In the Shop: Turning Bowls

By Paul Mayer

I have dabbled a bit with woodturning over the years, but in the past 6 months I added a nice new lathe to my shop and really got into it. I’ve now turned over 40 bowls, mostly green but a few dry ones as well. I’m learning a lot about bowl gouge technique, sharpening, proper drying of bowls, how to repair defects, how to spot a good bowl blank, and a variety of other aspects to turning that I hadn’t previously considered. I believe I still have a lot more learning ahead than behind me, but for now I’m absolutely loving this pursuit of a new aspect to woodworking. Here are a few videos I’ve found helpful:

Using a Bowl Gouge: Bowl Interior
Turning a Bowl Made from Crotch Wood
How to Cut Bowl Blanks from Logs

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5 Responses to “In the Shop: Turning Bowls”

  1. Ken

    On the video “Turn a bowl from crotch wood”, George cut 2 sides of the crotch before cutting the log to round on the band saw. What is the benefit, if any for cutting the 2 sides rather than just rounding the log and then putting it on the lathe?

    Thanks,
    Ken

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Ken,

      Here’s what our experts had to say:
      This step made the log easier to handle, and it also becomes easier to visualize the right cut path for your circular blank.
      Paul

      Sincerely,
      Codi
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  2. maclay101

    I love turning bowls, the bigger the better but some times I encounter a hole in the wood . What should I use to fill these holes , something that won’t blunt my tools and still be sanded and stained . I am only a learner at this so any INFO would a great help .

    Reply