I recently picked up a nice vintage #3 sweep 5/8" gouge but then realized someone has sharpened the end of this gouge completely flat across the top side as if it were a chisel and they were flattening the back. I'd like to gradually recover this lovely old tool, but would appreciate some advice on my proposed process. Here's what that shape looks like now. As you can see, the top has no side-to-side concave shape over the first 3/8" from the cutting edge because the outer sides of the gouge have been ground flat.
I could grind the tip away for a 1/2" until I get back into the #3 sweep contour, but I hate to lose so much steel. So, what I'm thinking of doing instead is to create a slight concave area at the front edge of the gouge as close as possible to a #3 sweep and the rest of the tool, working from the center of the front edge. Then, as I have to sharpen the gouge over time, gradually move the edge back until I again get to the original sweep of the tool.
Any thoughts?
Rush
I could grind the tip away for a 1/2" until I get back into the #3 sweep contour, but I hate to lose so much steel. So, what I'm thinking of doing instead is to create a slight concave area at the front edge of the gouge as close as possible to a #3 sweep and the rest of the tool, working from the center of the front edge. Then, as I have to sharpen the gouge over time, gradually move the edge back until I again get to the original sweep of the tool.
Any thoughts?
Rush