I mostly use parabolic flute profile bowl gouges. Is there a special situation or cut that you may want to use the original U fluted bowl gouge or the V fluted bowl gouge over a parabolic?
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Bowl gouge flute types
- Thread starter Dennis Weiner
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If you use a traditional grind on a gouge the u works best
Spindle roughing gouges are a good example- you get the same cut on any portion of the cutting edge because the bevel angle is the same all around with a traditional grind
3/8” bar u flute with a traditional grind is a great finishing tool for small areas.
put an Ellsworth grind on a parabolic flute and the magic happens
60 degree bevel on the nose
40-45 degree bevel on the leading edge of the wing
25-30 degree bevel on the wing
if you like a sideground gouge with almost flat wings the vee works best.
Spindle roughing gouges are a good example- you get the same cut on any portion of the cutting edge because the bevel angle is the same all around with a traditional grind
3/8” bar u flute with a traditional grind is a great finishing tool for small areas.
put an Ellsworth grind on a parabolic flute and the magic happens
60 degree bevel on the nose
40-45 degree bevel on the leading edge of the wing
25-30 degree bevel on the wing
if you like a sideground gouge with almost flat wings the vee works best.
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https://www.aawforum.org/community/index.php?threads/bowl-gouge-flute-shapes.13055/
There is no tool shape or grind that will make you a better woodturner. All there is, is the different shapes or grinds that each person prefers and may help in a certain situation. Ask 30 woodturners whats better and you get 30 different answers. For me if you handed me a V or a parabolic shape I would not know the difference, but hand me a U I'll know the difference because a U to me is more aggressive and I have less control. Pros have their own line of tools and they push them as that is to be expected. In reality they could use a broad axe and turn better than you because they have thousands and thousands of pieces under their belts and they use a certain shape or grind because they like it and they have a tool with their name on it. The only thing that I know of to make everybody better is practice, practice, practice. And if you are just starting out joining a club can make a huge difference.
john lucas
AAW Forum Expert
You nailed it Bill. John Jordan said more or less the same thing when asked how you improve as a turner. He said you have to stand at the lathe.