I just received my new 1/2-inch V Thompson bowl gouge. I put a small block of walnut on the lathe and started shaping the outside of a bowl. What a sweet tool! I alternated between the Thompson and my older bowl gouge and the difference is night and day. The older gouge, which was thrown in when I bought an earlier lathe, has pronounced swept-back wings and the quality of its cutting ability certainly has been compromised by my sharpening skills (or lack thereof). Bottom line ... I'll be adding to my turning tools from Thompson. Thanks, Doug!!!
Larry