[ChrisS]

I have a set of 12 off set Buck gouges with an inside bevel. They go up to 2 inches. What is the best way to sharpen them. I have been using tapered cone shape stones. I have bench grinders, Tormax and dozens of stones. Just wanted to know how others sharpen them. Always looking for a better way to sharpen. I have had them for a long time and have never taken the nicks out. They are in great shape but not real sharp. I hate the thought of spending hours bring them back.
Thank

[markken5889]

Hi Chris.

Check out Chris Pye's website: chrispye-woodcarving.com - he has some really great information on sharpening techniques and hints.

-Mark

[mark yundt]

Well Chris,,sounds like you have enough supplies to do the job. I have some very old Buck chisels and they're terrific. Take the time ,,sharpen them as you do your others and get them back in service and earning their keep.
I personally don't use an inside bevel,,but with the stones and slips you seem to have ,,shouldn't be much of a problem to dress that area if you so choose.

[mdallensr]

ChrisS, I'm guessing the tools you have are in-cannel gouges. They have the main bevel on the inside, and probably don't have a secondary bevel at all. Sometimes these sturdy tools are called "firmer" gouges. You're right; they're a bear to sharpen if they are nicked or were never sharpened at the factory. The tapered cone stones help to shape them and remove a lot of metal. Smaller, shaped slip stones can help as well. I have the contoured leather wheel on my Tormek, and it is the ideal way to strop that inside bevel if you can get it to that point with your stones. I have a 3/4" in-cannel gouge that was never sharpened, and used a stone in my Dremel at low speed to remove metal from the inside bevel until I got to the wire edge.

I saw a demonstration of these gouges in a video. They are really useful for outlining a relief carving when you need to remove a lot of ground. You put the straight (outside) edge of the gouge toward the pattern and drive straight down to make a stop cut. The inside bevel curls the chip away from the pattern and prevents compression damage to the wood you're trying to keep. Then, you make the side cuts toward the pattern with regular gouges, meeting your stop cut, which leaves a scalloped edge that is easily cleaned up with 3's and 5's.

I know, there are some carvers reading this thinking a router would do all of that too, and it would. But, if you want/need to use edge tools, this is a good and quick way to remove a lot of waste without damaging a carving. Mike

[ChrisS]

Thanks for the post. I will check out the other sites and read more here. I am lucky I picked up 48 top end carvig tools for $420 form a man in Ohio whos father was a pattern maker. I have been collecting tools for 40 years. I have a full woodshop and a complet machine shop, sheetmetal and welding shop. I have 9 girinders and buffers. I have been blessed. I was a tool and die maker in Detroit and had a construction company on the side. I then had a mid life.... and went back to collage and received a degree in architecture. I am working on a masters in art. Nice to be young and retired. (age 57) I also have been doing furniture repair (carving and molding replacement for 40 years) I have never carved anything that was not a replacement for furniture. I have carved major replacements for doors on hunting cupboards. I always figured if you could carve molds in steel you could do it in wood. My back is very bad and I just had other surgery on my inner ears etc. so I thought I would give a go at carving. All I have is time and I am in no shape to start another big project in the shop right now. This is a great site. Glad I found it. I also am down to 4 scroll saws. I found 3 Hawk scrollsaws in thrift shops for 10 cents on the dollar and they are new. I will be selling 2 of them when I can get to them in the shed. I have a lot of questions in mind about carving. I am sure I will get them answered here. I like the carvings listed here. Even if they are simple they make me smile.
Thanks again.