Sharpening a Gouge | Common Woodworking

Note: This is the sharpening process of an out-cannel gouge.

Paul recommends two methods to sharpen an out-cannel gouge, both of which can be done on diamond plates or abrasive paper. You will also need a curved strop, which you can make yourself, to polish at the end of the sharpening process. You will need a concave one and a convex one (to polish both the inside and outside of the bevel).

Figure of 8 Method:

To use the figure of 8 motion, start at the bottom left corner. Use the corner of the gouge as your starting point at 30-35°. Push forward and roll the bevelled edge from one corner to another, until you reach the top right corner of the sharpening stone. Then move across to the top left. Keeping the bevel in contact with the sharpening stone, move backwards, rolling the bevel back round to end up at the bottom right corner.

Rotational Sharpening Gallery:

An alternative sharpening method is rotational sharpening. For this method you do not use a figure of eight motion. Instead, use a straight back and forth motion to sharpen the edge, rolling the bevel from corner to corner as you go.

Repeat steps on the fine plate. Abrade until coarse marks have been removed. Then move to super fine. This creates a camber on the edge which works well for carving.

Use a purpose built strop to polish. Apply buffing compound to the surface and pull the gouge 30 times over the strop – more if necessary – keeping it at 30°.

Stropping Gallery:

Charging the strop with buffing compound

Stropping the outside of the gouge. Wipe away any excess compound from the gouge with a tissue.

Figure of 8 Method:

Rotational Sharpening Gallery:

Stropping Gallery:

Further Reading