BOWL GOUGE SELECTION

Re: BOWL GOUGE SELECTION

Gary in Zirconia,NC

>I'd get the $39 one as a beginer. It's easier to sharpen and learn with. And you won't be grinding away a $79 gouge. You can always regrind it to a finger nail grind as you gain experiance.

Re: BOWL GOUGE SELECTION

Tony Reynolds

>Hi Dennis,

I recommend getting the Ellsworth bowl gouge from Crown. Go ahead and get the jig to sharpen it with, and pick up a copy of David's video on using it. Plan spending some time learning the 5 or so cuts it will do and practice a lot. It's a very versatile tool. My tool of choice most times. YMMV

Tony

I'm with Tony

Mike Schwing from Md.

>And I've learned that higher quality tools DO make a difference, regardless of turning skill. The 5/8" superflute gouge (Ellsworth) is the only bowl gouge I use. Other than that I use a skew and hollowing tools, but thats pretty much it.

Get the sharpening jig, and the video, and build the other half of it and you'll never have to worry about how to sharpen the best thing I've ever been introduced for turning.

If you like I still have a couple standard bowl gouges that have never even had the factory sealant removed..... (don't waste your time with them).

Caveot - IF you're turning bowls, platters, or enclosed forms, the above applies. If not, consult someone else!

Re: BOWL GOUGE SELECTION

Mark Kauder. Phenix City, AL

>Dennis,

First, are you talking about a 1/2" outside diameter (3/8" English measurement) or a 5/8" outside diameter (1/2" English measurement)?

For a beginner, I would suggest that your next one should be the 1/2" outside diameter. Either way, you cannot go wrong with the Sorby. But if money is an issue, and you can make your own handle, the P&N gouges (available from several different sources) are great.

Mark

Re: BOWL GOUGE SELECTION *LINK*

Leo Van Der Loo

>Dennis there is more than one way to skin a cat as they say,

the same with bowl turning, I don't know where you live , but if there is a turning group or even just a turner that does bowls, go there, turners most always are ready to show you how and what, try the tools they have, get a better feel of what size you want to start out with, then go and get the best gouge you can afford, plus a way to sharpen them. You will never hear anyone complain that they bought the best!!

Have fun and take care

Leo V


http://homepage.mac.com/l.vanderloo/PhotoAlbum18.html

Just did the same thing-

steve antonucci

>I spent the extra money on a 1/2" (OD) Oneway- and now I rarely reach for my 5/8" Sorby. Buy it unhandled, and make something special. Mine is birdseye maple.

Steve

Re: BOWL GOUGE SELECTION

John Weeks

>Look for a gouge that is ground around an axis running through the middle of the metal shaft. That results in an even thickness of metal all around the flute and the wings, which in turn makes for much easier sharpening. Not all gouges are ground this way. I know Sorby gouges are. Its pretty easy to tell by eyeballing the gouge end on.

Re: BOWL GOUGE SELECTION

Gary Lansinger

>They carry Sorby 1/2 " bowl gouges at Hartville Hardware. They are comparable to Crown and Henry Taylor gouges. Should last you many years.

Re: Just did the same thing-

woodspinner/ Bill Hale

>I agree about the unhandled but I would buy the Hosaluk style handle to go with it. The heavy handle makes turning a lot easier and more rewarding. I believe the added tool control is worth every penny.

Good turning and be safe

Bill

Re: BOWL GOUGE SELECTION

Joe Millsap

>I know that they are more expensive but the 5/8 bowl gouge from Jerry Glazer is the best and will stay sharp longer. I only use them and do a lot of turning. The 5/8 is about the same as the Sorby 1/2 in.