thompson lathe tools - Bowl gouges 3/8. 1'2 and 5/8 (Rating: 5)
While shopping for new bowl gouges that last longer between sharpening, I found that most of the folks on the AAW site really like Thompson gouges so I ordered a set . I was thinking of getting M42 HSS ones but I found that the Thompson gouges are made from a higher grade (10V ) of steel that has 10% vanadium in them to resist wear. I can tell you that it sure works. I just turned a 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" barrel for Beads of courage out of Mesquite. I turned the entire project including the bottom and lid with the 5/8" gouge and it is still sharp and ready for the next job. I normally would have to have sharpened my M2 gouges a couple times through this much turning.
From the chart, the recommended angle on the gouge is 60 degrees which leaves a short land for scraping. The gouges came with a 64 1/2 degree angle on the front. I always use a Jamieson 2/4/7 sharpening jig to give a fingernail grind on a gouge and I did that to the 5/8 gouge before starting this project. You can see the difference in the land length in the first shot. That gives an angle of 68 degrees and it very comfortable using it that way and makes the scrape cut much cleaner.
I would definitely recommend these gouges but beware that they do not come with handles. Personalized black aluminum handles are $50 each. It is more fun to make your own out of wood and then they are also personalized!!
Cheers, Jim
While shopping for new bowl gouges that last longer between sharpening, I found that most of the folks on the AAW site really like Thompson gouges so I ordered a set . I was thinking of getting M42 HSS ones but I found that the Thompson gouges are made from a higher grade (10V ) of steel that has 10% vanadium in them to resist wear. I can tell you that it sure works. I just turned a 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" barrel for Beads of courage out of Mesquite. I turned the entire project including the bottom and lid with the 5/8" gouge and it is still sharp and ready for the next job. I normally would have to have sharpened my M2 gouges a couple times through this much turning.
From the chart, the recommended angle on the gouge is 60 degrees which leaves a short land for scraping. The gouges came with a 64 1/2 degree angle on the front. I always use a Jamieson 2/4/7 sharpening jig to give a fingernail grind on a gouge and I did that to the 5/8 gouge before starting this project. You can see the difference in the land length in the first shot. That gives an angle of 68 degrees and it very comfortable using it that way and makes the scrape cut much cleaner.
I would definitely recommend these gouges but beware that they do not come with handles. Personalized black aluminum handles are $50 each. It is more fun to make your own out of wood and then they are also personalized!!
Cheers, Jim