Making Bowl Blanks

[Michael Poorman]

Here is an abbreviated version of my process for making bowl blanks from a log. Maybe everyone already knows how to do this, but I had already created a similar post and thought I'd share it here also. Hope this helps!


First I cut a few inches off each end of the log to remove checking. Next cut off a section from the log that you will later split. I cut off an 18" section from this log.


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Now I cut the log length wise and remove the pith. Yes, it's easier to cut in this direction instead of having the log stand on end while you cut the end grain. Sometimes you can get this is just one cut, sometimes you can't. I usually leave the bark on, but it started falling off & the less bark you cut through, the longer your chain will last between sharpenings.

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From here, I head to the bandsaw and use a circle cutting jig. I find the center of the blank, drill a hole to match the index pin, and decide on a diameter.

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Don't forget to seal the blank if it will sit for any substantial period of time. Lots of people use anchor seal, but I've had good luck with exterior latex paint or straight paraffin wax.


If this isn't detailed enough just ask what you're unsure about.

[Roger Chandler]

Nice tutorial Mike! I do it pretty much the same way.....good information, especially for those just starting out in turning.

[Jim Seyfried]

This "log processing center has made cutting bowl blanks more comfortable for me. This was shown to me by Lee Tourtelotte of the Minnesota Woodturners Association. The outrigger shelf is a nice alternative to using a band saw. Here is mine.
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The plan is available on the MAW website: MWA Log Processing Center Kit (http://www.mnwoodturners.com/index.php/mwa-chapter/how-to-articles/31-mwa-log-processing-center-kit)

[Dune Crane]

That LPC looks like a great idea. Thanks for posting it.

[Michael Poorman]

Jim,

Thanks for showing that. I've thought of building something similar. It would be nice to get off of the ground while slabbing logs. Do you know of a collapsible version?

[Jim Seyfried]

I don't know of a collapsible one , but I made mine with a 'pocket' for the trim shelf so it can be removed. I made it out of womanized lumber and store it outside.

[joe marra]

Do you have any dimensions or plans for this it looks great. Thanks for posting.

[joe marra]

Sorry, just saw the link.

[Doug W Swanson]

So you're going to turn that big blank on that little bitty lathe? :)

[Michael Poorman]

Yeah Doug! The craftsman is a beast! :D I wondered if anyone would notice that. I'm not sure if you saw the bowl lathe I built... http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?210022-Shop-Built-Bowl-Lathe&highlight=

[joe marra]

Jim, thanks for the plans I made mine today can't wait to cut something on it.

[Jim Seyfried]

Nice job Joe!

[joe marra]

This "log processing center has made cutting bowl blanks more comfortable for me. This was shown to me by Lee Tourtelotte of the Minnesota Woodturners Association. The outrigger shelf is a nice alternative to using a band saw. Here is mine.
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The plan is available on the MAW website: MWA Log Processing Center Kit (http://www.mnwoodturners.com/index.php/mwa-chapter/how-to-articles/31-mwa-log-processing-center-kit)

Jim, is your outrigger shelf removable?

[Jim Seyfried]

Yes, it just slides in a pocket, not fastened at all, it's real stable too.

[Peter Blair]

I use an old Black and Decker Workmate.
I attached 4 x 4 waste blocks to the top.
If they are first split on a band saw works just about like this great idea and is collapsable.

[joe marra]

Jim, decided to go all the way, thanks again.

[Jim Seyfried]

You'll like it! From a David Ellsworth demo I learned the he prefers a chain saw to cut the corners off blanks, for various reasons. For me the most compelling is so that you have more options in balancing the grain and chain saw chains are cheaper than bandsaw blades.