I'm looking for what bowl gouge size i will get the most benefit from. I have a Delta midi lathe and would do bowls from around 3 to 10 inches max.
I currently have one bowl gouge, a Sorby 3/8 with traditional, non fingernail grind. I measured the diameter of the gouge steel and it is 1/2 diameter with a 3/8 flute, so by American measuring I suppose this is a 1/2 bowl gouge. I am wanting to try a bowl gouge with fingernail grind and looking at a Thompson since Father's Day is coming up (hint hint).
So with what my lathe can handle would i get the most benefit from a Thompson 3/8 (smaller than what i have now), Thompson 1/2 (same size as i have now), or Thompson 5/8 (larger than i have now)? Also what size handle would you recommend, 16 inch or 20 inch?
Thanks in advance.