UFO Bowl From Scrap Wood Found in a Skip! by AMC77

A friend scored me some wood he found in a skip, I set about making it into something more than just firewood!

I measure the maximum usable diameter and score a circle onto the blank.

My score lines not very clear so I just freehand a pencil line on my mark.

I cut up to my line across the flats making relief cuts, it's safer and less strain on the bandsaw.

I follow my score/pencil line, keeping my fingers well away from the sharp bits!

The blanks now ready for the lathe.

With the blank mounted between centers on the lathe I start by truing up the side and base.

Now the base is flat I score a line the width of my chuck jaws using calipers.

I cut in upto my score mark then dovetail the mortise to match up to my chuck jaws.

Now I shape the base of my bowl and get it as smooth as I can.

Now I mount the bowl onto the chuck, remove the tailstock and start shaping the top.

My gouge isn't cutting as clean, time for some sharpening.

That's better, the shavings are flying now!
While I'm on a roll, I start hollowing out.

I use a precisely cut piece of wood placed on the lathe bed against the headstock which measures the distance from the headstock to chuck jaws. Then using a square and rule I can work out the depth of my bowls and see how things are going.

Here I use the toolrest to guide my finger as I flatten out the inside of the bowl

I work my way through the grits and add a burn line in the rim using a scrap sliver of wood.

I need to reverse the bowl, I use a hockey puck in the chuck to protect the inside of my bowl and bring the tailstock up to turn the mortise away.

I chisel the remaining nub off the middle of the base, stamp my mark on and apply a coat of bees wax.