Bowl Gouge

[Denco]

I don't have a bowl gouge but have been looking into some. Could someone recommend a decent gouge (size and vendor) that's reasonably inexpensive? Thanks.--Den

[RayintheUK]

Den,

I'd recommend that you start with a 3/8" bowl gouge, as that's probably the most-used and/or most useful size. Like most tools, you'll get what you pay for, but you can't go wrong with a good brand name (like Robert Sorby, Glaser, Crown, Henry Taylor, for example). Other than that, it comes down to how the handle feels to you. Make sure that you're getting M2 High Speed Steel (HSS) whatever make you choose.

Ray.

[kwgeorge]

I agree with Ray on the 3/8” bowl gouge. It is by far my most used size in a bowl gouge. Now with my next statements I may find that several people disagree with me and may even be bit insulted since people tend to get rather friendly with there favorite tool. I believe when buying a bowl gouge you have progressed enough in turning that you should be relatively proficient at sharpening and with your cutting techniques. I have yet to find a cheap Chinese bowl gouge worth anything. I think when you buy bowl gouges you need to buy good ones. I feel money can be saved on scrapers but a lot more goes into the manufacture of a good bowl gouge. I own PSI (Forget it for bowl gouges), Crown, Sorby and P&N but without a doubt my favorite is my Henry Taylor Superflute. The finish on the tool itself as well as the flute is far superior to that of Sorby or Crown and defiantly P&N. When sharpened correctly the nicely polished flute allows the shavings to come off with no resistance. The gouge also holds an edge better than any other manufacture that I own. I guess that’s why my favorite spindle gouge is also a Henry Taylor. I think you need two 3/8” bowl gouges, one with a Celtic or Ellsworth grind and one with a traditional grind to learn on and to get into the bottom of smaller deeper bowls with.

One of the best instructional videos on gouges was a short segment by Dick Sing on the Woodworking at Home DVD magazine. If anyone is interested I will get the issue # as back issues can be ordered.

[mudder]

I agree that 3/8" is best. I have a crown myself and like it very much.


Mudder

[Mort]

My first bowl gouge was an abused 5/8" Crown. The remaining metal is 4-1/2" long. Having learned on large diameter tools and having a penchant for exceeding the reach of the tool over the rest - way to much induced flex - I favor the 1/2"+ gouges and in particular P & N in Kelton handles. As a journeyman turner - I travel with my tools from Florida to Maine to Florida - I like the ease of transport. The P & N have very deep flutes and are a real challenge to get a useable "Ellsworth" or finger nail grind in place. Once ground the P & N exceeds in my hands any other brand available - natually I have several other brands and have tried the rest - thanks to membership in a turning club.
As RayintheUK says the way the handle [the tool] feels in your hand counts for a lot. As a first gouge the 3/8" will serve you well. You might check Hartville Tools for pricing. If they have what you are looking for their price will be a few dollars cheaper that the other online suppliers.

[Doug Jones]

Packard tools @ Packard Woodworks
http://www.packardwoodworks.com/

Henry Taylor Artisan @ Craft Supplies
http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/index.html

[Denco]

I ended up ordering the Henry Taylor Superflute. Can't wait till it gets here. Thanks to all for your input.--Den