Thin Maple Bowl

[Steve Schlumpf]

Wanted to turn something that was a little different and this is the result. Finally got over treating each piece of wood I put on the lathe like it is the last piece of wood I have. I was determined to turn this bowl thin and I didn’t care if it blew up in the process. I am happy with the result!

Thin Maple bowl, 10 ½” diameter x 5 ¼” high. The rim is 3/16” and rapidly tapers to 1/8” for the rest of the bowl with the center bottom area a little thicker at ¼”. Sanded to 320 grit and has 3 of 7 coats of Minwax Wipe-On Gloss Poly. It will get buffed after the poly cures.

Thin Maple Bowl v1.JPG Thin Maple Bowl v2.JPG Thin Maple Bowl v3.JPG Thin Maple Bowl v4.JPG Thin Maple Bowl v5.JPG

As always – your comments, critiques and opinions are welcome!

Thanks for looking!

[Dennis Ford]

You did a great job. You kept the shape very nice while making the walls thin, not an easy task.

[Mauricio Ulloa]

Really nice work ! Was it green or already dried?

[George Van]

I like the fact that you did not let your mission to turn a thin bowl disrupt our plan to make a well balanced, formed, and finished bowl. Well done bowl Steve!

[Mike Golka]

That's a beauty Steve!!! Great job

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Yes Steve, that is a little scary getting the walls thin. I've had a few mishaps myself. I like the nice simple shape you did there and the grain is very interesting with the dark areas on top. Is that the end grain? Going thin is always a challenge but you did it.

[Rick Huelsbeck]

That's a good looking bowl Steve

[Rick Prosser]

Looks good Steve !

How does it feel compared to the usual bowls? Lighter (too light?) Fragile? Refreshing?

Will you do more this thin?

[Ed Hazel]

Just stop posting your turning pics please!

I keep looking at your guys turnings and am amazed at what you are able to turn out, and well I never had much interest in turning until now, my interest is starting to peek. I even caught myself looking a wood lathes on the Grizzly site last night.
I am out of space in the wood shop but there is some space in the garage.

[Ed Hazel]

Just stop posting your turning pics please!

I keep looking at your guys turnings and am amazed at what you are able to turn out, and well I never had much interest in turning until now, my interest is starting to peek. I even caught myself looking a wood lathes on the Grizzly site last night.
I am out of space in the wood shop but there is some space in the garage.

Is it turned wet or dry? are you concerned with it cracking?

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Nice bowl Steve, looks good, and probably feels even better, I'm always surprised at the difference in weight, compared to a glass or ceramic/metal bowl

[alex carey]

Beautiful bowl as usual.

[Harvey Ghesser]

I wish to become half as skilled and talented as you, Steve! Beautiful bowl!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Thanks for the kind words everyone! I do appreciate it!

The bowl was roughed out back in November '08, did the DNA soak and then wrapped and stored on a shelf in the shop. I hope that by turning the bowl a consistent thickness that it won't crack in the near future. The poly should help regulate any moisture fluctuations.

As far as weight - it is pretty light but doesn't feel fragile at all. The bowl actually is a pretty good size and being Maple, even when the walls are thin - it has a little weight to it.

[mickey cassiba]

Steve...thanks for your kind words when I joined up. I'm going to my first turning group meeting tomorrow. In about a hundred years I hope to be turning something like this.
Thanks to you and all the others,
Mickey