The Thompson 3/8th bowl gouge is the one most turners reach for first. It's the workhorse of the bowl gouge range — large enough to remove material efficiently on roughing cuts, nimble enough to handle the finishing passes that leave a clean, sanded-ready surface.

The U-shaped flute gives a full radius across the cutting edge, which produces a true shearing cut rather than a scraping action. That means less heat, less chatter, and a better surface straight off the tool. It handles the inside and outside of bowls and platters equally well, and the size is right for most of the work a turner does on a standard-sized lathe.

Made from CPM-10V powder metal steel — hardened to 62–64 Rockwell, triple tempered, and cryogenically treated — edge retention is exceptional. You'll notice the difference quickly if you're used to conventional HSS: fewer trips to the grinder, more time turning.

The 13mm shank fits the Simon Hope handle system on both grub screw and quick release handles. No adapters needed.

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: 13mm — 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