Great video! Years ago I sharpened a couple of Benjamin Best gouges for a friend. They were good. Maybe he just got lucky. On the other hand, I have never been able to get a Thompson gouge as sharp as one made from M2 HHS. They get almost sharp and stay almost sharp for a long time, but I'm not a fan. Maybe it's just me, but I've heard the same from at least one other turner.
I probably should not be so down on Benjamin’s Best. They make it possible for people to buy enough tools to get started. To go out and buy premium tools from the jump would be beyond what many people can do
Well, the SRG does have its uses. If you have ever seen Eric Lofstrom turn, the peeling cut he uses is very efficient for roughing out spindle blanks. I have never had a Benjamin's Best tool, and never will. Thompson and D Way only in my shop. The winds on the SRG can be used for peeling cuts as well.
Yup, just saying you can do without the SRG. Especially if your primary gig is bowls. If you have a bigger bowl gouge, the difference is minimal. Of course if you’re doing a lot of spindle roughing, get the spindle roughing gouge.
Great video! Years ago I sharpened a couple of Benjamin Best gouges for a friend. They were good. Maybe he just got lucky. On the other hand, I have never been able to get a Thompson gouge as sharp as one made from M2 HHS. They get almost sharp and stay almost sharp for a long time, but I'm not a fan. Maybe it's just me, but I've heard the same from at least one other turner.
I probably should not be so down on Benjamin’s Best. They make it possible for people to buy enough tools to get started. To go out and buy premium tools from the jump would be beyond what many people can do
Well, the SRG does have its uses. If you have ever seen Eric Lofstrom turn, the peeling cut he uses is very efficient for roughing out spindle blanks. I have never had a Benjamin's Best tool, and never will. Thompson and D Way only in my shop. The winds on the SRG can be used for peeling cuts as well.
Yup, just saying you can do without the SRG. Especially if your primary gig is bowls. If you have a bigger bowl gouge, the difference is minimal. Of course if you’re doing a lot of spindle roughing, get the spindle roughing gouge.