Essential Tools for Bowl Turning

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J

jking

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Joined
Feb 16, 2007
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83
Location
Des Moines, Iowa
I've been planning to try some small bowl turning. Probably nothing over 6" in diameter. I have a basic set of chisels (spindle gouges, skew, parting tool, maybe a scraper), but, no bowl gouges came with the set. I'd like to keep start simple & build from there if necessary. I'm wondering what you think are the essential tools for bowl turning. It would seem you need a bowl gouge and maybe a scraper.

What size bowl gouge?
Scaper (yes/no) & what size, type?
Any other type of turning tool?

Thanks.
 
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John for a 6 inch bowl, maybe even up to an 8 inch I would recommend a 1/2 inch deep v bowl gouge, and I would suggest a Thompson Jimmy Clewes model, Doug make one of the best tools on the market, his scrapers are a bit expensive, but his Bowl Gouges are quite reasonable given the quality http://www.thompsonlathetools.com/ I would suggest not getting the new 15v line as these tools are extremely hard to get an edge on and with 15%vanadium they are quite brittle, but the regular a-11 steel which is 10% vanadium will hold an edge 6 to 10 times longer than regular HSS/M2 steel. Also Doug is a great guy to deal with,
 
Using a scraper on a bowl takes some practice .. personally I have bad luck with them, but I am new to this venture.

I will second the Thompson Gouge recommendation.... I stared with a bowl gouge from my Ben Best (PSI starter set), when I finally upgraded WOW, what a difference.

I bought dougs alum handle too, as a treat for myself... its worth it.

I would also recommend a good sharpening system, I have the One-way Wolverine original grinding jig, its almost necessary for 'consistent' gouge angles.

Have a good time, and if you have any questions, let me know, I'll try to help ... :biggrin:
 
Scrapers

I use a 1" round scraper on the inside of most of my bowls. It gets me through the TOUGH spots when my lack of skill with a bowl gouge wins. It has allowed me to finish many bowls over the years. mine is a Crown from Packard's.
 
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