Fig. 98.
51. The Firmer Gouge.
—[Fig. 98]. The gouge is curved in section and may have its bevel on either side. It is used for cutting grooves and hollowing out surfaces. The size of the gouge is determined by measuring the straight distance between the corners of the cutting edge.
When roughing out where rather thick shavings may be taken, the gouge should be held as in [Fig. 99], the blade being held firmly in the left hand. When taking off thin shavings and in finishing, the tool should be held as shown in [Fig. 100]. In using the gouge avoid short strokes. Try to take as long and as even shavings as the nature of the work and the wood will allow. The thinner the shaving, the easier it will be to cut smoothly. A circular movement imparted to the cutting edge will enable the tool to cut more easily the end grain of wood, as is necessary in cutting the ends of grooves in pen-trays, etc.
Fig. 99.
Fig. 100.