Depending on the wood, I use my 1/4 bowl gouge (yup... that is what
they call it!) with the ears ground back, but a round point on it. It
is easy to put a point on that thing and you wind up with a million
tiny grooves. This only works well if the wood isn't too prone to tear
out.

However, go to Darrell's site and check out his Oland tools. I am
experimenting with the concept/shape/design of the bits, and some of
them are pretty cool, and in some configurations on certain woods they
leave a surface smooth enough to finish sand.

The one I am experimenting with now is a 3/16" round bit with a 60
degree bevel on it, and cut across the top at about 5 degrees to give a
negative rake. Because the bite is so small using it as a spindle
gouge, it cuts the tough stuff like butter and leaves a great surface
behind. Once correctly ground, the 5% cobalt bit takes a few swipes
with the stone and it is good as new. It never really feels sharp...
but the steel wool like shavings tell me I am doing OK.

And with the same bit, you can end grain hollow so fast it will scare
you. It is perfect for my seasonal candle/oil lamp business since I
can just jam the thing in the wood to cut out for the candle fit ups.
Each candle fit up requires fitting to one lamp as they are all
different sizes, but since it only has to be about 3/4" deep, this is
the ticket.

I am thinking that if you are making a bunch of your bowls you might
want to look into making something similar, and dedicate your tool or
at least the specific bit to the job.

Just a thought.

Robert