.

Grind off any saw teeth first.

If you have a grinder, pick up the cheap Stanley set at ACE Hardware and make your own round end chisel. Usually there are a lot of gouges listed on ebay.

jtk