Thread: V Flute Profiles on P&N, Thompson, D-way and Ellsworth Bowl Gouges

Good point, mostly you see side shots.

If nobody else beats me to it, I'll put up a Henry Taylor against a P&N tomorrow .

I've got a old P&N about fifteen years old and is is very much like the Elsworth I prefer the cutting with that to the newer P&N don't know why.

cheers Tony

Hi NeilS.

Setting aside the issue of the profile which is a debate that could continue for several years at least I'd like to comment on the superb grind you have produced on those tools. Top job and it's what every one should aim to achieve.


Cheers Old Pete

Originally Posted by NeilS

Bowl gouges come in various V flute profiles and turners can develop a preference for one flute style over another.

In my experience flute profiles are rarely, if ever, accurately displayed with clear end-on images on the various online sites. Unless you manage to get your hands on a mate's or see one at a woody event, it is difficult to know what you are getting before you have parted with your .

So I thought it might be useful to have a thread with clear images of the flute profiles of the various gouges as a reference point. I'll begin with a few I have.

From left to right, with narrowest on the left and progressing through to the widest on the right; P&N, Thompson, D-way and Ellsworth.
Attachment 196888


P&N and Thompson side by side
Attachment 196889

Thompson and D-way side by side
Attachment 196890

D-way and Ellsworth side by side
Attachment 196891

And, Ellsworth and P&N, the widest and narrowest side by side
Attachment 196892

It would be good if others could post the ones they have that are not here.

Originally Posted by TTIT

If nobody else beats me to it, I'll put up a Henry Taylor against a P&N tomorrow .

Vern...

Originally Posted by old pete

Hi NeilS.

... I'd like to comment on the superb grind you have produced on those tools.

Yeah, they are a little bit on the pretty side...

However, don't hesitate anyone to add a missing flute profile because of the grind condition. Anyway, I doubt that any are going to be as bad as that cruddy P&N I added.

It's the flute profiles we want to see folks, so keep them rolling in.

Myself, I prefer a deeper flute. It allows a longer cutting edge along the side of your grind. I recently purchased several Glaser tools and have found them to be the finest tools I've ever used. A real pleasure. I'll try to get some pics tonight.

This one is the Crown Pro PM (1"). Not sure if there is any difference between the flutes on the Pro PMs and their M2 HSS gouges, I don't expect so.

This one is getting closer to a U profile, with just a bit of easing outwards on the wings.

Attachment 197237

After seeing Neils beautifully polished bevels I'm almost ashamed to show these. On the left is my Thompson, whick is my favorite and on the right my Robert Sorby.

Thanks for that one Wood Hacker.

That's a classic Sorby flute there, a full catenary.

And, nobody in this thread can see the grinds... just the flute profiles, OK .

Originally Posted by TTIT

If nobody else beats me to it, I'll put up a Henry Taylor against a P&N tomorrow .

Knew I had something else I was supposed to do in the shed tonight - tomorrow - - promise!

These are my 10V and 15V gouges from Glaser Hitec. The depth of the flute and the shape is what I consider perfect. These tools really changed the level of quality and how thin I turn now. By far the finest tools I've laid my hands on.

Thanks Bill

Interesting. The flute profile on those Glaser Hitecs look to be very similar to the Sheffield makers.

REQUEST: Could we please restrict this thread to just the flute profiles.

There is always an opportunity to discuss the non-flute pros and cons of the different tools in other threads on the forum.

If you get an irresistible urge to extend the discussion beyond the flute profiles, don't resist, just go ahead and start a new thread...

Thanks