Using the bowlsaw for the first time

Published Jan. 14, 2009 at 11:35 a.m.

My first attempt using Dick Steuss’s bowlsaw was a great experience for me...I had prepared my 6 1/2” blank in anticipation of the bowlsaw arriving, the easy to follow instructions of his web site www.bowlsaw.com was
enough to get me started...After rounding the blank I shaped the outside of the bigger bowl but unlike
the instructions instead of drilling the hole for the chuck I left the sacrifice wood (correct me if I got the name
wrong) see 2nd Pic...I then turned the blank around, securing it in the chuck and commenced to cut the grove with a parting tool (about 1/2” wide) to the required depth, finishing this with a flat 1/2” skew, then shaped the bottom of the smaller bowl leaving the grip piece for the chuck...3rd Pic.

A few days later the bowlsaw arrived and it was straight to the shed...Turning the lathe speed down to the lowest revs possible (mine was about 500rpm), I checked to make sure the bowlsaw fitted in the grove, needed a slight widening, making sure the saw is at the bottom of the grove I hand turned the bowl to make the initial contact with the wood, moving bowl back and forth to start a small cut...Then resting the bowlsaw on the toolrest, holding firmly with the right hand I turned on the lathe, now holding the saw with both hands started the contact and slowly started the cut...Slowly but surely the saw completed the cut leaving a small contact piece of wood holding both bowls together...After turning off the lathe the bowls were seperated by a slight tap with the rubber mallet and for the first time I have two bowls from the one blank with minimum waste of wood...Big bowl back on the chuck for final clean up and then the small bowl was hollowed out...I think there would have been a possible third bowl but would have been quite small.

The smaller bowl is about 4 1/2” diam. and I made a fitted lid and finial for this...This is great tool for the hobby turner, I have found it safe and nothing to be frightened off although I must admit I was a bit edgy when turning on the lathe while holding one handed...I would recommend this to any wood turner, not only is it a easy tool to use but the wood saved pays for itself...Glad to answer any questions about it.

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