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Thread: Fingernail grind

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
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    Near Springville, AL
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    Fingernail grind

    How can a fingernail grind be recognized by the appearance of it?

    I thought that the sweep on the side of a fingernail grind didn't extent past the point that the grind terminated on the top of the flute.

    The latest email ad from Woodcraft has me thinking I might be wrong.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
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    Wayland, MA
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    I think fingernail grind means "looks vaguely like a fingernail". There's no international standards body to set and enforce a definition. (nor is there consensus among turners)

  3. #3
    . . . which creates potential for huge frustration when so many soures mention or even suggest "a fingernail grind."

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
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    E TN, near Knoxville
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    Quote Originally Posted by roger wiegand View Post
    I think fingernail grind means "looks vaguely like a fingernail". There's no international standards body to set and enforce a definition. (nor is there consensus among turners)
    That's putting it mildly! I find the shape of the grind doesn't matter all that much. I seem to turn equally well with a variety of grinds. Note that the shape of a grind with swept-back wings changes a lot with the depth and shape of the flute, especially with spindle vs shallow spindle/detail gouges.

    The shape of a grind with swept-back wings also depends on the angle of the bevel and the settings on the jig you use. Look at this page from the Tormek manual:

    tormek_gouge_table.jpg

    BTW, the term "fingernail grind" always confused me. Am I the only one who never thought it looked like a fingernail?

    JKJ

  5. #5
    Yes, a confusing term. Some people's fingernails are short and blunt, and some are more long and pointy...... I think generally that term applies more to a grind like the 40/40, and less to the swept back/Irish/Ellsworth grinds...

    robo hippy

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
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    Kapolei Hawaii
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    Quote Originally Posted by John K Jordan View Post

    BTW, the term "fingernail grind" always confused me. Am I the only one who never thought it looked like a fingernail?

    JKJ
    I agree that it doesn't look at al like a fingernail....... Did wonder what fingernail "they" talking about.

    I think the "regular" grind (NOT intending to start a regular grind discussion) looks more like MY fingernail.

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