Tom Bruno with two of his bowls; bowl at left
Bowl by Tom Bruno
Mike Consentino
Our basic lathe and bowl turning class is a good way to get started creating some unique and usable items. The best way to start turning a bowl is to find a large chunk of wood or create a large chunk of wood by using scraps you may have available. Assembling a variety of wood into your chunk can result in a very colorful and distinctive bowl. The easiest way to get started is with a blank (or chunk) that has been generally cut into some form of rounded shape equidistant from the center point using other tools such as a band saw.
The class will show you how to assemble a variety of wood to achieve the depth and circumference you may desire. To accomplish this, you may have to use various pieces of equipment in the shop. Some of the equipment you may use prior to turning the bowl on the lathe could be a table saw or radial arm saw to cut the boards to required length. A planer could be used to adjust the thickness of each individual layer. The sanding table would be used to ensure the individual boards are flat for them to be glued together. You may also use clamps to keep the boards together after gluing. After allowing the glue to set, you may use a band saw to cut your newly formed block of wood into a somewhat rounded shape. The instructors will teach you how to connect your block of wood to the lathe so that you may start turning your bowl safely. They will also show you how to know when to stop going either deeper or wider, so you do not make your bowl too thin. Once your bowl has reached its desired shape, you will be shown sanding, sealing, and finishing methods.
The class is broken up into two sessions of two hours each, typically held on consecutive afternoons. Classes are scheduled as the need arises. So, if you are interested in learning how to create a beautiful bowl, you can contact the Desert Woodcrafters shop and sign up for a class. As soon as we have enough attendees for a class, we will contact all interested parties and schedule a date.