10/22/2026
Why are turning gouges curved? Why does "riding the bevel" matter so much? Joel's latest blog post isn't about how to turn, it's about WHY the techniques work, which makes everything easier to remember and apply at the lathe. The two key ideas: gouge geometry prevents splintering at the edges of a cut, and riding the bevel gives you a second point of support so the tool can't bounce in and out of the work. Once you internalize these principles, you stop following rules and start reading the cut. If you've ever struggled to remember turning procedures, this one will click things into place
For the full blog with more photos please click the link to Joel's Blog in the Bio.