Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Green Bowl in a Hurry?
George Van
>We have a benefit for a neighbor who has cancer to raise funds on Saturday. I was hoping to be able to turn and finish a 12� approximate bowl from green (as I have no dry blanks) to donate to the raffle.
Is this possible? A guide line would be very helpful as well as a suggested finish.
Thanks, George
Re: Green Bowl in a Hurry?
Richard Allen
>No problem George. Just turn the bowl thin, 1/8" woudl be about right.
Work in stages, about an inch at a time, starting at the rim.
Give it a couple of days to dry. Kiss the bowl to see if it's dry. If the bowl is cool to the kiss then it is still wet. You can spend a little time with a blow dryer to encourage drying.
Sand by hand and use whatever finish you like. A fast finish, because you are on a deadline, like shelac or laquer would work. But I have also used tung oil finishes and buffed them the next day to good effect.
You should be able to find a dry board somewhere that is suitable for a plate or platter.
Re: Green Bowl in a Hurry? *LINK*
RevDoug
>One technique that I use is to finish turn the green bowl, sand through the grits, and then boil it for at least an hour. You will then have to hand sand the entire piece through the grits again, but it will not crack (none of mine ever have) and the warpage will be reduced. It will be pretty well dry in 24-36 hours and you can apply what ever finish you care to. This method works particularly well with natural edged bowls, enhancing the primitive look as the piece warps.
Turn 'em round,
RevDoug
Wood Spun Round
Re: Green Bowl in a Hurry?
John Lucas
>George
I've turned quite a few to 1/4" or slightly thicker and dried them in the Microwave. They will dry by themselves in about 3 days or so. The foot warps a little and has to be sanded flat but whenever I need a bowl last minute that's the technique I use. I've only ruined one. It had a sap pocket inside the wood and it turned to steam. I now use lower power and never heat the bowl more than I can touch with my hands.
Re: Green Bowl in a Hurry?
George Van
>Thanks for all the good information. Your help is greatly appreciated. I will have one ready for the benefit on Saturday.
I have the blank mounted between centers and I will start as soon as I finish this reply.
George
Re: Green Bowl in a Hurry?
e
>turn a natural edge bowl and let it distort naturally ... movement will only add to the natural shape