Wood turning but not for pens...

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whteglve

whteglve

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Joined
Jun 23, 2008
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112
Location
Lexington, NC
My lovely wife said that she wanted me to make her a bowl or plate on the lathe. The problem is I have only used the lathe to make pens and stoppers with. I'm really new to wood turning to boot. Where can I find info on the process of making a bowl or plate?
 
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AZ sells a video by Bill Grumbine on bowl turning. My reccomendation though would be to look for a local woodturners club near you. If there is a Woodcraft store in your area they have "logs to bowls" classes which is where I made my first bowl.
 
The Oct. '08 Wood magazine has a tutorial in it. Another option is to find a AAW group in your area and go to one of their meetings. Usually a very open and helpful group. Most clubs have videos and books that you can check out from them if you join the group, (about $25-$50 a year). Most members are more then glad to help either by coming to your shop or inviting you to theirs.
 
Or if you start small, don't try to make a salad bowl on your first outing... just experiment.. definitely look at one of the tutorials or books on turning bowls, but there's no substitute for experience... the best teacher is practice. Again, start small - 3" to 5" diamerter and work your way up to the larger pieces.
 
I will echo Chuck and add that larger pieces of wood can get dangerous fast. even a 4X4 inch piece can hurt you badly if you do not have it mounted on the lather correctly it is not balance (enough) or you have it spinning to fast.
 
I took the class at WoodCraft and it was truly helpful. There are several videos out there also. But nothing like having a mentor show you the way to hold the tools. check for a local wood working organization or sign up for a class at Woodcraft.
 
What daniel said. Lathes love to throw pieces of wood at woodworkers........ They're Evil I tell ya.

I've stopped using my $100 chuck as it just won't stay tight on a bowl blank. It's actually much safer for me to use the faceplate for the outside, then glue the bottom to a scrap block and turn the inside.
 
To back up Bob's suggestions, I have heard nothing but good things about Bill Grumbine's video. Bill also has a web site that gives a written explanation of it. I went the Raffin route originally, his turning projects, turning bowls, and turning wood series of DVD's had me putting out gifts that I wasnt embarrassed to give right away. Also, if not doing so now, you will want a face shield before taking this one on :) That 20 dollar piece of wood coming at your mouth can get rather costly if it chips a tooth. But dont be afraid, there's really nothing to it once you do your first couple and understand the principles and follow the safety guidelines.
 
I feel a bit different on this one. I think you should go and find a tree removal crew and ask them for a log, cut it into blanks and learn as you go. There is no better teacher than failure. Buy a book or a video for reference, but take the time to make the mistakes now instead of later.
I do agree with the full face shield though, that is one thing you don't want to learn for yourself.
 
bettyt44720 said:
AZ sells a video by Bill Grumbine on bowl turning. My reccomendation though would be to look for a local woodturners club near you. If there is a Woodcraft store in your area they have "logs to bowls" classes which is where I made my first bowl.
Click to expand...


I will also add my endorsement of Bill's videos. I own two of his videos and I love them. Not only does he provide valuable information, but he is entertaining as well.

jeff
 
A few things that haven't been mentioned yet. You need a bowl gouge to turn a bowl. Using the tools you use for pens/spindle work (such as your roughing gouge) can be very dangerous as they are not made to withstand the stresses of bowl turning and you will probably get more catches as well. Also, you turn at the slowest speed you can. You are removing a lot of wood and high speeds are dangerous. Most likely you will be holding the bowl gouge differently than your pen tools. This is where having someone spend even just an hour with you will be a huge benefit. It will save you many, many hours of frustration and will be safer.

I'm not trying to scare you. Turning bowls is a lot of fun and if you follow some simple safety precautions it will be safe. (get that full faceshield others mentioned)

Oh, and BTW, I borrowed some Rafin videos from the local library in addition to having someone show me how to turn bowls.

Have fun!
 
I definitely agree with everyone else (even where they disagree) -- get safety equipment if you've been skating along without. If you didn't buy a full turning set expect to buy some new tools. Watch DVD's, find the local chapter of AAW (www.woodturner.org), teke lessons, get a mentor if you can.

Bowl turning has a completely different mind set from pen turning -- there are no kits to buy, but blanks of some of the exotic woods we like can eat your bank account. Expect to develop a tool collection. And, this is the real bad news, you will frequently be visited with a strong desire to get a bigger lathe.

However, the payoff in satisfaction can't be beat. Turning a bowl out of green (wet) wood with ribbons of wood shavings flying over your shoulder is about as much fun as you can have in woodworking.
 
Some good info: "Woodmagazine.com." videos shows how & also shows a newbee the way to hold & use the bowl gouge. Other turning videos there also. "Woodcraft.com." has "How-to-Videos" over on the right of the home page by the horses head. Lots of good stuff there. "Woodturningonline.com." "Marleyturned.com" Good ol "Youtube" to 'wood or bowl turning"--"turning a platter"etc. You don't need a lot of extra tools for bowl/platter work. 1/2" bowl gouge for most except smaller things, then a 3/8' is handy. A bowl/platter can be done start to finish with either one. Get a piece of 2x6-2x8. Make it round & get a lot of practice. Glue 2-3 pieces of 1 by together. Just remember DO NOt Use A Spindle Gouge as a bowl gouge.
 
FIRST STEP:

Go buy a huge honking lathe. Strike while the iron is hot, you may not get another chance!
 
marcruby said:
Bowl turning has a completely different mind set from pen turning -- there are no kits to buy, but blanks of some of the exotic woods we like can eat your bank account. Expect to develop a tool collection. And, this is the real bad news, you will frequently be visited with a strong desire to get a bigger lathe.

.
Click to expand...

Oh, we left out the best part, making your own tools out of other tools as the need arises :) Pretty soon you are making handles for those tools, etc...Yeah, you probably will develop quite a collection the deeper <no pun intended> you get into the bowl venture. But, that's further down the line.
 
SECOND STEP
With the wood spinning on the lathe, stick a chisel anywhere you don't
there should be any bowl.

See? Bowl turning is easy! :tongue:
 
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