These are the first three I turned on my lathe in, from l. to r., black walnut, American black cherry, and white oak. They stand about 5.5″ tall. In addition to being drilled out at the top to hold dried flowers, branches, ornamental grass, or interesting weeds, the bottoms also have a cavity drilled out which is filled with steel shot and then sealed with a wood plug. The bottom-weighting provides stability. (Click on any image to enlarge)
Since the first three were made, I have experimented with other shapes and heights, as well as with some exotic woods. Below, l. to r., Claro walnut and Wenge, straight off the lathe.
I’ve also ordered various sizes of glass test tubes to be inserted into properly sized holes in the tops so that in addition to holding dried arrangements, a single rose or small flower grouping can be kept fresh in water.
This is bowl #1, the first bowl I ever turned. It was made from a small block of Claro walnut, about 6″ square. I would encourage anyone thinking of learning to turn bowls on a lathe to go for it. It’s not easy at first, but as with anything, perseverance pays off. If you don’t have the opportunity to learn in a class or from an experienced turner in person, as I didn’t, then I can highly recommend Richard Raffan’s video, “Turning Wood,” published by Taunton Press. Raffan’s books on turning are an inferior substitute for seeing the techniques explained and demonstrated in the video. (Click on any image to enlarge)
Here’s a partial picture of the lightweight 1/2 HP Delta wood lathe I started with.
I sold this lathe because it was too light, under powered, and of dubious quality. Buy the heaviest and best lathe you can afford. If turning bowls is what you want to do, I also recommend that you buy heavier duty, high speed steel (HSS) turning tools. A 3/8″ thick bowl scraper will be much easier to control and yield better results than one 1/4″ thick. The same goes for gouges, heavier duty is better for bowls. Why? Because the thicker, heavier tool will be better at dampening vibration. This is especially true the further the cutting edge of the scraper or gouge is extended out over the tool rest, which happens when hollowing the interior.
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly… this is my way. (Anonymous)
