Gouges, skews, scrapers and parting tools
Woodturning tools are often called “chisels”, though most turners call them gouges, skews and scrapers. They fall into a few families based on blade shape and how they remove wood:
- Gouges have a curved flute. Roughing, spindle and bowl gouges are the main ones.
- Skews are flat with an angled end.
- Scrapers are flat bars, usually thick, with a shaped end.
- Parting tools are narrow and used for cutoffs and sizing.
If you are building a first kit, our woodturning tools for beginners guide suggests which to buy first.
Cutting versus scraping
Gouges and skews are normally used to cut: the edge is presented so it shears the fibers and produces shavings. Scrapers work with a blunter, trailing angle and remove wood by scraping, which is gentler to learn but usually leaves a rougher surface. Many turners use scrapers for final clean-up on tricky areas. The right choice depends on the wood and the shape.
Spindle roughing gouge
A wide gouge with a broad, shallow U-shaped flute and a straight or gently curved grind. Its job is to turn a square blank into a cylinder when mounted between centers. It is generally not recommended for bowls or faceplate work, since it is not built for the sideways forces involved.
Spindle gouge
A gouge with a shallower flute and a fingernail-style grind. It is used for details on spindles, such as coves, beads and other delicate profiles. Typical sizes are in the area of 3/8 inch (about 10 mm), though makers offer a range.
Bowl gouge
A gouge with a deep flute and a thick bar to resist flexing. It is used for shaping both the inside and outside of bowls and similar faceplate work. Many bowl gouges are ground with a swept-back “fingernail” profile, but grind shapes vary by turner and by maker.
Skew chisel
A flat chisel whose cutting edge is set at an angle, available with straight or rounded (radiused) edges. It is used for planing cuts, smooth finishes and some detail cuts on spindles. It is also the tool most associated with catches, where a corner digs in, so it generally takes practice and light cuts.
Scrapers
Scrapers come in round-nose, square-end and other shapes. A round nose scraper smooths concave areas and shallow bowl bottoms; a square-end scraper suits flatter surfaces. They are often seen as an approachable tool for beginners, but they dull quickly and need regular sharpening.
Parting tools
A narrow tool used to cut a workpiece free from the waste, or to cut a precise diameter or tenon. Parting tools come in several widths and cross-sections, such as diamond-shaped or thin versions.
Specialty tools
Beyond the basics you will see beading tools, hollowing tools, captive ring tools, and similar items. Most turners add them only once they have a project that needs them.
Turning tools versus bench chisels
A bench chisel, such as one used in carpentry, is pushed by hand or struck with a mallet for joinery. It is not designed to be held against spinning wood on a lathe, and is not a substitute for turning tools. Turning gouges and skews are used by hand against the tool rest, without a hammer. For hand carving, see types of wood carving tools.
Tool steel and handles
Most turning tools are high-speed steel, which holds an edge well. Cheaper carbon steel tools exist but may dull faster. Handles vary in length; longer handles give more leverage and control for heavier cuts such as bowl turning.
FAQ
What are the names of common wood lathe tools? Spindle roughing gouge, spindle gouge, bowl gouge, skew chisel, round nose scraper, and parting tool.
Can you make money from woodturning? Some turners sell bowls, pens and other items, but income varies widely and depends on skill, time and market.
What type of chisel is used without a hammer? Turning tools are used by hand without striking. Bench chisels can also be pushed by hand for paring, though they are often used with a mallet.