The cove is generally recognized by turners to be the most difficult form to cut, and to some extent this difficulty is due to the fact that the gouge is the most difficult turning tool to sharpen properly.

Fig. 23.

Fig. 23 illustrates the successive steps taken in turning a cove. The gouge. in turning a cove makes three distinct movements: (a) rolling from a vertical to a horizontal position; (b) the handle is pried outward, forcing the cutting edge into the center; (c) the handle is held high when starting and lowered when finishing.

It must be remembered that the cutting stroke each time stops in the center of the cove, and the gouge should not be worked up on the other side; otherwise the fibers of the wood will be torn, leaving the cove in a rough condition.

When turning a symmetrical cove, such as in No. 3, Plate I, the beginner will find that it is desirable to test the cove by a gage, or templet; several pieces of dowel rod of suitable diameters will serve the purpose very well.