Board to a Vase

All woodturners have limitations. Those constraints can be equipment or our body. An attraction of this project is that it does not require a chain saw, heavy lifting, an extensive shop, deep hollowing tools, a truck, or a strong back. Only a lathe and a basic set of turning tools are required. 

The idea is to glue up a vase blank rather than turning it from a solid block of wood. A glass tube insert allows you to use the vase with water. No need to hollow. 

While the completed vase will be 8”, this technique permits scaling up or down. Regardless of the size, no hollowing is required. 

Instructions will be given on the proper use of a spindle roughing gouge, a bowl gouge, and drilling in a safe manner. The group will also be exposed to variation in design, and we will work on training the eye to see good form.

Variations in finishing techniques will be explored. 

Most woodturners start life as woodworkers. This is an excellent transition project for the change. 

This project will be one of the featured articles in the February 2021 issue of the American Woodturner.