How To Turn Bowls On Wood Lathe

Adjust the banjo often so that there is very little tool overhang.

How to turn bowls on wood lathe. As bowls become thinner and thinner they also become weaker and weaker. It turns well and efficiently with a sharp tool so its easier on the Lathe. Vases Need Slower RPM As They Become Thinner.

Once you have the bowl on the lathe drill a hole in the center to start carving. However be careful of the sharp edges as it does scratch easily. Once satisfied with the fit apply medium-viscosity cyanoacrylate glue to the area around the tenon on the glue block spray catalyst on the foot of the bowl and bring the two together.

When it is centered lock the tool rest. Then youll need to cut a recess into the bottom of the bowl to accommodate the bowl chuck that came with your lathe. The piece of wood is a tie-up with the spinning grid.

Put your roughly shaped handle on the lathe and turn a short tenon on the end for the ferrule. Turn the lathe back on. Continue turning until the outer shape of the bowl is complete.

Using the bowl gauge cut down the tenon as much as possible while still being careful to not loosen it from the lathe. Set the bowl gouge on the rest and see if the cutting edge of that gouge is at the center point of the bowl blank. If no vibration is apparent keep the speed at a comfortable level and begin turning.

For this step youll need to remove the tailstock and connect a faceplate and tenon. Turn on the lathe slowly and begin turning the outer face of the bowl using a rounding gouge or a bowl gouge. Aim for a fit that engages the threads on the brass fitting and maintain a square shoulder on the tenon to ensure a tight fit with the fitting.