Carbide Tools

Maybe it's a visual thing then with a gouge

Dick Coers

I can get a much better, flowing curve with a bowl gouge compared to any carbide tool I have tried. So maybe it's a visual thing for me? Maybe I can just sight better along the flute?

short bevel

John K Jordan

>>>I don't think a long bevel has any real advantages.

I think the long bevel has an advantage to beginners and those who have not learned fine tool control. They can support the long bevel by holding it against the wood on a convex or flat surface. Without the long bevel the tool has to be guided more by the hand. The long bevel is a disadvantage is as discussed, on an inside curve such as a deep cove or near the bottom of a bowl.

We learn to remove the heal of a gouge so it won't get in the way and/or burnish a line in the wood. The completely convex bevel is the extreme, of course. I tried it after I saw Chris Ramsey grind one freehand and use it on a cowboy hat. (I can guess where he learned that!) I found it quite easy to use and perfect for the bottom of the bowl.

I don't know if I posted this picture here - this is a poor cell phone photo of Ramsey's 3/8" bowl gouge with a bevel about 1/16", highlighted in red on the insert:

The very thin bevel cuts well but can't rely on a long bevel to guide it like the sole of a plane.

JKJ