Novice Turning ?

[Mark Stutz]

Up to now all of my bowls have been small, in the 4 to 6 inch range. I'm ready to try some larger ones now, and have some nice blanks. The 12" by 4" isn't a problem, but the 11" by 8" one is heavy. Will the 3" faceplate that came with my lathe (Nova) be sufficient for roughing and creating a tenon? It has only 4 screw holes. If so how longshould the screws be?

[Richard Allen]

A blank that size can safely be held between centers and roughed.

Be sure to use the talistock when rouging the outside and making the tennon.

Thanks

Richard

P.S. I would likely cut the blank in half for two 11x4 bowls. Or perhaps an 11x6 bowl and a 2" high lid.

[Jim Becker]

I'll second Richard's suggestion. Whether you use the face plate or go "fully" between centers, the tailstock will hold the piece secure for what you need to do to prepare for your chuck and also contour the outside of the vessel.

[Mark Stutz]

Thanks for the info. I hadn't thought about a lid. I think I'm starting to visualize a cookie jar!
Turn it to a cylinder, put a tenon on both ends, cut it apart, and rough out the inside. Seal it and put it away. Sound about right?