The major difference between a bowl gouge and a spindle gouge is the shape and depth of the flute. The flute of a spindle gouge is circular and shallow, while the flute of a bowl gouge is a modified open U-shape or V-shape. Both gouge types are made from a round shaft piece of steel and come in a variety of sizes. A spindle roughing gouge is also U-shaped however, it is forged from a flat piece of steel or extruded into shape. A roughing gouge attaches to the handle with a tang similar to a wood or steel file. NEVER use a roughing gouge when turning a bowl or platter; the tang can break causing serious injury. A spindle roughing gouge is used for spindle turning only, primarily for knocking the corners off a square piece of wood with the wood grain running parallel with the bed ways.