I’ve spent most of my afternoon trying to find somewhere to get an incannel gouge for reedmaking, with no luck. (from what I’ve been able to glean, I’m looking for a 16mm #7 sweep) All I’ve been able to find is regular outcannel gouges, with the exception of some (very expensive) violinmaking tools from Germany. A few antique pieces show up on Ebay, but size/sweep is pretty hit and miss. Am I missing something obvious, or are they just that hard to find?
Thanks much!
https://www.ashleyilestoolstore.co.uk/carving-tools/incannel
Not sure if these are what you’re looking for,but sure have a look anyway
RORY
I dunno. I G00gled ´in-cannel gouges´ and got this :https://toolsforworkingwood.com/store/item/EE-SG500.99IN/Set_of_4__In-cannel_Straight_Gouges_by_Two_Cherries
Alternatively just re-grind a ´normal´ gouge. Slowly so you don´t fubar the temper. ![]()
Bob
Also: search Etsy for wood carving tools. Sometimes known as ´spoon carving tools´. Or, meet the maker. . .Etsy has some very friendly custom Blacksmiths.
Bob
As mentioned above Ashley Iles have a good range but I think they’re behind with their production and don’t have a full stock at present.
Na Piobairi Uilleann usually carry a few Ashley Iles gouges but a quick look shows they’ve sold out too.
A #7 sweep seems a bit steep for general Uilleann pipe chanter and regulator reeds. Sweep #3 or #4 would be more usual.
The standard Henry Taylor 3/4" is roughly a #8 sweep, they also make a 5/8" that may do the trick if its definitely a 16mm #7 sweep you need.
Try here https://www.toolnut.co.uk/collections/firmer-paring-gouges
Ashly Iles are the better gouge but they are more expensive and there may be a bit of a wait.
Iain
You could make your own from a piece of tool steel like the one Ben uses in the NPU reed making video.Half inch by one eight would probably do it, the curve at the front might take some experimentation.
RORY
I’ll second the idea of using the homemade gouge that Benedict Koehler uses in the NPU videos. Easy to make, works great.
Thanks for the suggestions; I’ll have to take a look at all those. For the Kohler homemade gouge, are the videos you’re referring to available online, or are they DVDs I’d have to purchase? Thanks much!
It appears that the videos from “The Heart of the Instrument”) are available online at the NPU website:
https://pipers.ie/source/gallery/?galleryId=136
You can also order a copy of the set (2 disks, 4 master reed makers) from NPU. Worth it regardless the cost.
I think that someone used to post here advertising that they can make the “Benedictine” reed scraper.
Fascinating resource, although the Koehler videos are actually at https://pipers.ie/source/gallery/?galleryId=135. In particular, he talks about the gouging tools in https://pipers.ie/source/media/?galleryId=135&mediaId=9691.
Perfect, thanks for the answers. I think that’s something I could make. Does anyone know if the dimensions are at all important? Benedict made no mention in the video of how wide the tool is, or what curve radius it has on the end.
You’ll find some useful information in this thread (from some time ago):
https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/japanese-gouges-for-reedmaking/88063/1
Apparently, a member of the Forum named J-Dub = John Ward is the one who can fabricate the Benedictine gadget:
Still using a FUBAR’d gouge, as a bit of a reminder to not do so.
To answer the question, just look for a gouge–grind later. Sizes and sweeps are a bit proprietary, but I think mine are 3/4" Henry Taylor gouges, #8 and #5 (or #6 . . . the stamp isn’t clear). It really doesn’t matter much. You just need a shallow sweep to rough gouge, and a deep gouge to get your centerline just a bit over your dimension so you don’t spend forever on the sanding cylinder. Your cylinder is the most important thing to create your inside curvature.