Ashley Harwood: Bowl Turning Tips From Her Master Class

Introduction

This tutorial provides a concise guide on bowl turning techniques inspired by Ashley Harwood's master class. Whether you're a beginner or have years of experience, these tips will enhance your bowl turning skills and help you develop a more systematic approach to your craft.

Step 1: Understand the Bowl Turning Process

• Familiarize yourself with the entire bowl turning process, which can be broken down into manageable steps.
• The essential stages include:
  • Preparing your wood blank.
  • Mounting the blank on the lathe.
  • Shaping the exterior and interior of the bowl.
  • Finishing the bowl with sanding and applying a finish.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tools

• Invest in quality tools for bowl turning. Recommended tools include:
  • A bowl gouge for shaping the interior and exterior.
  • A parting tool for creating a clean edge.
  • A scraper for finishing the surface.
• Ensure your tools are sharp to facilitate smoother cuts and reduce the risk of tear-out.

Step 3: Preparing the Wood Blank

• Select wood with minimal defects to ensure a successful bowl.
• Cut your wood into a round blank:
  • Use a bandsaw or chainsaw to cut a square piece of wood into a circle.
  • Ensure the blank is well-balanced for stability on the lathe.

Step 4: Mounting the Blank

• Secure the blank to the lathe:
  • Use a faceplate or a chuck to mount the blank securely.
  • Check for tightness and stability before starting the lathe.

Step 5: Shaping the Bowl

• Start by shaping the exterior:
  • Use your bowl gouge to create the desired curve and profile.
  • Regularly check for symmetry and balance.
• Move to the interior of the bowl:
  • Hollow out the inside using the bowl gouge, taking care to maintain an even wall thickness.
  • Work gradually, checking the depth frequently.

Step 6: Finishing the Bowl

• Sand the bowl:
  • Begin with coarse sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits.
  • Sand both the exterior and interior to achieve a smooth finish.
• Apply a finish:
  • Choose a food-safe finish if the bowl will be used for food.
  • Consider oils, waxes, or specialized wood finishes.

Step 7: Safety Precautions

• Always wear appropriate safety gear:
  • Use a face shield or safety glasses to protect your eyes.
  • Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling wood particles.
• Keep your workspace organized to prevent accidents.

Conclusion

Bowl turning can be an incredibly rewarding craft when approached with the right techniques and mindset. By understanding the process, using quality tools, and following systematic steps, you can elevate your skills significantly. Consider taking a master class like Ashley Harwood's for more in-depth training and personalized guidance. Happy turning!