Bowl Gouge size for newbe?

[Brian Knop]

I have never turned a bowl and need some input into what size bowl gouge to start with 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2?

brian

[Jim Becker]

Assuming you'll be starting out with modest size bowls, the 3/8" (US measure) is probably the best compromise for starting out and it will continue to be useful even as the scale of your objects grows. Personally, I use a 5/8" (1/2" US measure) Ellsworth bowl gouge for 90% of my non-hollow vessel turning.

[Doug Jones]

I am a new turner as well. After a free brief tutoring from Kurt K. in Indy this weekend. He highly recommended a 3/8" high quality gouge as well. And after watching Kurt tear into a blank on his new Powermatic lathe, it didn't take long to realize that a good sharpening system is also just as important.

[Dennis Peacock]

Brian,

3/8 or 1/2 is a very good size. If it is bowl turning, I would use the 1/2 gouge. I bought the unhandled HSS bowl gouge from Lee Valley that are made in Australia and I am very impressed with a $28 bowl gouge. I turned a handle out of some birds eye maple and cut a piece of 3/4 copper tubing for the ferrule and she looks good (to me) and works very well. A LOT better that the previous 1/4 bowl gouge I was using.

[Bill Grumbine]

Hi Brian

The big question is, what size lathe do you have, and how big is the motor? That is a large factor in determining the best sized bowl gouge for you. For most mini lathes and starter lathes in the 12" range, the 3/8" gouge is your best bet. If you have a larger machine with a correspondingly larger motor, you would probably be happier with a 1/2" gouge. Smaller machines with smaller motors will actually work better with a smaller gouge. The larger one will just stall the machine and frustrate you.

Good luck with it.

Bill

[Brian Knop]

Thanks all, I bought a 3/8".

Brian