Bowl Turning on the Shopsmith MARK V

By Dick Gerard

As I tell my students, there are no right or wrong ways to turn. If you are happy with a particular tool making a particular cut or scrape, and if you are pleased with the end results, then that is the "right" way to do it.

The Secrets of the Gouge
Using the gouge to turn bowls has been explained in books such as "Creative Woodturning" by Dale Nish. This book, and others, can show you the proper way to handle a gouge. Additionally, many video tapes are available. The best way to learn, is of course to take lessons from someone who knows how, lots of practice and follow these 10 secrets to using a gouge:

1. Keep it sharp
2. Keep the bevel LIGHTLY rubbing the wood.
3. Keep it sharp.
4. Don’t grip the handle as if you were trying to choke a snake.
5. Keep it sharp.
6. Keep loose. Relax. Turning is FUN!
7. Keep it sharp.
8. Roll the flute in the direction of the cut.
9. Snuggle in close to the lathe. Use a compact stance.
10. Keep it sharp!

Shopsmith MARK V Advantages
For faceplate turning of plates, platters, and bowls, the Shopsmith MARK V offers two distinct advantages over most other lathes. First, the tool rest and headstock assemblies may be moved to the right hand end of the ways. This allows the use of long handled tools without interference with the ways as is common on most other lathes. Second, by locking the quill in an extended position, the tool rest may be placed behind the turning. This allows the turner to reach areas of a turning that may require modification as the turning progresses.

Preparation of the Bowl Blank
First, select your turning stock, Next, inspect the stock for visible defects that would hinder turning or that would force a change of design. Then, decide which surface will be the TOP of the bowl. This surface will hold the faceplate as you turn the OUTSIDE form. Next, using a straight edge, draw intersecting lines through opposing corners. Where the lines cross determines the center point of the turning. Using a compass, draw the largest circle possible. (Figure 1) Make sure that the compass leg leaves a distinct impression at the CENTER point. Using the Bandsaw, cut the blank into a circular form. Next, inspect the freshly cut edges to see if you have uncovered previously hidden defects. If new defects are found, then consider whether they will be eliminated in the turning process, or whether you should re-orient the turning blank by use of a new center. Whatever the outcome, also inspect the bowl blank to ensure that you have used the grain and figure to the best extent. Next, place a 5/8" brad-point drill bit in the depression left by the compass point. Then slide the appropriate size faceplate over the drill bit and, using sheet metal screws (number 12 or 14, 1" to 1-1/4" long), fasten the faceplate to the wood. (Figure 2) Remove the drill bit and proceed to the lathe.

On to the Lathe
Check to make sure the speed dial is at the lowest possible speed. Further, check that the workspace is clear, there are no impediments to safe walking and that you have adequate lighting. After the wood is mounted on the lathe, rotate the stock by hand to see if there are any "heavy" spots in the bowl blank. Most timbers are NOT uniformly dense. When satisfied with the balance, position the tool rest as described earlier and again rotate the stock to make sure that the wood clears the tool rest. About 1/8" clearance is sufficient. After donning ear, face and lung protectors, move to the left of the headstock and switch on the power. Almost immediately, you can tell whether or not the piece needs further balancing. If it does, immediately switch off the power, ty another center, or trim the high spots with the Bandsaw, and try again. On larger pieces and for bowls made from heavily figured timbers, always begin by using the tail stock and a ball bearing center for additional support. Assuming the blank is balanced, start the motor and leave the speed dial at "slow" to rough down the outside and bottom of the blank. Remember, the top of the bowl is attached to the faceplate.

Turning the Outside
Using either a long bowl gouge or a shallow spindle gouge, turn from the foot to the rim to create a form. (Figure 3) As the turning progresses, constantly evaluate the form and occasionally stop to readjust the tool rest to keep it as close to the wood as possible. When satisfied with the outer shape, sand to the desired level, turn a foot for a spigot chuck or flatten the base of the foot to use a scrap block glued to the bowl blank using a paper glue joint. To properly center this block, bring the tool rest up close to the base, with the height set just below midpoint. Then using a sharp awl, make a very shallow indent at the exact center of rotation. (Figure 4) Remove the turning from the lathe. Remove the bowl from the faceplate. Apply yellow woodworkers glue to both the scrap block and turning block and to the paper. Use the 5/8" brad-point drill bit as explained before to locate the faceplate over the exact center of the turning. Remove the drill bit and place the whole assembly in a vise or clamp. (Figure 5) Leave there overnight to let glue dry completely. Remove the clamp.

Turning the Inside
Make sure that the speed dial is again at the slowest setting, mount the faceplate with stock, stand to the left and turn the power on. If all has gone according to plan, the piece will be centered. If it appears that the pieces not perfectly centered, stop the power and bring the tail stock assembly (using the live center) in to help support the bowl blank. This will necessitate using the quill in a slightly extended position, but this is good. The extended quill will allow you to true up the exterior and sand as before. Then, replace the live center with the Jacobs chuck and the largest, sharpest drill bit that will fit within the area of the top, but not larger than the planed inside diameter at the foot of the piece. Measure from the top of the bowl to the top of the foot. (Figure 6) Transfer this measurement, minus ¼", to your depth stop with the drill bit touching the stock. Using the quill feed, drill out the center of the bowl to the depth indicated on the depth stop. The extra ¼" is "in case". In case anything goes wrong…and if you don’t plan on it going wrong, IT WILL! Next, using the bowl gouge, remove the bulk of the inside of the bowl down to the already established bottom. (Figure 7) Wall thickness is something to be decided by each turner. However, one of the hallmarks of a good turner is that whatever the wall thinness of thickness, it will be uniform from rim to bottom (with a very slight thickening at the base allowed). Stop the lathe and use calipers to gauge the thickness. Then remove the thick spots as you go. (Figure 8) Using a freshly ground bowl gouge, take a light finishing cut from rim to bottom. Sand to the desired degree, apply the finish of your choice, remove from the lathe and be careful not to drop it on the floor on the way in to show your family and friends.