Spindle Gouge vs Fingernail Gouge

[Gary_C]

What's the difference between a fingernail gouge and a regular spindle gouge? I know the actual physical difference...but when would you use one vs the other?

 

[Rob]

The grind is the difference usually. A fingernail gouge has a smaller point and swept back wings, allowing for more detailed work.

 

[Roy G]

The difference is more pronounced on a bowl gouge. Some come from the factory ground straight across, which can lead to some pretty good catches. if you grind the tip to a fingernail profile, you lessen the chance of catching the corner. And if you carry it onto a swept-back with wings, you can peel wood off at a great rate.

Roy G

 

[Gary_C]

The difference is more pronounced on a bowl gouge. Some come from the factory ground straight across, which can lead to some pretty good catches. if you grind the tip to a fingernail profile, you lessen the chance of catching the corner. And if you carry it onto a swept-back with wings, you can peel wood off at a great rate.

Roy G

This is what I was looking for...more of why you would use one or the other....the physical differences are kind of obvious if you look at them. I'm at the stage when I'm still trying to decide which tool to grab....I'd like to go on something more than "lets see what this one will do...."

Another similar issue....which skew to use....a regular skew or an oval skew....my kit has an oval skew but at the shop I use...their skew has a more square angular bevel...so why would you choose one over the other?