Michael - you didn't mention the type of oak you plan to use, but your
ease of turning the oak will be directly related to your skill of
sharpening your bowl gouge. A 3/8th bowl gouge with a sharp fingernail
grind will handle the endgrain just fine. Ride the bevel and don't hog
it. I use a diamond hone to keep a sharp edge as soon as the gouge
seems to run a bit rough.
Good luck!