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Sorby gouge question

D

Dave DeJong

Joined
May 20, 2018
Messages
47
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Location
Milroy, Minnesota
I have both Sorby 1/2" spindle and bowl gouges. The tool shanks on both sets of gouges are marked 13 mm-1/2. The tool shanks on the spindle gouges come in at very close to 1/2" while the measurement on the bowl gouges are very close to 5/8". So I'm assuming that a Sorby 1/2" bowl gouge is actually a 5/8" gouge even though its marked 1/2" right? Never really noticed that until today as I was turning a new tool handle. Just something I'm wondering about-if somebody can shed some light on that.
Dave
 
My understanding is that spindle gouges are measured by the diameter of the round portion of the shank while generally speaking bowl gouges are measured at the flute.
 
Dan Bevilacqua said:
My understanding is that spindle gouges are measured by the diameter of the round portion of the shank while generally speaking bowl gouges are measured at the flute.
Click to expand...
If you're British, bowl gouges are measured across the flute. In the US, the convention is that bowl gouges are designated by steel diameter.
 
Manufacturers are split.
The standard nomenclature from English manufactures is to label the bowl gouge an 1/8” less than the bar diameter. This supposedly reflects the width of the flute.
Many other manufactures label the bowl gouge with the bar diameter.

Always best to know what measure is being used before you buy.
 
OK-Thanks for the replies. So I'm assuming that the Sorby 1/2" bowl gouge would be considered a 5/8 bowl gouge by other standards. I'll just keep that in mind.

Thanks again
Dave
 
It isn't just Sorby but all UK makers (Hamlet, Crown, Ashley Iles, etc)
Not exactly across the flute but as shown in this pic. About 1/8" larger than US.
This applies only to Bowl gouges, not Spindle gouges.
You may want to verify others whos gouges are not US made. Packard Woodworks - Hamlet, Woodworkers Supply - Crown, Hurricane - UNK but the same measurement as UK.
As long as you keep it in mind it really doesn't matter. I learned when I ordered an additional Sorby (thought I had a 1/2) and ordered a 3/8 ... so I then had two the same.
US vs UK gouge.jpg
 
Michael's picture above shows a great illustration of a parabolic flute, in case anyone has been wondering what one looks like.
 
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