Help figuring out length to make decagon!!

[Tullie Templet]

My friend is getting into turning and wants to turn a 6" bowl with different colored woods. My question is what length pieces does he need or how do you figure out the lenght to make a 6" decagon bowl? What formula do you really use to make any size bowl? I hope i made myself clear on what I am asking.

[Matt Hutchinson]

I think might be just the ticket.

http://www.mathopenref.com/polygonsides.html

Also, remember that if you want the finished product to be 6" you may have to increase the length of the apothem. (That word is defined in the link. I sound smart though, eh?)

Hutch

[Tullie Templet]

Any other suggestions? I can't get that one to come out right. It's probably me but it is still not right. Thanks for the link though.

[Matt Hutchinson]

You have to make sure the calculator you are using is set to Radians, not Degrees. That makes all the difference. So if that's taken care of, and the radius you use is 3" (in the apothem equation), then the side length works out to 1.9495". Of course, that's the outside length of the pieces you glue up.

Hope this helps!

Hutch

[Tullie Templet]

Never mind. Found an easy one on the rockler sight. Thanks Matt!!!