hollowing bowls

[Dennis Taylor]

Still in the learning curve....trying to figure out how to hollow inside of a bowl...seems to be a point, I gain no depth into the bowl, and can't turn along the bottom, shy of using a round nose scraper...I have been trying with a fingernail & standard grind, it must be a me thing...any pointers...the bowl was a fat round bottom and narrow at top, narrow still large!...any help is appreciated...Dennis

[Jim Becker]

The absolute best advise I can give...is get some instruction; ether live with a local turner (contact the AAW (http://www.woodturner.org) chapter in your area) or via video, such as Bill Grumbine's most excellent effort. Using the right tool, holding it properly and learning to relax are all part of the hollowing process. The best way to learn is to actually see it done and then do it.

[Carole Valentine]

Jim's right. Once you see it done and have your tools ground properly, you'll be amazed at how easy it is. Get Bill's video. If your bottom is flat, start hollowing out the bottom again from the center and work your way back out to the sides. Once you get the bottom as deep as you want it, take some final smooth cuts to blend the sides and bottom. At least that's what I would do. Hmmm...I didn't explain that very well did I? Maybe someone else can do better