Turning Tools are On Point

I recently tried three gouges from Carter and Son Toolworks: a 3/4-in. roughing gouge, a 1/2-in. spindle gouge, and a 5/8-in. bowl gouge. The handles are aircraft grade aluminum, which absorbs vibration as well as any material. The business end of each tool is made from M42 high-speed tool steel, and all arrived sharp. The fit and finish was excellent.

The roughing gouge worked great. It is made for spindles, and shouldn’t be used for face work. I used it to plane pepper-mill blanks, which it handled easily with little need for sanding. The spindle gouge also performed well, cutting tenons, coves, and beads.

I found the handle a bit heavy, making it hard for me to create precise cuts. According to the manufacturer, a lighter handle is available. I put the bowl gouge to work rounding bowl blanks, including some of cottonwood, which is the most abusive to tool steel. It held an edge better than most tools I have used.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Lie-Nielsen No. 102 Low Angle Block Plane

With smooth, precise adjustments and wonderful balance, this compact block plane is a joy to use. It doesn’t have any bells and whistles, but there’s not a better block plane available for the money.

Buy at Direct

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon

Marking knife: Hock Double-Bevel Violin Knife, 3/4 in.

This heavy, double-beveled knife stays on track in all directions, and works just fine without adding a handle.

Buy at Lee Valley