DIY Network

Polychromatic Bowl Polychromatic Bowl From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-105

Figure A

A grand total of 66 pieces of wood come together to form this striking polychromatic bowl as master woodturner Dave Hout demonstrates to student Vince DeWitt more techniques for turning on a lathe (figure A).

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Tools
1/2" bowl gouge
Parting tool
Scraper with adjustable tip
Wood segments or wood kit
Glue

	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

1. The wood pieces have to be precisely cut to make sure the joints are tight. The pieces are very thin, about 1/4" when finished; if the joints aren't fitted together tightly, the glue could easily loosen during turning.

2. All wood surfaces that touch must be completely covered in glue. Glue the pieces together in pairs, place on plastic sheeting to dry, then assemble the pieces into rings and glue together (figure B). When the individual rings are dry, they can be stacked and glued together, forming the center of the bowl (figure C).

3. The top is made up of a series of rings with layers of veneer between the colors, providing additional interest and color.

4. The layers of rings are turned in sections, a little bit at a time. Building to the top is an easier option than having to turn deep inside the bowl cavity.

5. Begin by putting a cone center on the lathe, bringing it up against the face to provide additional support.

6. Starting with a bowl gouge, use a slicing cut on the outside surface to begin shaping the wood; this is very dry wood, not the green wood often used for bowls, and it requires a lighter touch with the tools (figure D).

7. Because of the number of joints and the amount of glue used, tools need to be sharpened frequently.

8. When turning, keep in mind the largest part of the bowl: the middle should be shaped first, then turn the top and the bottom (figure E).

9. As a finishing cut, roll the tool on its side and still using the bevel, come across the piece to smooth the surface (figure F).

10. Remove the cone and move the tool rest to the top of the center section of the piece. The top surface has to be very flat before the top section is glued in place. Check the surface by laying the tool across the surface to see if it is turned smooth.