Bowl Gouges

Bowl Gouges

Bowl gouges, as their name implies, are primarily used in the production of bowls, platters, dishes and other hollow forms produced on the faceplate - normally with the grain running across the blank (perpendicular to the lathe axis). There are many factors which may influence the buying decision, including the flute shape and the handle length. Some factors, such as the style and angle of grind can be altered by the user.

We would also ask you to note that the sizing of bowl gouges is somewhat anachronistic: up to the 5/8" (16mm) sizes, the actual diameter of the gouge is approximately 1/8" (3mm) greater than the nominal size. Hence a 1/4" gouge is 3/8" diameter: the flute width is closer to 1/4". 5/8" (16mm) and 3/4" (19mm) bowl gouges are made from 5/8" (16mm) and 3/4" (19mm) bar stock respectively - in most cases!.

In addition to the standard M2 tools shown on this page, we have also included the KRYO range tools from Henry Taylor. The Kryo treatment is an advanced cryogenic technique that changes the structure of the whole of the tool blade. Put simply, a blade is subjected to a complex immersion procedure at very low temperatures (down to minus 195 degrees Celsius - just 78 degreees above the absolute zero of temperature!) to produce an ultra fine, harder, martensitic structure, supported by fine carbides. This results in a blade which shows excellent wear resistance, capable of retaining its cutting edge longer by at least a factor of 2 to 3 compared to standard M2 steel with conventional heat treatment.

Indeed, blades treated this way perform very favourably compared with more exotic materials such as 2060 and other ASP/Powder Metallurgy high speed steels and unlike hard surface coated tools (such as those with titanium nitride coatings) the performance is maintained throughout the life of the tool and can never get worn away. Kryo treatment improves the strength, hardness and wear resistance characteristics throughout the tool.

The tools can be recognised by their distinctive gold coloured flume on the blade and the Kryo logo label on the handle. The real test is to try one - then you will know you have a tool of exceptional performance.

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Traditional Bowl Gouges: We are pleased to offer traditionally shaped gouges from both Henry Taylor and Robert Sorby . These are supplied with a square across grind and both manufacturers grind their tools from solid High Speed Steel (HSS) bar stock, producing very stiff, robust tools. The Taylor versions feature a U-shaped flute with almost vertical sides giving a high bending stiffness, giving rise to their name of 'Long and Strong (L&S) gouges' whilst Sorby favour a slightly more open flute design which could be claimed to give improved chip clearance.


	Henry Taylor (L)

		Robert Sorby (R)


	NB: Sorby gouges marked (*), part number 842XLH, feature a longer handle length of 17" in lieu of the normal 14". Taylor tools have 9.5" (HS39 & 40) and 11.5" (HS55) handles.







	Don't miss the further selections of bowl gouges in the Hamlet Tools and Crown sections

	Fingernail/O'Donnell/Celtic Grind Gouges: Most bowl gouges are delivered ground to a 'traditional' square across profile in plan and a bevel angle of between 40 and 45 degrees. However, there is a school of practice, led by some of our most prolific production turners, who favour a longer side wing as originally devised by Mick O'Donnell and subsequently refined by Mick and others such as Liam O'Neill whose version is sometimes referred to as the 'Irish Grind'. Robert Sorby are supplying a limited range of bowl gouges featuring a modest form of this grind and turners new to this style may find that this helps them get used to the grinding action required to produce the form for themselves. Henry Taylor have taken one of their Superflute bowl gouges and given this a more radical form of the grind with the wing corners ground well back from the tip, almost blending into the flute. But beware; this very effective grind does require a rather different technique from those used with traditional grinds, but it is very good for removing large amounts of material very quickly. Also see Hamlet Gouges page and a useful sharpening jig.


	**NB: Prices quoted in pounds sterling. Value Added Tax will be added to invoices to EU residents§


	Superflute Bowl Gouges: The Superflute bowl gouge produced by Henry Taylor Tools was developed as a result of collaboration with one of the pioneers of modern turning, Peter Child, and may be considered as the Rolls-Royce of bowl gouges: for many it is the only bowl gouge in existence!


	We are pleased to offer the full range of these marvellous tools from the supremely agile 1/4" to the enormously voracious 1" size. If you are only going to own one bowl gouge, start and end your list with one of these - perhaps the HS85. These gouges top my list every time. Also see the Hamlet Masterflute gouges.




	Superflute gouge profile


	**NB: Prices quoted in pounds sterling. Value Added Tax will be added to invoices to EU residents§

SuperTip 2000: The SuperTip 2000 is an innovation in high-performance, heavy-duty bowl turning tools. Or maybe we should say five tools! This superb system combines a really tough 5/8" (19mm) diameter, 12" (300mm) long, shank onto which you screw your choice of five interchangeable tips. (See the attached review for a turner's opinion of this tool.) The choices of tip, are as follows (L to R):-

Photo Shows L to R: Fingernail U-flute tip; Angled 'bottoming' tip; Superflute tip; U-flute tip; and, in front, Loop Hollowing tip.

HS162.5 A traditional U-flute gouge profile but ground to a fingernail profile with short, swept-back wings.


	HS162.3 An angled gouge designed specifically to allow you to turn the interior of bowls to a fine finish, far superior to that possible with a conventional bowl gouge. Has a U-shaped flute which deepens progressively toward the 'rear' giving a large bevel area at an obtuse angle to the shank, yet with a good cutting angle. A true innovation for the dedicated bowl turner. HS162.1 Straight gouge with SuperFlute profile for general and heavy-duty bowl turning HS162.2 Straight gouge with a 'traditional' U-shaped profile. HS162.4 Last, but certainly not least, another breakthrough in bowl turning tool design - the loop hollowing tool. Similar in operation to a ring tool but with superior shaving clearance and, due to its smaller radius of curvature, much easier control. May also be used for deep hollowing. The two bevels have different angles, each with a cutting edge, for versatility in use. The basic SuperTip 2000 gouge is supplied with your choice of two tips (note which ones you require in the 'notes' section of the order form) and all of the tips are available individually.



	NB: Unless otherwise specified in the order form 'notes' section, the Supertip will be supplied with the 162.1 Superflute tip and 162.3 Angled tip.


	**NB: Prices quoted in pounds sterling. Value Added Tax will be added to invoices to EU residents§


	The Gold Standard!: For dedicated and professional turners, each trip to the grindstone is counted as cost on the job - and the profit is in the turning, not the grinding! Every development that can help increase tool life, such as the introduction of High Speed Steel (HSS) tools is a real benefit in this battle against the clock. Now, Robert Sorby have taken another giant step to reduce sharpening frequency with the introduction of their 'Gold Collection' gouges. These gouges feature a titanium nitride coating which can greatly extend the edge life of the tool, significantly reducing the need for re-sharpening. Also consider the Hamlet gouges in ASP 2030 and 2060 steels and the Crown PM series..


	**NB: Prices quoted in pounds sterling. Value Added Tax will be added to invoices to EU residents§


	'Texan'/Long-handled Tools: If size matters then these have to be the best - they're certainly among the biggest bowl gouges you'll find ordinarily on offer 'off-the-peg'. So if your work is a bit on the big size and you're having trouble hanging onto your end of the tool, then these gentle giants could be the answer! Each of the finely-balanced Sorby monsters measures 38" (965mm) overall and features a 23" (585mm) ash handle for comfort and control. The Taylor contender weighs in with a 24" (610mm) handle and a 5/8" (16mm) diameter Superflute blade 2" (50mm) longer than standard to give an overall 37" (940mm) of tool.


	**NB: Prices quoted in pounds sterling. Value Added Tax will be added to invoices to EU residents§


	Ray Key Modified Gouges: Ray Key must surely be one of the world's most competent and respected turners, as well as being one of the craft's greatest evangelists. His many year's experience have led him to pioneer many innovations in turning and his specially modified spindle gouges are just one of these. Don't let the name 'spindle gouges' put you off: concentrate instead on the 'modified', for these are gouges modified to help in forming a smooth outer surface on bowls as well as for hollowing of small vessels and boxes. By letting the bevel rub and aligning the tools to give a long shear angle, these gouges will leave an unsurpassed finish straight off the gouge. Catch a Ray Key demo if you can and find out what 'A Master' really looks like at work!


	**NB: Prices quoted in pounds sterling. Value Added Tax will be added to invoices to EU residents§


	Don't be put off by the plethora of products available in this classification, we're always please to answer your questions and give recommendations if you drop us an e-mail. Once you've got your bowl to shape, you may well find that there are ripples or undulations to be removed to achieve a really super finish. For that, a good bowl scraper (however inappropriately-named) is the tool to reach for next.

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©1997-2007 P. Hemsley. The information on this website is the copyright property of Peter Hemsley. Coeur du Bois and The ToolPost are trading styles of Peter Hemsley. Whilst reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, no liability can be accepted for errors in this information nor for contingencies arising therefrom. If you are inexperienced in any aspect of woodworking, we would strongly counsel that you take a course of formal instruction before commencing to practice