Bowl Turning Hooks are the basic tools needed to turn a bowl on a treadle-operated pole lathe. Made by one of the UK's finest bowl turners and blacksmiths, Matt Whittaker.
Comes sharpened and ready to use but would always benefit from a final honing. Each hook comes with a simple leather edge cover made by Woodsmith.
Available Options:
- Tip Up Hook (The Bodger) – sold individually
- Tip Down Hook (The Bodger's Mate) – sold individually
- Set of Two Hooks – includes both Tip Up and Tip Down
All options can be purchased with handles or without handles.
Hazel handles are approx. 18" (460mm) long, making the total length of the tool approx. 30" (760mm). The diameter and overall character of hazel handles will vary.
HOOK 1) 'The Bodger', Tip up (Medium)
This is the go to tool for the bowl turner. It is used for 90% of the work when turning a bowl. This size is perfect for both beginners and established turners looking to replace a worn-out hook.
Now made from stronger 5/8" (17mm) diameter bar EN 47 spring steel. It is both robust and capable of taking and keeping a great edge.
Tip up means that when a right-handed turner is using this tool the cutting edge of the tool is on the left with the curl of the hook facing upwards.
Left-handed turners would substitute the Bodger's Mate for this tool. Other uses include end grain cups, lidded boxes and plates.
HOOK 2) 'The Bodger's Mate', Tip down (Medium)This is the companion tool for HOOK 1, The Bodger. It can be used for details around the foot as well as for cutting down the core of the bowl. This size is perfect for both beginners and established turners looking to replace a worn out hook.
Now made from stronger 5/8" (17mm) diameter EN 47 spring steel. It is both robust and capable of taking and keeping a great edge.
Tip down means that when a right-handed turner is using this tool the cutting edge of the tool is on the left with the curl of the hook facing downwards.
Left-handed turners would substitute The Bodger for this tool. Other uses include end grain cups, lidded boxes and plates.
Iron length 420mm (16 1/2"). Both hooks have internal bevels.
Shipping notice:
Please be aware if you select with handles, we will not be able to ship on a next day delivery service, as these are hand made to order by Maurice or Izzy. To keep shipping costs reasonable, we may need to ship irons and handles unfitted, i.e. they will be prepared with holes drilled but you will have to fit the iron to the handle.
About the Maker:
Matt Whittaker has been working with wood and steel for over twenty years, specialising in bowl making, blacksmithing, timber frame building, and band saw milling. His journey into the crafts of green wood and forge began with a simple appreciation for the minimal tools needed to create useful, everyday objects.
Matt operates a mobile sawmill at Abundant Earth, where he processes trees into planks and beams for various construction projects, including everything from small sheds to large barns. This work supports his green woodworking, which he has been practicing for twenty-five years, using a traditional foot-powered lathe.
In addition to woodworking, Matt is skilled in blacksmithing. Many of the tools he uses are crafted in his onsite forge, often made from recycled steel and using a hand-cranked, charcoal forge.
Matt is also dedicated to teaching, regularly hosting workshops for both children and adults at Abundant Earth. His classes emphasise practical skills and a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.
