Basic Tools

[Allen Murphy]

Iam going to turn axels for farm wagons. They are 4"x 4"x 60" from white oak. I will need to cut a taper on both ends, what tools will I need? These tapers will not be sanded, just rough turned.

[Jim Becker]

Most likely, if you are turning by hand, then a large spindle roughing gouge and, perhaps a large skew, are pretty much what you need. You may be able to get away with just the gouge if you have a steady hand.

[Steve Schlumpf]

I agree with Jim as to type of tools and would opt for the heaviest ones I could find!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Ditto the above. I agree heavy is good.

[David Walser]

Allen,

For rounding those large blanks into axles, you'll want to use a large roughing gouge. As someone suggested, above, a large skew could be used for the finish cuts, but it shouldn't be necessary. Here's a link to an example of the kind of roughing gouge you might want to consider. It's 1 1/2" wide and should be able to quickly round and taper those axles for you.

http://www.elbotool.com/roughing-gouge.html

Another option would be the 1 1/4" roughing gouges from Henry Taylor, P&N, and Robert Sorby. Here's a link to the Craft Supplies USA:

http://www.elbotool.com/roughing-gouge.html

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Hi Allen, I suppose you want a radius at the end of the taper, so maybe you need a specific size of tool for that, a roughing gouge with a strong tang is what I recommend, and the handle you can make yourself to whatever size/length you want/need.
That is why I do recommend the P&N roughing gouge, look here, though many more places do carry them, good luck.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&cat=1,330&p=49138

[jason lambert]

I also recoment the large P&N ruffing guage. The Thompson is better but he is usallyout of stock and it is twice as much $$$.

[Bob Hallowell]

I have the the p&n also but the 1" version. I love it and man is it beefy. Looks like a bowl gouge on steriods!

Bob