NeilS
30th November 2010, 03:59 PM
Probably not of interest to most turners on the forum, but shared here in case this info is of use to someone.
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->I recently purchased a Crown Pro-PM 1” bowl gouge. I needed a roughing gouge for larger diameter bowls. The Thompson ” bowl gouge is OK for this but is still a bit slow when roughing out larger bowls. The extra ” over the ” doesn’t sound like much but is quite a bit when you get to use it. For example here are 1”, ”, ” and 3/8” gouges side by side.
154456
Doug Thompson doesn’t make a 1” bowl gouge (I would have gone with his if he did) and, as far as I know, Crown are one of the few makers who do make one in this size. Of course, P&N does make a 1 ” spindle roughing gouge, but I would have to modify mine too much for just bowl work and then it would not be so useful for spindle work. I also have a few big continental gouges, which are OK on the outside of bowls but not for me on the inside.
154457
The flute on the Crown gouge is more open than many 'V' flutes, it’s half way between a ‘U” and deep ‘V’ profile. I’m hoping this profile may make it more suited for rough turning larger bowls. The fuller flute profile can take a larger shaving without having to turn on the wings.
154458
I've only turned a few larger bowl so far with this gouge and will need more time to give it a thorough workout and assessment, however, my initial impressions are that it is well finished (including the polish on the flute), is made from quality powdered steel that holds its edge longer than M2 HSS, and has a suitable amount of steel (weight) in the blade for its size.
One thing I don't like about the gouge is its handle... it's too short for a gouge of this size (I like the handles to be twice the length of the new blade) and it’s too fat for my hands (I have a 8" span). To my way of thinking the handle is back to front, the smallest diameter is at the wrong end of the handle. I prefer it the other way round as shown here with the bull oak one in comparison.
154459
As received, the gouge did not fit into my gouge jig and I had to grind a whisker off the top of the flutes to get it to fit. One consideration if you are thinking of getting a 1” gouge. You may need to check your jig first if you want to keep all of your flute height intact.
Otherwise, from the bit I’ve used it so far, I think I'm going to like this gouge. More time and use will tell.
.
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->I recently purchased a Crown Pro-PM 1” bowl gouge. I needed a roughing gouge for larger diameter bowls. The Thompson ” bowl gouge is OK for this but is still a bit slow when roughing out larger bowls. The extra ” over the ” doesn’t sound like much but is quite a bit when you get to use it. For example here are 1”, ”, ” and 3/8” gouges side by side.
154456
Doug Thompson doesn’t make a 1” bowl gouge (I would have gone with his if he did) and, as far as I know, Crown are one of the few makers who do make one in this size. Of course, P&N does make a 1 ” spindle roughing gouge, but I would have to modify mine too much for just bowl work and then it would not be so useful for spindle work. I also have a few big continental gouges, which are OK on the outside of bowls but not for me on the inside.
154457
The flute on the Crown gouge is more open than many 'V' flutes, it’s half way between a ‘U” and deep ‘V’ profile. I’m hoping this profile may make it more suited for rough turning larger bowls. The fuller flute profile can take a larger shaving without having to turn on the wings.
154458
I've only turned a few larger bowl so far with this gouge and will need more time to give it a thorough workout and assessment, however, my initial impressions are that it is well finished (including the polish on the flute), is made from quality powdered steel that holds its edge longer than M2 HSS, and has a suitable amount of steel (weight) in the blade for its size.
One thing I don't like about the gouge is its handle... it's too short for a gouge of this size (I like the handles to be twice the length of the new blade) and it’s too fat for my hands (I have a 8" span). To my way of thinking the handle is back to front, the smallest diameter is at the wrong end of the handle. I prefer it the other way round as shown here with the bull oak one in comparison.
154459
As received, the gouge did not fit into my gouge jig and I had to grind a whisker off the top of the flutes to get it to fit. One consideration if you are thinking of getting a 1” gouge. You may need to check your jig first if you want to keep all of your flute height intact.
Otherwise, from the bit I’ve used it so far, I think I'm going to like this gouge. More time and use will tell.
.