Cherry Bowl

[Nate Davey]

I got a nice big cherry log from friend of mine and wanted to turn a NE bowl and a traditional bowl. The traditional bowl was going to be for my mothers birthday present at the suggestion of my father. I got both bowls ruffed out and set the aside to dry for a month or so. The NE bowl is finished and will never see the light of day. The traditional bowl I started applying the lessons I learned from the NE. I was also trying my new Thompson 5/8" U shaped bowl gouge. Apparently, I didn't have it quite figured out yet, dug it in twice and launched the bowl across the shop. The second catch left a huge crack across 27/64th of the bowl. I was very disappointed and set it aside for a couple months and sulked. My wife, who isn't a big fan of my turnings, asked why I couldn't glue it back together. One day while working on my dive gear I removed a SS hose clamp and inspiration struck. I used medium CA on the cracks and cinched it down with the hose clamps and it worked. The crack is visible but completely smooth. So, sanded to 600 the 4 coats of Tung Oil. I've not three wheel buffed it yet as I am waiting for the oil to cure. There is a small bit of bark left on the outside, which I'm not sure about, but there it is.

This is my first traditional bowl and I could use advice and constructive criticism if I'm going to improve.

Thanks for looking

[Tom Sherman]

Nate for what its worth I don't think it sucks. Quite the contrary it is a very nice bowl, I think your mom will be pleased.

[Jim Underwood]

Sorry about the launched bowl. I haven't done so many turnings that launches are a thing of the past, and I'm not so fast or accomplished or do so many turnings that a broken piece isn't still traumatic when it happens. So, I hate it for ya.

On the next one, just don't tilt that wing over into the wall of the bowl and you'll do fine...Easier said than done, huh? :rolleyes:

That being said, I think you've got a very nice form. It's got a nice smooth curve, and it's well proportioned.

Why don't you show the NE?

[David E Keller]

I love the basic form, Nate. The thickness looks about right to me... I definitely wouldn't go thinner on a utility piece. I'd lose the bark spot, but I never know how those are gonna look until I've tried. For all the adventures you had getting it to fruition, I'd say 'Job well done'!

[John Keeton]

Nate, actually that is a very good bowl! Fantastic curve on it, and the bottom is finished nicely, too. Great work!

[charlie knighton]

very nice.....

[William Hutchinson]

I feel your pain brother, cracked and launched pieces are disappointments for sure. Glad you returned and finished the bowl. I've recently viewed several turning DVD by pro turners and your experience is not unique, happens to best along the way.

[bob svoboda]

Good save, and, I agree with the others that the bowl has a very nice form.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Nate - launching a bowl is all part of the learning curve! When I first started turning bowls, it got to the point that when the bowl would fly off the lathe and go rolling across the floor - I just grabbed another chunk of wood and started again.

Best bet on how to figure bowl turning out is to get with your local turning club and have someone with experience show you the proper way to turn a bowl. Time saved on your learning curve would be immense!

Good looking bowl! Your mother will love it!