The bottom block of the bowl is waste and should be turned away, leaving only a small portion for the chuck to hold onto as the base is shaped and narrowed.
Steps1. As with the top and center of the bowl, the curve of the sides determines the bottom of the bowl (figure A). 2. Finish with a shearing cut; the tool is on its edge, rolling into the wood for a lighter cut (figure B). 3. Sand with a drill fitted with a spinning sandpaper disc (figure C). Begin with 100-grit sandpaper, repeat the sanding with 150-grit and finish with 220-grit. The first grit sands away the tool marks and imperfections, and the later grits sand away smaller imperfections.
4. Since this is not a utilitarian piece that will hold water, finish with a quick-drying spray lacquer (figure D). The lacquer will bring out the color and shape of the wood, in addition to protecting the surface. Apply several light coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.5. Buff to a sheen with nonwoven abrasive pads. 6. Put the tool rest back in place and use the parting tool to remove the bowl from the lathe. The tool should be angled slightly so the bottom isn't flat but has a slightly concave shape. Be prepared to catch the bowl as it parts from the waste wood (figure E).
7. Remove any excess fibers from the base of the bowl with a carving chisel.
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