Handcrafted Bowls

[doug1980]

I've been turning bowls like crazy for a local knife maker. He gives me $50 a bowl but the decorative bowls I make I can get $100- $150 each. I bought my lathe 2 months ago and absolutely love it.

My lathe

Some bowls and a serving platter

 

[Love the 1911]

Those look great. What was your total start-up cost, if you don't mind me asking? Where do you purchase the wood? Keep it up!

 

[doug1980]

Thanks. I bought the lathe and tools for $800. The wood I get for free since most of it is just fire wood.

 

[doubleshock]

QUESTION: I HAVE A TURNED BOWL THAT I PURCHASED AT A YARD SALE YEARS AGO. I USE IT QUITE OFTEN AT HOME AND WHILE CAMPING TO EAT OUT OF(JETHRO BODINE STYLE!) WHAT DO YOU USE TO TREAT THE WOOD WITH TO KEEP IT H2O PROOF AND MOISTUREIZED? MINE TENDS TO DRY OUT AND DOES NOT LOOK AS GOOD AS IT USED TO. THANKS, DOUBLESHOCK PS. YOUR CRAFTSMANSHIP APPEARS EXCELLENT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

 

[Naptown]

QUESTION: I HAVE A TURNED BOWL THAT I PURCHASED AT A YARD SALE YEARS AGO. I USE IT QUITE OFTEN AT HOME AND WHILE CAMPING TO EAT OUT OF(JETHRO BODINE STYLE!) WHAT DO YOU USE TO TREAT THE WOOD WITH TO KEEP IT H2O PROOF AND MOISTUREIZED? MINE TENDS TO DRY OUT AND DOES NOT LOOK AS GOOD AS IT USED TO. THANKS, DOUBLESHOCK PS. YOUR CRAFTSMANSHIP APPEARS EXCELLENT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Yes, I would also like to know what type of finish you are using and are they durable?

 

[pjcalla]

QUESTION: I HAVE A TURNED BOWL THAT I PURCHASED AT A YARD SALE YEARS AGO. I USE IT QUITE OFTEN AT HOME AND WHILE CAMPING TO EAT OUT OF(JETHRO BODINE STYLE!) WHAT DO YOU USE TO TREAT THE WOOD WITH TO KEEP IT H2O PROOF AND MOISTUREIZED? MINE TENDS TO DRY OUT AND DOES NOT LOOK AS GOOD AS IT USED TO. THANKS, DOUBLESHOCK PS. YOUR CRAFTSMANSHIP APPEARS EXCELLENT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Butcher block oil. It does wonders on the wood butcher blocks as well as those old ratty-looking wooden spoons, etc.

Here is a link. You can find it cheaper at different stores. Just make sure it's "food safe."

Sur La Table Butcher Block Oil at Sur La Table

And, I agree, those bowls look great! Nice work!

 

[doug1980]

I use walnut oil mixed with beeswax for food safe bowls. I also use various wipe on polyurethanes and lacquers.

 

[eldirector]

Very nice! My father-in-law is into bowl-turning in a BIG way. I've got TONS of his stuff around the house. Bowls, plates, candle-sticks, napkin rings, etc.... The old coot has at least 2 tons of wood stacked in his garage and basement. I helped him bring an entire oak tree home once (cut and stacked in my pickup - not fun). He actually stops the car when on vacation and picks up logs/branches on the side of the road.

His latest trick has been to use a turquoise paste as in inlay or to fill cracks/knots. Looks pretty slick. I'll try to find picks....

 

[Anonymous]

Great looking bowls!

 

[spasmo]

Those are beautiful bowls. I'd like buy a lathe but I already have so many tools that I don't play with enough.

I would like to know how to do everything but there's just not enough time in a day.

 

[Titanium Man]

A buddy of mine got into pottery. Kinda of expensive start up costs also, but they are pretty cool also.

Keep up the artwork!! Nice stuff!!

 

[hornadylnl]

I know a guy who hand cuts bowls. He uses mayonnaise to coat them.

 

[doug1980]

Got a few more done today.

This one checked more than I expected, but I was able to turn it albeit very carefully.

This one ended up having rot all over, but still made a decent bowl.

Clean side of the same bowl

 

[Menace67]

Those are awesome good work