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Thumbnail Filmstrip of Robust Unhandled Detail Gouge - 1/2" Images
The Robust 1/2″ spindle/detail gouge has a flute with shallow radius and is made from premium nitrided high speed steel. Robust uses the American method of gouge measurement for these tools, which means the shank is 1/2″ diameter.
Shipped with a 45 degree grind, many turners sharpen these types of gouges to a sharper angle, and sometimes add a secondary bevel. Many turners who are primarily bowl turners find these much friendlier for spindle turning than using a skew.
These tools are all offered unhandled. We offer Robust Collet Handles in 16” and 20” lengths. Alternatively, you may use the Oneway, Hosaluk, Sorby handles or make one yourself.
- These feature a shallow curved flute equal to the diameter of the gouge. For instance, the 1/2″ diameter spindle gouges has a flute with a 1/4″ radius.
- All have a radius flute that matches the diameter of the stock, and they are also made from premium high speed steel with Robust's proprietary Nitriding treatment.
What’s special about Nitriding? All of the carbide and HSS cutting tools Robust uses to machine these tools are Nitrided. Nitriding is not a coating or plating, but a diffusion wherein extra carbon and nitrogen are added to the base metal. This zone is up to .002″ deep. The result: significantly improved edge holding and reduced sharpening.
To make these tools, Robust starts with premium HSS sourced here in the US. After machining the tools to shape, they are heat treated 62-64 Rockwell C. The hardened tools then go through the Nitriding process, increasing surface hardness up to 75 Rockwell C. Because the treatment is diffused into the metal itself, it will not flake, peel or chip. The tools are just as easy to grind as regular HSS, and sharpen well on conventional and CBN wheels.
But isn’t the Nitriding Removed during Sharpening? Gouges are sharpened on the end, and the cutting edge is defined by the intersection of the portion ground away and the flute. Since the flute is Nitrided, the cutting edge is also Nitrided. For scrapers, just grind the bottom bevel. This leaves the Nitriding on the top surface, so the burr is Nitrided. You’ll also like the radius on the corners of Robust's skews and scrapers, as this makes them more versatile for a number of different cuts.
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