Gouge size

[Glenn Hurley Jr.]

What size gouge would you use to rough out the ramrod groove?  I will be using a 3/8" ramrod and a 8-10 gouge is slightly oversized .  What designation gouge would be at 3/8" with the proper radius of curvature?  Thanks in advance.

[Rasch Chronicles]

That's a good question.

I gave that some thought a while back when asking about a basic set of chisels for inletting. What i figured was that it might be better to chisel out the waste first, and then use an undersized scraper- made for the task- and then a dowel and sandpaper to finish it properly.

Albert

[rich pierce]

I generally buy gouges at flea markets or make them myself; have no idea what those numbers mean on store-bought gouges.  Maybe take a piece of 3/8" ramrod to the tool store with ya to size the gouges.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I use a gouge that cuts a groove a little over 1/4" in diamenter, then scrape it to close.  Then I use a 10" piece of wood that is 5/16" thick, rounded along the edge, with abrasive cloth to finish.

[Acer Saccharum]

Trouble with a gouge... let me see if I can describe what i'm imagining, and this always gets me in a tight spot.

The gouge is a hollow shafted blade, beveled on the OUTSIDE. With a gouge, you will be able to cut only so deep before this bevel binds on the sides of the grooves.

So you will need a gouge that is SMALLER than the desired groove width. This means you will need  to make several passes to get the right width and depth. 'Several passes' means that I'd wander a bit while cutting. Then you need a long straight object with teeth or grit to straighten things out.

It's all tricky business, but keep your head on while working, and stop cutting when the doubts creep in. You'll be OK if you don't rush things and think all the time about what you're trying to do. 

[bob in the woods]

I use a 1/4 inch gouge ,then a scraper, then a round rat tail file with the tang bent up and wood handle fitted,  to finish up.

[J. Talbert]

Tom Snyder has made some dandy little ramrod channel planes that he sells quite reasonably.  If you're interested in cutting the ramrod grove by hand, I'd highly recommend you check with him.

Jeff

[Acer Saccharum]

That darn Tom Snyder again! With his dandy tools! I didn't know he made planes for the channel. Interesting.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

He's beating you to the market Tom!! 

Maybe you and Tom and Dave Crisali and a few others should consider bundling some of your tools and bundling them into an ALR Gunmaker's tool kit..............??

[keweenaw]

Gee, I was just looking at some irons I had roughed out for ramrod groove planes  when I made the batch for the CLA show and wondering if I should get around to making a few more planes. 

Tom

[NSBrown]

I bought one of Tom's ramrod planes from Mark Silver at Bowling Green after I watched Mark use his. It IS the way to cut a ramrod groove. No scraping. No sanding. And faster than you can imagine...with real control. I won't ever do it any other way.

[J. Talbert]

Tom,

I was just trying to keep the staff busy up there at Tom Snyder industries.

Jeff

[b bogart]

Someone post a picture of Mr Snyders excellent ramrod groover please!

[J. Talbert]

If I get a chance I'll try to tonight, if Tom doesn't.

Jeff

[J. Talbert]

OK here are a couple pictures of Tom's ramrod channel plane.  The sideplate was on the bench, so I added for size reference.




Hope these help,
Jeff

[Glenn Hurley Jr.]

Thanks for all the replies and different approaches to the subject.  Tom Snyder's plane looks like it is just the ticket for that job.  I did find that a 9/7 gouge purchased from Woodcraft in Parkersburg, WV works well to remove the bulk of the wood.   I'm pretty sure it is a 9 sweep that is 7mm wide.

[ckeller]

How might one acquire one of tom Snyder's planes?  Does he have a web site?
Charlie

[J. Talbert]

Click on his name on page one of this post, and send him a personal message.

Jeff