Subscribe to Print Subscribe to Digital Give as a Gift Renew Now Subscriber Services
Free Product Guide >>
The article in the Feb/March 2012 Issue on "Free-Form Bowls" presented some excellent alternatives for unique wood chunks rather than just firewood. Since I have a lot of that available - I cut and split my own firewood- this sounds like a fun project.
However, though I have a pretty well stocked workshop, there are tools that Mr. Fink uses that I don't have like an angle grinder, a compass hollowing plane, and a low-angle wooden-bodied shave.
Any thoughts or suggestions about alternative tools to use?
Thanks.
Cindyz, The tools I use evolved over a period of years working in other disciplines, particularly chairs where I adapted the use of tools that are often used for saddling a seat. The traditional method of bowl making was done with a hand adz or a more modern, sleeker sculptor's adz. I have even used a gutter adz on very large bowls. Eventually working my way to gouges. Trying to make a living using only traditional tools is difficult because it is it slow.
Shaping the outside of your bowl can be done with hand planes, draw knives, large chisels and gouges. Like I mentioned, interiors can be wasted with an adze and refined with gouges.
However, a grinder is a very modest investment. Off brands can be had for $15.00 or less at times. Donut wheels are expensive, but fast. effective and long lasting. Compass planes, scorps, shaves and other tools are techniques "I've" developed, so other than a guide, don't limit yourself.
One thing the article doesn't mention is that the wood will tell you where to go. Your job is a compromise between displaying the beauty of the wood and how best to get there. wm