Ortel V Gouge by Denny

[Canopener]

I know that several of you out there own a Ortel V gouge made by Denny. I think most of us agree that this is one heck of a tool for roughing out a carving.
The thing I am curious about and would like some feedback on is the tool profile. It seems to want to take on a life of it's own. I bought my tool from Rick and it was true. I have carved with it and stropped it and put it to a stone to bring it back to true a couple of times, but it keeps wanting to be long on one side, short on the other, and have a wee dip with wings in the gouge part.
The thing is, it is razor sharp and works great no matter what, and let's not forget it is a roughing tool. Must be my carving style.
Possibly this is natures way of me making a custom tool, but I think not.
So; am I stressing over nothing, or should I keep right on top of this to prevent problems down the road.
I also know that Rick would be happy to fix this problem for me, but I think I should deal with this on my own.
Jim

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Don't have anything for you, except to say that mine is still true.

[Mitchell]

Mine is is in "bad" shape right now too. I need to grind it down and start over. It was my fault however......dropped it

[rick-in-seattle]

Canopener,
All tools will react that way if they are sharpened equally but have varing material thickness.
Spend more time on the areas that are beginning to lengthen and less on the edges that are becoming shorter.

Or send it to me, shipping should be under $3 round trip in a padded envelope, and the sharpening is free. The edge must be well protected when shipping.

[Canopener]

Thanks for the feedback, was just wondering if others had this problem.
I would like to repeat that I love this tool, it is a real work horse, time saver and would recommend it to anyone.
Rick; thanks for the advice. I guess I was looking for an excuse to be lazy, and need to practice more at sharpening.
I will get right on it just as soon as................OK,OK, probably this weekend. Jeez!
Apprentice Procrastinator, Jim

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have heard of the ortel denny gouge and would like to try one someday....everyone seems to like it!

[MelNM]

Its one of my favorite tools, all I have ever done is strop it, its still in great shape, I've had it for about a year now.
Mel

[cotton]

What is the difference between a V Gouge and another V tool? Does it just not have a sharp point to the V? Or is it just another term for the same tool?

I see that people seem to be using it for roughing out projects -- what are its particular benefits?

It sounds interesting.

[Canopener]

Cotton,
The main thing, at least for me is it takes the place of several tools.
I mostly carve caricatures between 6" and 12", and wood spirits. I don't have any band saw or anything, so I usually start out with pretty rough or even a block of wood. This tool removes wood fast. I think it is about equal to a 5/8 width v-tool, so you have 2 chisels that also work like small knives and the round bottom. I like the round bottom because it allows me to out line my work with out making the deep defining cuts of a v-tool. Plus Denny makes a nice tool; good steel, stays sharp and fits good in the hand. All around winner in my opinion.
Rick has them at Little Shavers.
Jim

[Bartster]

i have one of the ortel and the shorter version he did for stetson, i like the longer version better, i use it alot for roughing out but i will use it for details also, it is great for hair if your carving is not to small.

bart