Replies

1. 
   RandMCapozzi | Apr 25, 2005 03:27pm | #1

   I can't really say a good length for a bowl gouge but a 1/2" bowl gouge is a good all around size. Mine has worked very well for the 7" bowls I've made. The 5/8" size is also popular but better for larger more sweeping bowls.

   --Rob

1. 
   rogermwade | Apr 25, 2005 08:46pm | #3

   Thanks Rob,

   I am looking at a 3/8 or 1/2. I only have a midi lathe and 6" bowls are as bigg as I can make.

2. 
   Napie | Apr 25, 2005 04:53pm | #2

   Longer is better, leverage is key to control in bowl turning.

1. 
   rogermwade | Apr 25, 2005 08:47pm | #4

   Thanks Napie,

   I looked at some. It looks like 22" to 24" is the route to go.

1. 
   Napie | Apr 26, 2005 12:04am | #5

   Learn a thumbnail grind and keep it VERY sharp.  You can use the edge straight from the grinder, no need for fancy diamond hones.

1. 
   rogermwade | Apr 26, 2005 08:27pm | #6

   Thanks again Napie,

   I am finding a noted difference between tools when I cut the wood for the bowl. If I use a small piece of a tree limb, with the end grain as the inside of the bowl I fins the scrapers do better. If I use the straight grain or face ( I think)  then the gouges work okay. The problem I have is trying to use a spindle gouge on the hollowing out. They have 16" or shorter handles and I get a lot of catches. I will look at buying a bowl gouge and see if the different point and longer handle work better.

1. 
   Napie | Apr 26, 2005 11:56pm | #7

   Roger,

   End grain and faced grain are very different.  A spindle gouge shoud never be used for face grain hollowing of a bowl, that's what a bowl gouge is for.  The spindle gouge is fine for end grain "back cutting" however, but that takes a bit of practice.  Catches are not a function of handle length, you have to keep the bevel rubbing or you'll snag the work every time.

   Get the book "Turning Wood" by Richard Raffen, it's the best and his videos are very well done. 

   Edited 4/26/2005 4:57 pm ET by napie

2. 
   rogermwade | Apr 27, 2005 08:25pm | #8

   Thanks Nape,

   persimmon I come over for lessons? ( just kidding) I figured out the hard way about the different uses for gouges, after the bowl I was cutting jumped at me- twice! I stopped by and visited with the staff at a Woodcraft store in Peoria yesterday. They were very helpful and I found some classes I can attend. I did buy the book you mentioned. While in the Woodcraft store, I looked at the different gouges and plan on buying some bowl gouges. I also found that they had a good selection of spindle gouges that I like better than the one's that came with my Delta Midi Lathe.

   The wood I am cutting is Persemin. It was from a tree just cut down. I have obtained a good stock of it, but I think I will start with some Maple I have have first.

   Thanks again Roger

3. 
   lwj2 | May 01, 2005 08:20pm | #9

   Roger, I'll suggest that you look around for a local turners club, they'll be a lot of help to you.

   Ask around your local suppliers, they should have an idea of how to contact a club.

   Regards,

   Leon Jester
1. 
   rogermwade | May 02, 2005 01:22am | #10

   Thanks Leon,

   I did, and visited my local Woodcraft store. Going to take some classes, join a club and practise , practise , practise.

   Take care Roger