THOMPSON GOUGES​ 
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Thompson Lathe Tools makes these "V" cut bowl gouges, special, for John

These gouges are made in the USA from the best steel on the market, CPM 10V® (A-11) a powder metal manufactured by Crucible Materials Corporation with a 9.75% vanadium content to hold an edge longer and has a proven history in woodturning. The steel is hardened to 60-62 Rockwell, triple tempered with a cryogenic treatment between the first and second temper. The cryogenic treatment at this stage transforms the bulk of the retained austinite to martensite and form very fine "eta" carbides much finer than tempering alone, this increases the durability and toughness of the steel. Nothing else can be done to this steel!

BOWL GOUGES:
The v-shaped flute and side grind is very versatile, and the only grind I use. It will do roughing cuts, fine finishing cuts, and the long edge is exceptional for shear scraping. The bowl gouges come ground with the side grind I prefer. Use this grind to set up your grinding jig before you use it. 1/2" gouge 10 inches long with a 6 inch flute, the 5/8 bowl gouge is 12 inches long with a 7 inch flute.

3/8" DETAIL GOUGE:
The only gouge I need besides the bowl gouge. This gouge is handy for turning around the lip, foot, and tenon areas, and anywhere else you need to work in a tight area. The shape is a shallow round flute, and the steel is the same high tech material as the bowl gouges.

Beware of claims of extraordinary edge life that many gouges claim-there are no magic tool steels that are going to keep you from sharpening your tools frequently.

Remember, even though these are the best gouges you can buy, there are no "magic" gouges that don't need sharpening. Sharpening often, before the tool is dull, is the mark of a skilled craftsman and allows one to do much better work.