Bowl Turning

Course 1: Bowl Turning

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Specification for the one-day (six hour) course in Bowl Turning.

This is the maximum which might be expected of a novice turner in the time available. Obviously the amount actually covered will depend on individual progress and speed of working.

Section 1: Workshop safety

1.1.1 Location of

first-aid box
fire extinguisher
workshop main electric isolation switch

1.1.2 Dust hazards & Lung protection

workshop air filter
dust extractors
masks & helmets

1.1.3 Eye protection

glasses & goggles
helmets

Whilst in my workshop it is assumed that you will cooperate by wearing eye protection when turning, and lung protection whenever necessary.

Section 2: Making an apple

This section provides an opportunity to learn how to use some basic tools whilst making an apple. Many of the techniques used are common to making bowls. Sanding Adam's apple

1.2.1 Here you will learn how a workpiece may be held:

between centres
in a 4-jaw chuck
on a simple home-made screw chuck

1.2.2 You will also learn how work is:

sanded (including precautions against dust)
sealed
polished with a mixture of waxes

Section 3: Making a small bowl

This section provides a further opportunity to practice the skills required to make a small bowl (6-8” dia). You will learn the three stages of bowl manufacture.

1.3.1 The bowl bottom:

holding on a screw chuck
turning a spigot for the 4-jaw chuck
sanding, sealing, polishing

1.3.2 The bowl interior:

using the bowl gouge
using a scraper to finish
power sanding (including precautions
against dust)
sealing & polishing

1.3.3 Removing the spigot. In this sub-section you will learn some methods of holding an almost-finished bowl to finish the foot:

jam chucks
button chucks
vacuum chucks

Section 4: The plenary

1.4.1 This section provides an opportunity to discuss the work done and the techniques used, and to give the student a chance to ask questions on any topic related to woodturning.