Cutting
Bowl Blanks
|
The
following series of photos illustrate how to cut up a section
of a log into turning blanks. (A turning blank is a piece of wood that
is mounted on a lathe and then turned into some useful or decorative
object, such as a bowl, platter,
or vase.)
Here's a section of the
tree (cherry) ready to be cut into blanks. Jackson,
ever so fashionable in his new cardigan, lends perspective.
(This section was about 16" in
diameter.)
|
 |
Down the Middle
|
The first
step is to cut the log down the center, through the pith.
There was a noticable crack down this one, so I more or less
followed that. Afterwards, I discovered a large rotten spot
in the center (visible in the next pic), so I decided to cut out the
entire center section. (This is usually not necessary.)
Please
note: Chainsaws are extremely
dangerous. Do not attempt this unless you are experienced
with a chainsaw and understand the dangers of "kick-back".
|
|
Slice & Dice
|
After
cutting out the rotten center section, the ends are cut off,
leaving two large blanks.
You may find that the chainsaw will cut easier if you lay the log on
it's side and cut with the grain. If you try this, be sure to
wedge the log on either side to prevent it from rolling while you cut.
|
|
Blanks Ready for Bandsaw
|
Here are
the two rough-cut blanks. The next step would be to
draw a circle on top, as illustrated, and then cut it out with the
bandsaw. That circular blank would then be mounted on the
lathe for turning into a bowl or platter.
|
 |
Bodacious Bevy o' Blanks
|
Here are the blanks down in my
workshop. The ends are painted
to prevent checking (splitting while drying).
|
 |
|
Recommended Reading:
|
|
|
|
©
2008
nestlerode.org
Modified on Apr 10, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
