Greetings all
It has been a long, long time since I have posted one of my photo essays anywhere on the internet. I got involved on another forum in a discussion regarding tool rests breaking while roughing out bowls, and that inspired me to grab my camera and the lovely SWMBO when it came time for me to get on the lathe to rough out a very nice piece of ambrosia maple.
<img src = "http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/roughbowl01.jpg">
In this first picture I have the bowl blank slabbed and roughed round on the bandsaw. It is installed on the lathe with a faceplate and square drive screws. On a side note, this blank probably weighs close to 80 lbs, based on past experience. It is approximately 15 in diameter and 6 ½ thick. I am using a 4 faceplate and eight screws.
To rough a bowl with the best results and the most pleasure, it is essential to start at the bottom of the blank using a bowl gouge. I will first flatten the bottom of the blank to get a smooth surface. This allows me to see if there are any cracks or other defects that need to be dealt with before moving on.
<img src ="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/roughbowl02.jpg">
In this picture you can see the flattened bottom of the bowl. You can also get a good view of the proper position for the toolrest when beginning the roughing process.
<img src ="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/roughbowl03.jpg">
In this next picture, I have moved the tool rest so that it is approximately 45 degrees to the long axis of the lathe. This is so that I can begin to remove the corner of the blank and begin the curve of the outside of the bowl. Using a series of short passes, with each pass longer than the preceding one. I get the side smooth with a minimal amount of bouncing the gouge around. It is less wear and tear on the wood as well as the operator.
<img src ="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/roughbowl04.jpg">
Here you can see the shaving coming off the gouge. This is fun turning to the max!
<img src ="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/roughbowl05.jpg">
Here is a shot giving you the overall perspective. You can see the shape developing as I proceed up the side of the bowl. I am turning with a Glaser Ύ bowl gouge.
<img src ="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/roughbowl06.jpg">
This is a closeup of the tenon being formed. Some of you guys like to use a recess. I like a tenon. It can be used as a foot, it can be turned away, but most importantly, it is almost impossible to crush it. Using a recess can crack the wood right in half if you are not careful.
To be continued...