Stop cut with a long bent gouge

[Tim Gillane]

I have a Pfeil #5L 16 mm [long bent] gouge; am I risking damaging it if I use it with a mallet to make stop cuts as I would with straight gouge? It struck me (no pun intended) that it might not be the best thing for it to be striking it "off center" to make a straight stop cut. Better off adding a straight #5 of a similar dimension? I am thinking of expanding my tool set, but need to be circumspect about doing so, as funds for that are tight. Thanks.

[Donsexton]

That wont hurt or damage a quality tool at all. I don’t own any Pfeil tools but I believe they are professional quality.

[RUssL.]

I agree with Don.
Pfeil tools can take just about anything you throw at, or way you pound on, them.

[pallin]

I'm a real fan of Pfeil gouges, but I have to take exception. While using a mallet on a #9-7mm, the whole cutting edge chipped away. After re-grinding it, I was careful not to apply any damaging forces on it. I don't think the long bent form is more likely to break.

[DiamondWillow]

No problem pounding away on my Pfeil gouges with my mallet either, and I took several classes from an instructor from Bosnia who is a professional carver. He pounds away on the Pfeil tools like he is using a sledge hammer on them. I say have at it, I am sure you will not have any problems.

Gene

[Tim Gillane]

Thanks. My concern was that, since it's a bent gouge, the force transmitted by the mallet in doing the stop cut would be different than to a straight gouge and might damage it. Didn't want to end up with an "even more bent" gouge.

[brent]

The tool (metal) itself will probably be ok, but the handle?????

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Originally Posted by RUssL.

I agree with Don.
Pfeil tools can take just about anything you throw at, or way you pound on, them.

Ditto! Great Quality tools!

Dave

[mobjack68]

Just don't drive it too deep. Hammer it down, then remove the wood down to the level of the depth of the stop cut....repeat!!!