Bowl Gouges

wolf creek knives · Jan 18, 2026

I'm looking at expanding my bowl gouges and was wondering everyone's take on them. I've got a Robert Sorby 3/8" gouge but was thinking of maybe getting a 1/2" or bigger. Thoughts, the good bad and ugly of another set, or anything else. I'm just getting into bowl turning and was wondering what everyone else uses. I recently made a bowl, below, and it was really a tough go of it. My bowl gouge "skipped" across the wood and I cleared the bowl part out using a parting tool, the entire inside. Took me 4 hours to complete it and I think that's a bit too long.
Thanks for any help in advance.

Woodchipper · Jan 18, 2026

I have seen the 3/8 bowl gouge to be the most common tool. Don't recall seeing a half inch BG. Skipping- do a search on YouTube and there will be some videos addressing this. Have fun.

its_virgil · Jan 18, 2026

I use a 5/8 Lyle Jamieson bowl gouge. Love it! I also have a 5/8 Carter and Son as well as a 5/8 Thompson bowl gouge. The grinds are all a little different and they all 3 perform well.

Dalecamino · Jan 18, 2026

Check this out Tom.

And this one

There are also different grinds for that gouge, such as putting a secondary bevel, swept wing grind, or Ellsworth and Irish grind. You have the grinder and jigs for the job. Just a couple of ideas.

MRDucks2 · Jan 18, 2026

I went with a 1/2 inch Pinnacle Cryo that has an Ellsworth style grind on it. And I like it, though I haven't used it as much as I would like to.

wolf creek knives · Jan 19, 2026

Dalecamino said:
Check this out Tom.

And this one

There are also different grinds for that gouge, such as putting a secondary bevel, swept wing grind, or Ellsworth and Irish grind. You have the grinder and jigs for the job. Just a couple of ideas.

Thanks Chuck...I think. There is a ton of information out there that I find, simply, quite confusing. There are different tools that can be used for different applications, Amazon doesn't help with all the various "tool kits" they offer and even Craft Supply USA has a ton to offer. I'm going to keep looking and see what I can see. I'll figure this out come hell or high water. But I really do appreciate the help and You Tube videos you posted.

Dalecamino · Jan 19, 2026

Tom, here's ONE more that may help.

wolf creek knives · Jan 20, 2026

Wow Chuck...That was a great video. I'm thinking about getting his book to support what he's selling. Thanks for sharing for sure.

Dalecamino · Jan 20, 2026

wolf creek knives said:
Wow Chuck...That was a great video. I'm thinking about getting his book to support what he's selling. Thanks for sharing for sure.

Glad to help Tom. It shows that it's not always the tool. Don't ask me how I know!

gt64155 · Jan 21, 2026

Google Stuart Batty tools. Go to the site and find the section on videos. If you want to learn from the best, take a class. Stu is one of the best teachers I've ever seen. I've taken several classes from him.
To answer your question about gouges, get at least a 1/2 inch or a 5/8. Then learn how to properly sharpen them.

Bill

Bowl Gouges

wolf creek knives

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Woodchipper

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its_virgil

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Dalecamino

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MRDucks2

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wolf creek knives

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Dalecamino

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wolf creek knives

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Dalecamino

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gt64155

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