The Thompson 1/4in bowl gouge is the smallest in the bowl gouge range and one of the most versatile tools you'll own. The U-fluted profile gives a full radius that shears cleanly inside bowls, platters, and smaller hollow forms — producing a surface that needs very little sanding.

At 1/4in (10mm shank), it's the right size for detail passes and for getting into tighter curves where a larger gouge would catch. A lot of turners use this one for the finishing cuts on the inside of a bowl where they want maximum control with minimum risk.

Made from CPM-10V powder metal steel — hardened to 62–64 Rockwell, triple tempered, and cryogenically treated — the edge stays sharp through extended sessions in both soft and hard timber. This steel holds a keener edge than conventional HSS and takes a finer polish off the grinder.

The 10mm shank fits the Simon Hope handle system directly — grub screw or quick release — so there's no need for adapters.

Flute length: 5.5in. Handcrafted in the USA by Thompson Lathe Tools in a 13-step process.


Steel: CPM-10V (A-11) powder metal, 10% vanadium
Hardness: 62–64 Rockwell, triple tempered, cryogenic treated
Shank: 10mm — fits Simon Hope grub screw and quick release handles
Flute length: 5.5in
Free UK P&P included
Rest of world: contact for a shipping quote