Bowl Turning

[Mark Hancock]

I read something today which made me wonder what tools other turners use for bowl turning. I'd be very interested to know.

[Woodcrafts]

Interesting question Mark. For most of my bowls I use a 3/8" or 1/2" traditional bowl gouge (Ashley Iles) and I've got one groound at a steep angle for deeper bowls. It the shape is heading towards a vase i.e much deeper,  I use a Woodcut Proforme, And I will admit to occasionallly using a curved scraper in shear mode for knarly grain. All rather traditional but that's how my father and other turners I admire, have done it, which works for me.

[BrianH]

Well Mark, that's a deceptively simple question but its certainly got me thinking. At first glance I would say I'm about as trad as Paul has already described, but then there are times, when the timber sprites aren't playing ball, when I will use anything.... up to and including the log burner. Does that help?
Brian

[bodrighywood]

I am not all that keen on bowl gouges so predominantlyy use a hook tool and spindle gouges. (obviously not a roughing goiuge LOL) Small bols I also use a ring tool

Pete

[Mark Hancock]

Well Mark, that's a deceptively simple question but its certainly got me thinking. At first glance I would say I'm about as trad as Paul has already described, but then there are times, when the timber sprites aren't playing ball, when I will use anything.... up to and including the log burner. Does that help?
Brian

I kept it simple because what I read surprised me and I wondered if there was a technique I wasn't aware of. So the question is aimed at just bowl turning in it's simplest form rather than any unusual situations. So my answer would be:
Bowl Gouge
Shear Scraper
Mark

[Mark Hancock]

Interesting question Mark. For most of my bowls I use a 3/8" or 1/2" traditional bowl gouge (Ashley Iles) and I've got one groound at a steep angle for deeper bowls. It the shape is heading towards a vase i.e much deeper,  I use a Woodcut Proforme, And I will admit to occasionallly using a curved scraper in shear mode for knarly grain. All rather traditional but that's how my father and other turners I admire, have done it, which works for me.

Thank you. You're using exactly what I would have expected.
Mark

[Mark Hancock]

I am not all that keen on bowl gouges so predominantlyy use a hook tool and spindle gouges. (obviously not a roughing goiuge LOL) Small bols I also use a ring tool

Pete

Pete
Not an answer I was expecting  So I suspect you generally don't use prepared bowl blanks?
Mark

[bodrighywood]

I am not all that keen on bowl gouges so predominantlyy use a hook tool and spindle gouges. (obviously not a roughing goiuge LOL) Small bols I also use a ring tool

Pete

Pete
Not an answer I was expecting  So I suspect you generally don't use prepared bowl blanks?
Mark

Most of my bowls are made from either odd wood I get from tree surgeons or ones I cut from sycamore planks I have to buy to make for Mo's pyro and art work. I learned to turn proginally with skews and scrapers (bowl gouges were a new fad in the 60's LOL) and then did a lot lof spindle work so didn't bother with bowl gouges much. I do use them on really big or off centre pieces as they are much stronger but not often on bowls less than about 12"

Pete

[Bill21]

I made my own version of this:

https://www.huntertoolseurope.com/products/number-3-hunter-hercules-no-handle

And it works great on synthetics, and very easy to use. Actually I should try it on plain wood and see how if fares. 

[David Buskell]

Bill21,

I can answer that as I have a #3 Hercules. It's a great tool and will work well on end grain plus is equally good on side grain . You can also use the bevel edge, for example for bowls. Cutter just needs a slight twist and you have a new edge.

Like all Hunter Tools, it cuts not scrapes.

David

[Wood spinner]

Well Mark, that's a deceptively simple question but its certainly got me thinking. At first glance I would say I'm about as trad as Paul has already described, but then there are times, when the timber sprites aren't playing ball, when I will use anything.... up to and including the log burner. Does that help?
Brian

I kept it simple because what I read surprised me and I wondered if there was a technique I wasn't aware of. So the question is aimed at just bowl turning in it's simplest form rather than any unusual situations. So my answer would be:
Bowl Gouge
Shear Scraper
Mark

I know what the first 2 are ( Bowl Gouge / Scraper ) But I have never heard of a Mark tool

Google is my friend I will have a look and see what I can find

 

[Mark Hancock]

I know what the first 2 are ( Bowl Gouge / Scraper ) But I have never heard of a Mark tool

Google is my friend I will have a look and see what I can find

 

Take a class with me and I'll show you 

[Derek]

Bowl gouges of various sizes and grinds are my main go to tools with the occasional use of a scraper.

 

[Mark Hancock]

Bowl gouges of various sizes and grinds are my main go to tools with the occasional use of a scraper.

Exactly the tools I would expect to be used.

It's interesting that no-one has mentioned the tool that caused me to ask the question.

[Bill21]

Were you thinking of this?

https://youtu.be/hKdqiAc0jx4