Turning Laminate Bowls
Step 4:
Gluing up the stock. Set aside the small circle from the 7-in. piece of stock. Arrange the two rings and two blanks in ascending order. Arrange the grain pattern of the rings. Make a pencil mark so you can locate the same position after applying glue. Evenly spread yellow woodworker's glue and securely clamp the stock, using C-clamps or hand-screw clamps (see Fig. 3). Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours.
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Fig. 3 Click image for larger view. |
Step 5:
Mounting the laminated stock. To mount the laminated stock directly to a 3-1/4-in. faceplate (use a larger faceplate for a larger turning), carefully drill or punch pilot holes in the bottom of the lamination for all screw holes in the faceplate (see Fig. 4). To make fastening easier, rub a little paste wax on the tips of the #12 x 1-in. flathead wood screws. Note: Use longer #12 screws when turning thicker stock.
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Fig. 4 Click image for larger view. |
Set speed dial to "SLOW." Turn the machine off and mount the stock to the spindle. Adjust the tool rest slightly below the centerline of the stock and 1/8-in. away from the side of the stock. Rotate the stock by hand to make sure it clears the tool rest (see Fig. 5).
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Fig. 5 Click image for larger view. |
Step 6:
Turning the bowl. Note: During the entire turning operation, never exceed speed setting "D" (1000 rpms). Use a sharp roundnose chisel and make light, even cuts to slowly rough-out the outside of the stock. Turn from the large ring down to the small ring. After the roughing is completed, take a sharp skew and scrape the rough end grain smooth (see Fig. 6). Turn the machine off and move the tool rest to the inside of the bowl. Using light cuts, work a roundnose chisel form the outside toward the inside of the stock (see Fig. 7). Keep the thickness of the sides consistent.
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Fig. 6 Click image for larger view. |
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Fig. 7 Click image for larger view. |
Step 7:
Sanding the bowl. Remove the tool rest and start the sanding process with 60 or 80 grit paper. Sand until the rough end grain and scratches are smooth. Continue the sanding process using progressively finer grits (up to 320). For a smoother finish, raise the grain by occasionally moistening the bowl with a damp paper towel. Allow bowl to dry before continuing to sand.
Alternate the turning from one side of the headstock to the other. This reverses the direction of rotation and permits the grain to be sanded in the opposite direction. Sand from the underneath with an open palm. (see Fig. 8).
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Fig. 8 Click image for larger view. |
Step 8:
Finishing the bowl. When applying a finish, leave the bowl mounted on the machine. If the bowl will be used to serve food, use a non-toxic salad bowl finish or mineral oil.
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