Choking on a gouge

[pallin]

On my current project I have been shaping a large piece of Yellow Cedar using a large gouge. The wood works very well, without the need of a mallet. For cleaning up the edges and endgrain I have found it useful to hold the gouge in both hands close to the cutting edge, (i.e. "choking up" on the tool) and making small slicing cuts across the grain and toward my body.
(Bet that title caught your attention!)

choke1.jpgchoke2.jpgchoke3.jpg

[brent]

Yep, title threw me. Never tried to eat a gouge before!!
From your pics, you are holding the gouge properly, especially since you are holding the piece you're working on in your lap.
As long as you keep your elbows close to your sides, using both hands like you show, you should have total control over your gouge and should not have any problems or accidents.

[Donsexton]

Full size tools are more useful than palm or tiny tools for crafters, they will do everything the small tools will do and more.

[whittlinJim]

Maybe you should sue! The gouges didn't come with a warning label that they presented a choking hazard!

Jim

[gtech]

I agree about using both hands with a larger gouge... but the way you use it is called "harakiri"...

I much prefer to hold the wood in a vise and use the gouge the other way around

Gilles

[Woody1961]

Originally Posted by gtech

I agree about using both hands with a larger gouge... but the way you use it is called "harakiri"...

I much prefer to hold the wood in a vise and use the gouge the other way around

Gilles

If one is not careful, holding the gouge like that can be called circumcision (or castration). Sorry, I just don't know about carving in my lap!

[Colin-Partridge]

My exact sentiments far too close to the family jewels for my liking. And no carving glove hmmm seems a little risky to me. Been there done that and I have the T shirt. Good idea but I would also put it in a carving vice and use an apron.
Colin

[Dicky]

It does look chancy but you do get the best view of what the gouge is doing.

[pallin]

Colin - There is no need for a carving glove if you keep both hands on the gouge.

[James]

So i'm not the only one to use both hands, good to know.