Bowl Gouge Flute Shapes

[Randy Heinemann]

I'm a relative beginner and I don't find that I really care about what the grind is. I really only turn bowls and started out only using carbide cutter insert tools because I didn't want to go through the trouble of sharpening. They work well but generally, as most will agree, require more sanding to get to a final finish, but I didn't realize that until I purchased and started using Ellsworth gouges and some Sorby scrapers. Then, of course, I had to learn how to sharpen which, because I already owned a Tormek, was really simple with the Tormek gouge jig. The turner who I originally learned the basics from, grinds his gouges at approximately 45 degrees while, the Ellsworth gouges are ground at 60 (or maybe 65) degrees. I just duplicated the grind that was on the tool when I bought it. Now I use both carbide and steel tools, depending on how I feel and what I'm doing. Anyway, a long post to get to a point. I agree the angle and type of grind aren't so important. What's important is that the turner gets a result that he/she is satisfied with. For me, there are some days and some bowl shapes where I just don't seem to be able get results with one tool so I use another.

 

[hockenbery]

just wrote an article for Woodturning Fundamentals on sharpening bowl gouges. I picked 3 shapes and obviously had to simply put a photo in of the 3 shapes and give them a name.

Nice Article.
Got a look at the fundamentals today.
Thanks