Finding the best gouge sharpening suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. SAVANNAH PRO-GRIND Sharpening System with Multi-Grind Jig for Gouges
Feature
Create sharp, accurate cutting angles and clean edges in a fraction of the timeSharpening you bowl gouges, scrapers, parting tools, skew chisels, carving chisels and more has never been easier
Frustration free setup process unlike some competitors
3" x 5" platform with miter slot is perfect for scraper, skews, hand chisels and hand plane blades
Includes Multi-Grind Jig to make sharpening Gouges a breeze
Description
Sharpening you bowl gouges, scrapers, parting tools, skew chisels, carving chisels and more has never been easier. What makes this system so unique is the simple fact that we took the entire setup process and simplified it so that anyone can now sharpen their tools like a "PRO". Designed with a quick cam locking base that locks the sliding support arms in place for a fast, frustration free setup. The PRO-GRIND Sharpening System includes 5 different sharpening jigs with preset gauges. Each gauge is set for the correct angle, tool type and style of grind. The 27" Multi-Grind Mounting Bar is ideal for grinding skews, chisels, gouges and more. The 3" x 5" platform with miter slot is perfect for scraper, skews, hand chisels and hand plane blades. With the PRO-GRIND system there is no more grinding away your expensive turning tools. You will be able to create sharp, accurate cutting angles and clean edges in a fraction of the time, all the while saving money. This system is recommended to be used with slow speed grinders with 8" diameter grinding wheels. This system may also be used with 6" wheels of so desired. Some basic mounting and assembly is required Includes: 2 each quick cam locking bases 1 each 27" Multi-Grind Bar 1 each 3" x 5" Platform with miter slot 1 each Tool Hold for Platform 1 each Multi-Grind Jig 2 each Two Sided Setup Blocks 1 each Quad Angle Setting Jig 1 each Magnetic Micro Bevel Setup Block. Turning Tool and Grinder NOT INCLUDED.2. DMT WAV-F Diamond Wave Fine Sharpener
Feature
Precisely micronized mono-crystalline diamond coating to assure smooth and even stock removalFine diamond for a razor sharp edge
Convex and concave diamond surface in one sharpening tool for all curved cutting edges
No oil is needed-sharpen dry or with water
Durable construction will provide years of consistent performance and reliable service
Description
DMT has developed the first diamond sharpener to combine convex and concave abrasive surfaces. The Diamond Wave provides radii from .0625" tapering to 1.000" which accommodate any turning or carving gouge plus at 10" in length, enables a much longer sharpening strokes than traditional slips stones. Spend less time sharpening and get a better edge, faster than ever before! This sharpener is 600/25 micron for coarse work - removing chips, burrs and re-establishing a bevel.3. Steelex D2473 Diamond Pocket File with Lanyard Hole
Feature
This diamond honing cone is the perfect sharpening toolUse for radius carbide tipped router bits, shaper cutters and steel carving gouges
Great for keeping fish hooks sharp too with its special fish hook groove
Lanyard hole makes it easy to keep this item handy around the shop or favorite fishing hole
Description
Steelex 400 Grit Diamond Pocket File w/ Lanyard Hole D24734. Wolverine Vari-Grind Attachment
Feature
create a side grind on your bowl gougescreate a fingernail grind on your spindle gouges
quick and easy to use
black coating to protect from rusting
designed to be used with the Wolverine Grinding Jig
Description
The Wolverine Vari-Grind will properly shape and maintain the edge on standard bowl gouges, the modern side grind (also known as the Ellsworth grind, Liam O'Neil, or Irish grind), and the traditional fingernail shape for spindle work detailing. ONEWAY has spent considerable time and effort to develop a system which will consistently produce sharp, repeatable geometries on turning tools for the wood turner. Three tools that are very popular and useful are the fingernail shape, the traditional bowl gouge and the side grind configurations. These shapes however are difficult both to grind and to maintain. This single jig will produce every shape from the first mentioned fingernail grind right up to the side grind and everything in between to suit your needs.5. Oneway Wolverine Grinding Jig
Feature
Save Time, Money and FrustrationFurnished with Two Bases
The " V" arm attachment is 27" in Length
THe 3" x 5" Platform jig uses Quick Release Ratchet handles
Comes complete with Instructions for Installation and Use
Description
Wolverine Grinding Jig will save you time, frustration and money by allowing you to grind tools right the first time and every time. You'll create accurate cutting angles and straight edges in a fraction of the time it now takes and your tools will be easier and safer to work with! The Wolverine system is furnished with two bases, one to mount under each wheel, which permit two simultaneous grinding set ups. Each base accepts either sliding arm. Arms are effortlessly adjusted or secured by a cam locking device. The "V" arm attachment is 27" in length and is perfect for sharpening gouges, skews, chisels, or carving tools. Just pull the arm out until the tool rests on the wheel at the proper angle and you're ready to start. The 3" x 5" platform jig uses quick release ratchet handles for angle adjustments and is perfect for sharpening scrapers. Wolverine comes complete with instructions for installation and use.6. SUEHIRO Whetstone Wood Carvers Sharpener 1000 grit
Feature
SUEHIRO Whetstone Wood Carvers Sharpener 1000 gritDescription
Each size u-shaped gouge to corner sword can be sharpened. Sharpening for finishing medium.7. Tormek SVD-186 Turning Tool Sharpener Gouge and Turning Cutter Jig That Makes Repeatable, Precise Sharpening Easy
Feature
Made for Fingernail Shaped Turning GougesQuickly produce a repeatable razor edge
Can be Used for Various Lengths on the Side Bevel
Can also be used for Bent Carving Gouges and V-Tools
Maximum Width of Blade is 1-3/8 Inch
Description
Sharpening gouges, turning cutters, lathe turning tools, and similar has always presented a challenge. But no more with this turning tool sharpening jig. It's ideal for sharpening your gouges and similar to a finely-honed edge. The best part is the versatility - you can achieve the perfect shape, and make it repeatable, so you can have a consistent degree. Fingernail shaped sharpening was never so intuitive. The design of this jig allows for blades of up to 1-3/8 inch wide, and enables you to sharpen them while removing as little metal as possible. The result is sharp, precise tools that are not only a joy to work with, but will last longer as well. Included with the jig is a shaft for turning cutters, along with a special recipe label and pen that let you note settings for your tools (so you can get the same results next time.) It fits all Tormek sharpening system, and can be made to fit others as well.8. Genuine Arkansas Hard (Fine) Slip Stone Whetstone for Sharpening Carving Tools 4 " X 1 5/8" with 1/8" and 5/16" Radius FAS-14-P
Feature
Slip stone for sharpening carving gouges, molding plane blades or any concave edgeSlip stone is 4" long by 1 5/8" wide, One edge is 1/8" diameter and the other is 5/16 " diameter.
Hard Arkansas (Fine) is used to establish and maintain a keen edge on any cutting tool
Color can be Grey, White, Black/Grey, Grey/Pink, Black/ White, White or White/ Pink
Genuine Arkansas stone is 100% quarried in the Ouachita Mountains of Central Arkansas
Description
Hard Arkansas (Fine): This is used to establish and maintain a keen edge on cutting tools. Since this is a natural stone colors may include Grey, White, B lack/Grey, Grey/Pink, Black/ White, White or White/ Pink, or a combination of these colors. Genuine Arkansas stones are 100% quarried in the Ouachita Mountains of central Arkansas. They are highly sought after worldwide for their superior ability to sharpen knives and woodworking tools, as well as to put surgical quality edges on a wide variety of instruments Arkansas stones produce these fine edges s with less wear that manmade stones. Arkansas stones are classified as Novaculite, which is extremely hard and fine grained rock containing almost pure silica. These stones are classified in 4 grades and progress from Soft to Hard to Translucent and finally to Black. Each grade is based on the specify gravity or density of the mineral and not the "grit" or particle size. The grades with more dense or tightly packed particles will produce a finer or sharper edge. In addition, stone grades are not determined by color, as color alone will not differentiate the hardness of different stone grades. Each grade may contain any of the following colors: black, blue-black, charcoal, grey, white, multi-color, brown, pink or red, or a combination of these colors in a single stone. All Arkansas stones work best with light mineral honing oil to suspend the metal particles produced by the sharpening process which prevents clogging of the pores of the stone.9. Flexcut Slipstrop, for Polishing and Deburring V-Tools and Gouges, Flexcut Gold Polishing Compound Included, (PW12)
Feature
Sharpen your V and sweep and U gouges to a razor's edgeFeatures a number of different profiles to match all of your different tools
Includes 1 ounce bar of Flexcut Gold Polishing Compound
Keeping tools sharp is the simplest and easiest way to improve your carving
Made in the USA
Description
The SlipStrop from Flexcut is the best way to maintain your tools' edge. It has been specially molded to follow the contours of most V and U gouges, which allows for polishing and deburring the hard-to-reach areas inside of gouges. Includes a small bar of Flexcut Gold Polishing Compound as well as detailed instructions. The SlipStrop is an indispensible tool for anyone who uses gouges, from delicate relief printmakers to mallet wielding carvers, and everyone in between.10. POWERTEC 71021 Bench Grinder Sharpening Jig Kit, Value Pack: 4-In-1
Feature
Heavy duty jig for a wide range of grinders"V" arm attachment accommodates tools up to 27-Inches
Includes 3 x 5-Inch working platform with quick-release handles for easy adjusting
Skew jig attachment for precision sharpening and fine-finish bevel cutting
Finger nail jig grinds nail profiles
Description
POWERTEC'S Grinding Jig and Skew Set is a must-have assembly for your precision grinding needs. Produce razor sharp tool edges and bevels effortlessly. Jig includes a 3" X 5" platform, which employs quick-release, cam-operated handles for secure hold and easy adjustment. "V" arm attachment accommodates tools such as gouges, chisels, scrapers, skews and a wide array of other carving tools. The skew grinding jig ensures precision sharpening and bevel cutting, while maintaining the utmost in safety. Extends the life of your tools by cutting away the least amount of tool material. A skew grinding attachment is included to lock skew tools in place. Also included is a fingernail jig to produce fingernail edge profiles on bowl gouges. Simple, easy to use, highly effective and best of all, a great value.11. Sharp Fast Complete Gouge Sharpening System
12. Rob Cosman Master Series Woodcarving #1 Sharpening Techniques with Chris Pye DVD
Feature
First in Rob Cosman's Master Craftsman Series of instructional DVDsAlso features woodcarver, author and teacher Chris Pye
Comprehensive instruction to keep your tools their sharpest
Description
Rob Cosman has been woodworking for most of his life. While earning a B.Sc. in Industrial Technology/Furniture Design at Brigham Young University, he was Dr. Dale L. Nish's teaching assistant. Rob has also worked with many of the world's best craftsmen - including Alan Peters, Sam Maloof, Tage Frid, Monroe Robinson and Peter Korn. In the first of Rob Cosman's Master Craftsman Series, he teams up with renowned woodcarver, author and teacher Chris Pye to present a comprehensive DVD. Topics covered include selecting gouges, features of a correctly sharpened edge, adding an inside bevel, power sharpening, hand honing and keeping the tools sharp. Run time is 1 hour, 55 minutes.13. DMT WAV-E Diamond Wave Extra Fine Sharpener
Feature
Precisely micronized mono-crystalline diamond coating to assure smooth and even stock removalExtra-fine diamond to polish and refine an edge
Convex and concave diamond surface in one sharpening tool for all curved cutting edges
No oil is needed-sharpen dry or with water
Durable construction will provide years of consistent performance and reliable service
Description
DMT Diamond Wave, Extra Fine, Convex/Concave Sharpener DMWAV-E14. Trend DWS/TF3M/F 3-Inch Diamond Tapered Mini File
Feature
Industrial quality 3-Inch taper file with flat and convex backIdeal for sharpening wood turning gouge internal and external edges
Suitable for carbide and HSS
Apply gentle pressure during sharpening process with minimal amounts of Trend lapping fluid for optimum performance
Versatile and durable
Description
This versatile 3" Diamond Mini Tapered File features a half round/flat sharpening surface suitable for woodworking, gardening & domestic tooling applications. Try it on woodturning gouges, internal and external bevel edges, skews, carving tools, model engineering, routers, saw blades, small chisels, knives, serrated edges, metals and plastics, pruners, shears and all shaped tooling.15. Grizzly H3103 Curve Gouge Slipstone - 1,000 Grit
Feature
Purveyor of fine woodworking and metalworking machinery since 1983Grizzly branded products carry a 1 year limited warranty
Made in Japan
Description
Sharpen gouges from 1/2" wide to 2" wide with these tapered Japanese aluminum-oxide water Slipstones. Water stones aggressively sharpen and polish at the same time for amazing results. 1000 grit.16. Gouge Sharpening Stone, A/O, Fine