Thompson Bowl Gouge

[John Terefenko]

I am reading alot about Thompson tools and in particular the bowl gouge.

I am in search of one and was wondering does anyone own one of these and what do you think??? Is there a size preference and why?? I was on his site and I see he offers a Jimmy Clewes gouge too. Is this better or is it the same thing??? I see also there is a V and a U shaped one. What would be the difference and woulld one be more useful over the other??? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Bill Boehme]

I think that the difference is mainly a mater of preference. The V is somewhat reminiscent of the Jerry Glaser bowl gouge. All of the bowl gouges that I own are more or less U shaped, but I don't see a major difference other than a particular shape might be better for putting your favorite grind on the gouge. The Glaser grind seems to be a bit too aggressive for my style of turning.

 

[Dave Peebles]

Hi John,

I have several of Doug's tools. Mine are all the V shape. The reasoning is, that is what I learned on. But they are very different from my Glaser tools. The V is not nearly as severe as Jerry's tools. Doug's V flute is a little more open on the bottom. I find that it fits the grind I like to use perfectly.

I have not used the Jimmy Clewes gouge, so I am not sure what the flute is like.

I would give Doug a call. He is one of the good guys and will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Dave

 

[Bill Boehme]

I took a look at my Thompson bowl gouge and I suppose that it is a V, but as Dave said, it is not nearly as radical as the V on my Glaser. I have several different brands of bowl gouges and the shape of the channel is different on every one. I do not particularly try to copy a grind named after a famous turner when I grind them. I just grind them the way that I want (after all, when I become famous ... 😉).

 

[Bob Borzelleri]

I have a 3/8" Jimmy Clewes bowl gouge and a 3/8" detail gouge from Doug. They are the best tools I own.

The Jimmy Clewes is what I used at a three day class with Clewes. I tried several bowl gouges, including the one I brought to the class and kept coming back to the Clewes. The deeper V flute allows me to get into and through the radius of the bowl cuts easily and smoothly.

The detail gouge is versatile and very accurate. It goes where I want it to and does what I have in mind as it gets there.

After a bit of time passes and my wife recovers from the sticker shock of this new pastime, I will order 1/2" versions of the same tools from Doug. I like the idea of having found the best source for the sort of tools I want to use.

 

[Vaughn]

I've got several of Doug's gouges, and they are my go-to tools for nearly everything. I've not used better gouges. More often than not, I tend to use the V shaped bowl gouges for the outside curves and the U shaped gouges on the inside. I keep longer, straighter wings on my V shaped gouges, which I prefer for shearing cuts. I'm sure other turners have totally different preferences. I seem to recall Doug posting somewhere a while back that the V shape gouges were more popular with his customers, but I'd have a hard time getting by without my U shaped gouges, too.

If your budget allows, I'd suggest starting with one of each shape. You will use both, even if you end up preferring one over the other. 😉 BTW, his 3/8" shallow detail gouge is also sweet. And my Thompson skew is probably a great tool too, if only I could operate it. 🙄

 

[Bill Blasic]

The V shape in Doug's gouges does not clog up like some others and as noted the Clewes V is deeper than Doug's normal V.
Bill

 

[Richard Baker]

The single most versatile tool might be Doug's 1/2" V with a moderately swept back grind. I use the 5/8" V mostly for roughing and the 3/8" V for smaller work. The 5/8" U is almost a C shape. It seemed just too big for me to control easily, but I do plan to get a 1/2" U. The V's are a bit more severe (deeper) than my old Sorby, but less severe than my Ben's Best. I dislike the "deep" V of the BB's. For me they are too pointy (technical term) and hard to control. I reground the 3/8" BB V into a sort of detail gouge with long wings. Very pointy, a little tricky to use but handy where needed in tight spots.

Good place to start might be with a 1/2" V and a 1/2" U.

 

[john lucas]

I have 2 1/2" V gouges, one U shaped gouge, 1/2" spindle gouge, 1/2" detail and 3/8" detail, and a 1 1/2" skew. I absolutely love his tools and hardly turn with my others anymore. One of my 1/2" I've ground to be the same as Johannes Michelson. I'm still to new on this tool to tell you much but it is interesting and seems to work well.

 

[Roger Chandler]

on the way...

I took a look at my Thompson bowl gouge and I suppose that it is a V, but as Dave said, it is not nearly as radical as the V on my Glaser. I have several different brands of bowl gouges and the shape of the channel is different on every one. I do not particularly try to copy a grind named after a famous turner when I grind them. I just grind them the way that I want (after all, when I become famous ... 😉).

Bill!!!

You are too modest! "When" you become famous? I think you are underselling yourself [a good quality, because it is much better for others to throw praise your way, than one to praise themselves] 😀

 

[Bernie Weishapl]

I have the 1/2" and 5/8" V gouges. I use the 5/8" to rough the bowl and the 1/2" to finish with. They don't seem to clog up like the other brand U shapes I have.

 

[ThePenSmith]

Hi John,
I also use the Thompson tools and as my existing tools need replacement, I am purchasing the Thompson’s as replacements. They seem to last longer than others that I have used. I actually like the ‘U’ shaped better, they seem to clog less with chips.

Good luck with your choice, either way you should be happy.