Replies

1. 
   Rob_Sp | Oct 30, 2023 01:36pm | #1

   https://thompsonlathetools.com/faq/

2. 
   john_c2 | Oct 30, 2023 04:00pm | #2

   You can't change the shape of the flute after you buy the gouge. You can change the grind from one thing to another, though it's easier to buy it in the style you want. Most turners adapt the grind a little.

3. 
   gulfstar | Oct 30, 2023 06:44pm | #3

   You want the Thompson V shaped bowl gouge, and it’s not $225. https://thompsonlathetools.com/product/12-v-bowl-gouge/

4. 
   rob_ss | Oct 31, 2023 04:34am | #4

   That which we call a bowl gouge by any other name would turn as sweet.
   There will be small differences in the depth and angle of the flute between manufacturers. In the end you need to pick what works for you.
   In general, renaming or slight variations on gouges don't seem to make much difference. You can turn a bowl with a spindle gouge - you just need to be gentle. A deeper flute improves chip ejection slightly, which is useful in deeper settings.
   What is more useful, is having a range of gouges ground slightly differently - a fingernail gouge for instance is really useful as a general purpose gouge too, but you need a steeper bevel angle to cut well in the bottom of deeper bowls.
   The best way to go is to use what you have to do what you want, and see what works and what does not - catches in the bottom? Use a steeper angle or a scraper - tearout? That's where the fingernail may come in, but it will catch a bit more readily.
   Watching professional turners, they tend to use very few gouges - spindle, bowl, scraper, parting tool and skew seem to do most things in the hands of an expert.

5. 
   gulfstar | Oct 31, 2023 05:27am | #5

   Although it is true that in wood turning there are many tools and techniques that you can experiment with and will yield the same result, the Thompson V section bowl gouge has been my favorite. It gets the same sharpening set-up than my other U shaped gouges but it comes out being easier to master. The flat grind, steep angle bottom bowl feeder was a late addition when I had to turn hundreds of large cheese platers, it leaves a cleaner finishing cut but it can’t get nowhere close to the sides of a deep bowl without the inevitable catch. As for the spindle gouge, we’ll it’s not a bowl gouge, it was instant catch and I would not try it again.

6. 
   Rob_Sp | Oct 31, 2023 08:09am | #6

   The Thompsen V and Sorby bowl gouges are both excellent, I don't find a dime's worth of difference in performance between them. Thompsen uses powdered metal which is supposed to be superior to hi speed steel. Both are under $100 unhandled

7. 
   mikefm101 | Oct 31, 2023 02:02pm | #7

   OP here...thank you all for your replies.

   I'll order the Thompsen, and to Gulfstar's point I am not sure how I arrived at $225, but you are right, the gouge is far less than that.

   For the handles, is it correct that a 3/8" gouge will use a handle with a 3/8" nose? Maybe its an obvious answer but the nose terminology is new to me.

   Thanks, as always...Mike

8. 
   Rob_Sp | Oct 31, 2023 05:17pm | #8

   There are two standards for measuring gouges. The American standard measures the actual diameter of the gouge, the European measures across the flutes. Thus, a 1/2" American(Thompson tool ) is the same as a 3/8 European (Sorby). So they would both use the same size handle- 1/2".
   So, no the answer is not obvious and that was a good question.

9. 
   gulfstar | Nov 01, 2023 03:15pm | #9

   You need to consider the handle and ferrule with the high end gouges, my set-up is based on 5/8 shafts, there is a Oneway flat ground gouge , a D-Way and a Thompson 5/8. The one on the left is a old Sorby purchases at Lee Valleys first store opening in Ottawa back in 1978. The red anodized ferrule is from Oneway and is really nice.