Thread: Bowl gouge size

If I received a gouge with an off-centre flute I would return it to the supplier, although I have never had that problem with a major brand. But, I did once get a gouge with a fault in the powdered metal compression (micro pitting) and the supplier/maker replaced it without hesitation.

It is understandable that there is some variation in flute finish on gouges from the same maker. The catenary or parabolic shape is not an off-the-shelf cutter or grindstone profile and makers are not going to replace this expensive tooling at the first sign of minor striations. If you get a gouge off the last pass from a tool that will then be discarded or reground then the flute is going to have more flaws than than a gouge that comes off fresh or refreshed tooling.

There are a few makers who go the extra distance and consistently bring their flutes up to a flaw-free and polished finish. Of those, I particularly like the D-way (it has very fine particle steel and gives a very nice finishing cut). But, work hard enough on something as rough as the old P&Ns and you will eventually get a fine polished flute; they are very economical if you don't count your own time.

I think this illustrates how the measurements are made. For the UK it is from one edge of the flute to the opposite outside diameter, not across the top edges of the flute. The diameter of the bar is "about" 1/8" larger.
US vs UK gouge.jpg