Unsanded Bowl

[Cwalker935]

I know that my turning techniques are not as strong as they should be so I have decided to participate in a challenge to turn a bowl using a single bowl gouge with no sanding. My plan is to turn several practice pieces. This is my first practice piece with a single coat of lacquer to highlight the grain. Turned from a seasoned walnut blank. I think this will be a very beneficial exercise for me. I will go back and sand and finish this bowl later.

 

[Dieseldoc]

Taking a good close up look at the end grain on your bowl shows very little grain tear out which is a good thing. Did you use the bowl gouge in a shear cut for the final cuts??

Great work.

 

[Cwalker935]

Taking a good close up look at the end grain on your bowl shows very little grain tear out which is a good thing. Did you use the bowl gouge in a shear cut for the final cuts??

Great work.

Thanks, I did use the bowl gouge to make shear cuts at the end.

 

[leehljp]

I didn't know that one could get a smooth finish without sanding but I found myself in a situation that demanded smoothing without sandpaper. After a few tries and super sharp tool, I was able to do that, and I posted the process here. Then I learned from some older bowl turners that "yes it can be done and done well". Before the wise older couple of guys affirmed my discovery, there were a couple of nays to the process. Most Anything is possible if one keeps trying.

I use a scraper but scrapers don't do well on soft woods. In these cases (soft wood), I will apply some thick CA or lacquer and let them cure, then come back and turn smooth again. Sometimes it needs a repeat of CA or lacquer.

Walnut sap wood can be on the soft side. Love the contrast!

 

[Charlie_W]

Looking very good right off the tool Cody!

You can wet the bowl with a spray bottle /Water before that the last few cuts/scrapes. You will be surprised how much this can help!