Sir: I have some salvaged logs from my arborist and from by back yard, redwood, beech, pecan, apple, etc. I want to use this wood for turning bowls and other turning projects. If using it for bowls I would like to take a 12 inch cross cut then split that for two bowl blanks. With this 12 inch blank how large of a bowl will I get? Or if I wanted a 12 inch bowl how long of a log should I cut off of the initial log? I am a novice at turning and have read a few books on turning but no one ever answered this question. Thanks, MH.
Discussion Forum
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialCategories
Discussion Forum
Digital Plans Library
Member exclusive! – Plans for everyone – from beginners to experts – right at your fingertips.
Highlights
-
Shape Your Skills
when you sign up for our emails
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. -
Shop Talk Live Podcast -
Our favorite articles and videos -
E-Learning Courses from Fine Woodworking
-
-
Replies
MH,
You've got the right idea, but you've got the details slightly wrong.
Measure the diameter of the log and then cut off a piece of the log as long as the diameter. For example: if the log was 10 inches across the end, you would cut off a 10 inch piece of the log which would give you two blanks that would allow you to make 10 inch diameter bowls about 4 inches deep after flattening the side for mounting on a faceplate.
For a 12 inch diameter bowl you will need a log at least 12 inches in diameter, but preferably a bit larger to make up for the thickness of the bark and some shaping of the outside of the bowl.
You've got a nice assortment of wood species to choose from.
John White
Edited 4/10/2008 4:29 pm ET by JohnWW
Thank you very much, MH.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled