If you’re having a problem getting a clean cut surface on a particularly difficult grain area on a turning project, take the lightest cut possible with the sharpest gouge you can hone. Remember to slip/hone the inside surface of the gouge to get the wire edge lying out. Try to engage the smallest possible area of the edge while keeping the bevel in contact with the work surface. DO NOT SCRAPE! If you do, the problem will usually just get worse! Proceed slowly along the cut, and be patient. Sometimes changing the direction of the cut will solve the problem, as you will stop lifting the grain. Varying the lathe’s speed slightly may also help remove a harmonic vibration. I often find getting the gouge almost vertical will do it, but beware of letting it catch!
– Steve Blenk
