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A few months ago, I briefly mentioned the Serious Ultimate Gouge that I had acquired........actually, I have two sizes the 1/2" and the 5/8".......both will fit into the cam-lock handle with their respective collet.
At the time I originally mentioned this, I had not had any time with the tool(s) and said I would give a bit of review after I got a few pieces under my belt with them. I currently have several brands of gouges......Sorby's, Crowns, Thompson's and some cheaper Benjamen's Best from PSI, and a woodriver gouge from WC.
I have now done numerous styles of forms with them........bowls, boxes, vases, pens, birdhouse ornaments.......and some spindlework such as peppermills. I feel at this time, I can give an objective observation about the tool and how it relates in quality and function compared to other tools I have and use............so having been requested to give this review, I now submit my observations!
First of all.......the ULTIMATE GOUGE from Serious Toolworks is a "serious tool!" This gouge is 12" long and the flute runs the entire length of the gouge.........this adds more life to the tool because you don't run into the shank with it like others, and the tool is made from alloys that are proprietary to Serious Toolworks, and are marketed to hold a fine edge longer than HHS. The combination of my sharpening setup with a 60 grit Norton and CBN 180 grit makes a beautiful edge. A light touch up with the CBN and I am off to the races!
I can attest to the fact that the edge holding capability is about as good as any tool I have ever used. I have, use, and like very much, my Thompson gouges.........the Ultimate Gouge from Serious is on par I believe, with the Thompson gouges and have the entire length fluted..........that gives not only a longevity bonus, but also allows for a different grind to be put on the other end of the same gouge.......say a bottom feeder grind........which is handy in the Cam-lock handle design, by just a twist of the collar and flipping the end. The ultimate gouge is light years ahead of the cheaper brands, in my opinion!
The Cam-lock handle has been wonderful for me. In cold weather, my shop/studio has little heat, but the neoprene handle allows me to turn without my hands turning so cold I can hardly grip it! This is a real comfort issue for me, and it also removes much vibration and shock factor, which has to be a plus for any aging turner or one who suffers with carpal tunnel syndrome. Also a plus, is that you can extend or retract the gouge into the handle to suit your particular need at the moment, and it helps when you do not want to take your tailstock off the bed because the handle of your gouge keeps bumping it!
I have used both the 1/2" [my go to size for most turnings] and the 5/8" for roughing out operations.......it hogs off wood very well, and the edge holding ability and fine grind make it a joy to use.
Another plus it that my Thompson gouges will fit the collets and the cam-lock handle which was very important to me in deciding to get the cam-lock setup.........I feel like I get the best of both the makers by using this handle system.
I post this because I was asked to, and said I would back a few months ago........I have no purpose other than to give an honest appraisal of a tool that really has done a good job for me, and even though it is a little more expensive up front, the value is certainly there with the entire length fluted and the ability to put more than one grind on the tool.
For those who may be in the market for a new bowl gouge............my personal opinion is that you ought to give the ULTIMATE GOUGE a "Serious" look! I have no affiliation with Serious Toolworks, other than being a satisfied customer.......I can say that the folks there at Serious, go out of their way to try to make their customers happy and take good care of them!
I hope you will find this review helpful and informative!