BOWLS
When turning a bowl there are many variables to consider and decide on so each bowl ends up as aunique and unrepeatable project. A bowl doesn't have to be a purely even thickness with the inside matching the outside (although that is often traditional). One has to think of both the outside shape and the inside shape and how they will work together. Then there is the rim, should it slope (which way), be rounded, be wide or narrow, have sharp edges or rounded edges. Also the base is important and needs to be in proportion to the rest. How high should it be, vertical sides or sloping, flowing smoothly into the body or abruptly changing direction. Should there be a step before the base starts? These considerations usually come out as the bowl takes shape on the lathe. Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes the creative process is more of a struggle. Here are some of the bowl shapes you will find in my work.
PictureWood usually distorts during the drying process
When making a bowl there are several stages. I normally start turning the blank green (while it is still fairly freshly cut) and rough it out to about 1" thick. This allows it to dry evenly without cracking over 12 to 18 months. During this time it distorts as it shrinks different amounts across the grain and along the grain. With a more complicated grained piece, a crotch for example, the drying process needs to be slowed down further by storing the part turned wood in shavings. This allows the wood to move slowly as it needs to while minimising the resultant stresses.
Once the part turned bowl has reached a stable weight in a normal indoor environment it can be put back on the lathe and turned to the final shape before finishing with natural oils and waxes.