Replies

1. 
   jako17 | Oct 10, 2006 03:19am | #1

    Fingernail is the type of grind .Bowl gouges have a deep flute.Spindle gouges have a shallower flute especially the old forged ,carbon steel ones.Secondly bowl gouges tend to be longer as the forces are greater on the tool due to the alternating grain direction and the diameter of the bowl.It is possible ,even desirable to put a fingernail grind on both types.Remember most with lathe tools the manufacturers grind is barely adequate  for most uses .You find that it is necessary to modify the grind for the purpose.Read up on lathe tools and sharpening them before throwing out large wads of cash .Most turners buy far to many tools when they begin.

2. 
   BruceS | Oct 10, 2006 07:12am | #2

   Jako 17 is very correct in saying that some factory grinds are less than satisfactory,  And actually some of the bowl gouge factory grinds are just plain dangerous.  The nice sharp corners are just begging for a catch.   My two favorite bowl gouges are HSS  1/2" Sorbys.  I have two of them but they are ground differently.  One is on the blunt/steep bevel and the other a more shallow bevel.  When they're used is dependent on the inside shape of the bowl and how much room is in there to swing the chisel.  And on some bowls I have to use a hooked Sorby scraper because it is impossible to get a bowl gouge in there.  How many chisles needed?  I've got about 35,  But I'am a tool nut, and some  of them are special grinds for specific applications like the dovetail for my Nova Chuck.  Do a lot of reading by the authors Raffin, Darlow and Conover.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

3. 
   woodman1549 | Dec 31, 2006 05:26am | #3

   I learned the hard way, you should have a bowl gouge for bowl turning I tried to use a spindle gouge and it grabs too much so I went and bought a 3/8 bowl gouge. Much Better!!!!

4. 
   Jeffnreno | Dec 31, 2006 07:17am | #4

   I just finally sprang for a deep fluted bowl gouge.   What a difference compared to the other bowl gouges that I have.

5. 
   Napie | Dec 31, 2006 07:48pm | #5

   If bowls are what you want to turn, get a good HSS 3/8” bowl gouge and grind a fingernail profile on it.  Practice, practice, practice.  The best way to learn to turn is to make a LOT of shavings.  The good part is fire wood is basically free, so material costs are next to nothing.  Also, learn to grind freehand, no jigs they are a waste of time and money.  I never hone, the edge off the grinder is fine.  I turn at least 500 or more bowls a year and use up a couple gouges in the process.

    

   And remember, “Rub the Bevel!!!”