Which way to turn into the grain?

[Bill Wyko]

When turning a top sawn blank, should your bowl shape follow the curve of the grain or should you turn the curve opposite the curve in the grain. I have a piece of Quilted Maple and would like to get the most out of it. Thanks.

[Dennis Peacock]

Not sure Bill....but if it were me...and without seeing the wood, I'd have to guess to turn with the grain to try and show more of the figure in the wood.

Turning a bowl with the bark side being the bottom of the bowl can result in some pretty awesome grain/ring patterns in bowls. But in your case, I'd stick with following the grain.....just guessing though.

[Brett Baldwin]

When I first read "turn into the grain" I thought you might have been looking for a really unique tatoo or something.

My thinking on how the grain presents on a board would make me think you'd want to follow the curve of the trunk for best effect but I have no practical experience to back that. I'll be interested to hear more experienced fellows chime in.

[Gordon Seto]

Bill,

You may find the answer in "Determining Vessel Shapes From Fresh-Cut Wood" by Doug Newlove here:

http://www.wgo.ca/newsletters/wgo_ne..._2006_rev6.pdf

Gordon

[Greg Just]

Gordon:

That was an interesting article with good information. I like the advice Doug Newlove gives at the end “IF IT WORKS FOR YOU THEN USE IT”.

thanks for sharing'

Greg

[Bill Wyko]

Thanks Gordon. That's very helpful. I'll probably go with the grain. I think it will show more of the quilting this way.

[Joe Melton]

I'd try it both ways and proceed with the way that produces fewer catches.
Joe