Abstract: A chisel for turning a workpiece spindle has a semi-circular template notch in one end of an elongated blade in combination with a cutting edge and guiding tongue. A beveled portion of the narrow blade forms the cutting edge at one terminus of the notch, and the tongue extends outwardly from the other terminus in diametrically opposed relationship to the cutting edge. The rotating spindle is guided into the constant radius notch by the tongue to permit cutting of a variety of intricate contours in the spindle without gouging and assuring accuracy and reproducibility in turning operations.