B3: Bowl Basics for Beginners. Going from Log to Bowl Part #1
Scotts Mini Woodshop Scotts Mini Woodshop
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 Published On Jan 27, 2024

Ok, its been two weeks and I finally have part #2 edited and posted. You can find it here. You're welcome
https://studio.youtube.com/video/3WWj...

First, if you're here in the description looking for Part 2, I'm still working on it. Unfortunately, I came down with a nasty sinus infection just after finishing this video so I did nothing but lay on the couch and sleep for the past week or so. I'm happy to report that I'm feeling much better now, so there's no need to drag me out and toss me on the cart.

Next. Safety is your responsibility, not mine. You and only you are responsible for reading and understanding the safety documentation that came with your equipment. Powertools can be dangerous so its up to you to make sure you keep all your fingers, hands, arms, legs, and head attached to your torso at all times. Please be safe.

As I mentioned in the intro, I made this video to address the needs of my woodturning club. We usually have an influx of new members each year and their number one request is info on bowl turning basics. So perhaps this is an exercise in laziness but I put this together to answer questions for beginners. Although this was made for beginners, I try to cover several different topics and methods to help anyone regardless if they're using traditional gouges or carbide tools. The process is mostly the same.
I know no one reads the descriptions on these videos but just in case, I thought I'd address a few things in the video. Think of them as me trying to answer some anticipated questions...
My lathe is a Robust American Beauty. This is my third lathe. My first was an old craftsman tube lathe, then an upgrade to a Jet 1221vs.
My turning tools are a mix of things. I started out with Hurricane tools and still use them quite often. They're an outstanding value. My bowl gouges of choice are made by Thompson's Tools. My go to bowl gouge is a Thompsons 1/2 inch V groove gouge ground with a 40/40 grind. The other bowl gouge I used in the video is a Thompsons U shaped flute 1/2 inch gouge with a swept back grind. My advice is to stick to one grind so you can build up muscle memory before switching to another.
I do have a small collection of carbide tools by Easy Wood Tools. For me they are now specialty tools and are used sparingly for specific purposes. Most of my turning is done with traditional tools.
My mounting method of choice for mounting bowl blanks is Method 3 shown in the video. I usually find it faster to rough out the bowl blank with a chainsaw and then true it up on the lathe. Since its on the lathe anyway I just cut the recess for the chuck and flip it around. I learned this method while taking a class with Ashley Harwood. Ashley's an amazing instructor. If you get an opportunity to take one of her classes you won't regret it. If the piece is small I'll opt for the worm screw method. I rarely use a faceplate anymore as all those screws really slow down my vibe.
I know I usually tell some silly story in the description but not this time. I thought since this was for beginners I'd keep it a bit more on topic.
ok, I hope I covered most things. If you have any questions or comments, just leave a comment on the video. I try to answer most questions
Happy Turning!!

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