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Which way should the grain go when turning a bowl?
Bowls are mainly turned with the wood grain running perpendicular to the lathe axis (side grain) but they can also be turned with the grain running parallel to the lathe axis (end grain or parallel grain) so the grain orientation is the same as would be used for spindle turning.
What is a bottom bowl gouge?
It cuts across the inside of the bottom of a bowl or across the face of a platter. This tool has a U-shaped flute. The wings are swept back by about 5 degrees, and it has approximately a 50 degree bevel angle.
Can you turn a bowl with the pith?
The pith is another reason end-grain bowl blanks are not the best to turn because they usually contain the pith right in the dead center of the bowl bottom.
What is the best bowl gouge?
For small bowls with a diameter of 12″ or less, we suggest a 1/2″ bowl gouge. For medium to large bowls with diameters of about 12″ to 14″, a 5/8″ bowl gouge will be more efficient. For sizable work with a diameter of 14″ or larger, a powerful 3/4″ bowl gouge will really get the job done.
Can you sand on a lathe?
Excessive lathe speed also can cause dust to build up between the sand paper and the wood, which prevents wood abrasion. I recommend setting the lathe speed at ~250 rpm for sanding. o Sand with light pressure…let the sandpaper do the work rather than pressure. Excessive pressure generates excessive heat.
Which is the best way to cut the bottom of a bowl?
As you move closer to the center bowl bottom with a bowl gouge, the speed of the wood becomes slower, requiring you to slow down to make the same even cut along that surface. If you dart toward the center with your bowl gouge in one evenly timed movement, the tool will cut less material near the middle.
What’s the first step in turning a bowl?
Lathe work consists of three steps: roughing, shaping, and sanding. Each step requires a different speed. The first step, roughing, is done to change the bowl blank from slightly eccentric to perfectly round. Hold the chisel with a light grip, parallel to the floor.
What causes a divot in the bottom of a bowl?
The one problem that is much more difficult in a bowl bottom is a gouge or divot in the bowl center. Divots in the wood can occur when the bowl gouge tip is pointed downward, off bevel, and moves too quickly across the bowl center. A divot is when wood grain is dug out or torn rather than cut away from the bowl surface.
Why is the bottom of my end grain bowl turning?
If an end-grain bowl is made with a porous wood, the bottom of the finished bowl can be mostly perforated, and act more like a sieve than a bowl. Also, if the end-grain bowl blank contains the pith of the tree, there is a good chance of having cracks or splitting in the bowl bottom.