How to turn a bowl in 10 steps

In this video, I will demonstrate how to turn a bowl in 10 steps. Please visit my website at lathedback.com... for these steps in writing along with short clips of each step. These short videos are included on my KZbin channel as well. Please subscribe to see more videos!

[@lawsontreewoodart]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. It amazes me the patronising comments, mansplaining and back seating that women turners seem to get. I mean you’re literally an apprentice of one of the best professional turners left out there. Seems like commenters don’t do their homework before typing.

[@lathedback]

haha! thank you!

[@DennisDolan-fl3mw]

Look at all those comments by people who love your narration and instructions. Plus you have such a pretty voice.

[@danveneski726]

This was an excellent step by step video. Felt like I was watching a Stuart Batty demo!

[@lathedback]

Thank you! What an amazing compliment! I have been his apprentice for a few years now :)

[@DiemenDesign]

Good video. I do things a little differently. When making entry cuts, I like to do so with the flute of the gouge in the closed position, which reduces kickback and catches on entry, then as the cut starts open the flute. When starting a turn as you did, I do so with the blank mounted between centres with what will be the bottom of the bowl towards the tailstock, and start my cuts and shaping the outside from the tailstock to the headstock. This reduces the need to flatten off the top or bottom, or even having to round the blank as you're removing that material anyway & gets the blank into balance sooner, and having to make two holding points, but most importantly removes me from having to be positioned in the line of fire if the blank, or bits of it were to come loose and be shrapnel. It also allows me to move the blank if needed for a better shape or to remove defects. Tailstock in place is always a good idea like you did for security, at least until a piece has the weight removed, and is in balance. Thanks for sharing, I've subscribed as well.

[@lathedback]

Thanks for sharing your methods!

[@DiemenDesign]

@@lathedback No worries, thanks for sharing your journey, and your techniques and thoughts. I picked up a couple things from you. That's what's great, always learning new things, and sharing it with others. I really need to get myself into gear, and get more videos up as well. Running a farm as well, so much to do, so little time, lol.

[@lyndalanthony635]

I do it just a bit differently too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZniaXoqpm8lsj6M & kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4XJqJ5jrt6DqcU You are doing okay so far.

[@jorgegerra2935]

Me gusta me encanta saludos bendiciones

[@jorgegerra2935]

Son unos genios con la madera los felicito saludos bendiciones

[@kenburnette1121]

Very instructive. Like all the info regarding geometry of how to hold the gouge.

[@lathedback]

Thank you very much!

[@dekalbes335]

Those are wonderful lathes , I had just this same model some years ago....but on mine , I had to put a mirror on the wall behind it , so I could see what speeds I was turning at .when needed they hadn't moved it to the front yet. Great turning demo !

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@JamesCouch777]

At 71 I'm a beginner so it's very helpful to get tips instead of just watching someone turning. Thank you!

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@JamesCouch777]

​​@@lathedbackou obviously know your stuff! All the experienced turners make it look so easy but it's surprisingly harder than I ever imagined and very experienced at fabrication but this is a whole new ballgame.

[@benoloughlin8231]

I very much appreciate your commentary and explanation of what you are doing and why. Thank you

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@DennisDolan-fl3mw]

Great instructions. Some of the best I've heard. Thanks. Appreciate it.

[@lathedback]

Awesome, thank you!

[@user-bv1sl3bp5r]

Легко и грациозно! В изящных шортиках! Настоящая леди!!! Похоже, у Вас был хороший учитель. Прекрасная работа!

[@johnpred5460]

Still an amatuer to turning, so I'm always looking for good info and tips. Your video was very useful, informative, and user-friendly. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. Good job and keep it up.thx.

[@lathedback]

thank you!

[@kennethcaine3402]

Great job, beautiful job using the bowl gouge. Thanks for the instructions on turning.

[@lathedback]

Thank you very much!

[@kennethcaine3402]

@lathedback I was very impressed on your skill using the bowl gouge, it was so smooth and clean, keep up the great work and I'm looking forward to you making another video.

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@mickeymelton66]

Good tutorial. Observation/Recommendation…helmeted face shield please all the time. I would be dead twice if not for wearing one. One just never knows when/how it will occur….but it will eventually. I’m 76 y/o and have been turning for 50 years. I was adjusting a blank on the lathe and slowly (under 300 rpm) testing the balance when it unexpectedly split and blew up. A large chunk slammed into my face shield right between the eyes. Please, please. Good video.

[@jakegevorgian]

I can finally see why the long handle is being advocated by female woodturners---it make the body posture such, so that the long hair will not get near the turning objects. You've done an excellent job!

[@lathedback]

That and the leverage!

[@mrmashta1877]

An absolutely brilliant vid. Your explanations of everything (stand - hands etc) is probably as good if not the best online. You are bookmarked to watch again and again. 😉👏👏👏👏👏 (and again)

[@lathedback]

Wow, thanks!

[@randyrockwell6136]

Great video ….. really liked your explanation of steps and techniques used 👍🤠

[@lathedback]

thank you!!

[@johnmitchell1614]

Hello LathedBack, I don't own a moisture meter, so I weigh my rough turned blanks with kitchen scales until they equalise. Nice demo. Best regards. 🙃

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@andrewwaddington7521]

Excellent step by step video presentation. Thank you.

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@RABWOODSHOPSTUDIO]

Well done and well explained

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@fleetswoodshop3339]

HELLO THERE, MY FRIEND. GREAT JOB ON THE TURNING. THE WOOD GRAIN LOOKS GREAT. FROM SUB #537.AKA DOUG. 😀😀

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@billm4560]

Great job explaining how you do things! 👌 Sure got me to subscribe! Thank you for sharing!

[@lathedback]

thank you!

[@59john47]

Thank you, we’ll done. Always good to hear what you’re doing and why. Who makes the very long handled tool and the negative rack scraper. I’m really wanting to see the next step.

[@lathedback]

The handles are by Stuart Batty. He will be selling them again around the end of february. The negative rake scraper is his too and the gouge is either mike mahoney or one way (put in a bolster to work with the handle system)

[@davidk8504]

Very well done and explained. My question is , once you started hollowing out the interior of the bowl, how much time did that take to do? TIA

[@lathedback]

A few minutes :)

[@jimbrock8928]

Amazing that’s way over my head but loved watching the process

[@lathedback]

Haha! Thank you!

[@MickyBellRoberts]

Hi, I came across your channel and am very impressed. I have been given a lathe and will start to learn how to turn. I have subscribed to keep in contact with you.

[@lathedback]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MickyBellRoberts]

@@lathedback You are welcome. Please let me know what you think of my channel, good or bad. Thanks.

[@jimellison3358]

This Hast to be one of the best informative videos I've ever watched. I only have one question with that top you're wearing doesn't the chips drive you nuts. even wear a T-shirt. They bug me, again wonderful video.

[@TournageDubois]

Good video! Always good to talk your way through things. Good explanation and tutorial!

[@lathedback]

Glad you liked it!

[@andyroth9301]

Great video. Thank you!! Can you tell me where you got your face shield / respirator? Model number, etc.

[@lathedback]

It’s by Sundstrom. I’m not sure the model number

[@robertgrealish6246]

Good video. Smart turning.

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@darinschneider8192]

Yay!! New video!!! Nice job at describing the direction of pressure and how you move, etc.. but...that looks alot like your old shop😁

[@lathedback]

are we not friends on Instagram anymore? I made the video a few years ago but never got around to posting it. Also, why haven't we been exchanging witty banter in the last year or so??

[@darinschneider8192]

@@lathedback I don't have Instagram anymore, dropped it and Facebook late summer for mental health reasons 🤯🤯 . I miss our witty banter. ☹️. How's the new life as a mountaineer?

[@lathedback]

@@darinschneider8192 its excellent. Is there a way to private message? we could swap numbers :)

[@darinschneider8192]

@@lathedback I didn't see a way 😧 but I can send you a message through your website, right? Cause I'm pretty sure you're dying to know how the squirrels are doing 🤣🤣

[@threestarfancywoodworks1902]

youtube.com/@threestarfancywoodworks1902

[@kevincostelloe4463]

Great demonstration…thanks!

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@s.l.makuka9219]

Very informative step by step video with great descriptions of the process and of your techniques. My only suggestion would be to always wear the proper safety equipment when turning. You were not wearing a face shield in the beginning of the video, then later you were not wearing safety glasses and your face shield was not in place, so you were totally unprotected. Also, you should refrain from wearing jewelry or a wrist watch when turning. I say these not to criticize but to help you teach your viewers good safety practices. I commend you for a well produced and informative video. Thank you!

[@raycarnis9540]

I don't think it's the first rodeo...

[@lathedback]

Thank you for your input!

[@lawsontreewoodart]

Not sure how a watch could ever be an issue its always behind your hand and plenty of professional turners seem to wear them.

[@richardhampton9670]

Great work and great equipment - tell me more about your mask please, I have allergies and need filtered air / thanks Dick Hampton from Denver NC

[@lathedback]

It’s a Sundstrom respirator :)

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Well done with very good explanation!

[@lathedback]

Thank you!!

[@AaronFriendStudio]

good video, clear and to the point

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@timbutler3733]

Nice demo, good job

[@lathedback]

Thanks!

[@jontoolman]

Thanks for sharing. Could you let us know what size gouges you are using and who the manufacturer is? Always curious about gouges and what grinds you use. Thank you!

[@lathedback]

I use 1/2" and 5/8" bowl gouges. I like Stuart Batty handles and Mahoney gouges. I grind the bowl gouge at 40 degrees and the bottom bowl gouge at 60 degrees

[@raydriver7300]

Nice video. Thank you for sharing 🌞

[@lathedback]

Thank you!!

[@LohmdesBois]

Thanks for this vidéo ! Very cool 👍🏻

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@user-dz5fd6hd1e]

Love the video. Cringed when I saw the belt. If that caught it would pull your midsection into the lathe in an instant. Please consider doing something with the floppy loose ends.

[@noelgreen9381]

Good video. Hope there will be more. I subscribed.

[@lathedback]

Thank you!!

[@jeanlong4285]

Great video, what kind of tools are you using? Can you swap different cutters in one handle? They look like Ashley Harwood tools. If so, how do you like them? I keep looking at and trying to decide if they are worth the cost.

[@lathedback]

I am using Stuart Batty handles and a some of his tools, some sorby, mahoney, oneway. I put the tool in an SB bolster and it can screw onto any handle. His tool line is on pause but should be up and running soon. I haven't used Ashley's tools but Stuart's are definitely worth the cost!

[@billy19461]

Where did you get the scraper that you used on the outside of the bowl at 13.23 of the video. Got yourself a new subscription. Loved the video.

[@lathedback]

It's from Stuart Batty's tool line and I got it at Woodworkers Emporium (which is closed now). Stuart is going to start making tools again soon though. But, you can just take any scraper and grind 20 degrees on each side to make a negative rake scraper!

[@sallyweiner4180]

Wonderful!!! Thank you!

[@lathedback]

Thank you!!!

[@clydeschuyler]

Great info. Thanks for posting it.

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@bobtheaccountant2534]

Not many turners go from right hand to left hand during turning. I’ve always been told not to do that but I find it more comfortable and easier to get in proper position. I’m also happy to see you wearing pants while turning. 😂

[@lathedback]

😉

[@JuanGarcia-1125]

EXCELENTE! MERECIDÍCIMO LIKE AMIGA!

[@PatLap]

Nice video! 😌👍🏼

[@michaeldennison3548]

Great video. Very instructional. What type of chuck do you use?

[@lathedback]

thank you! I use a vicmarc chuck

[@denizcakmakoglu436]

Harika. Ellerinize sağlık.👏👏👏👍

[@danahopkins4090]

A really good tutorial! It seems to me that your bowl gouge is so long that you are in an uncomfortable position when you are trying to hold the far end.

[@lathedback]

Thank you! The handle is interchangeable with other handles. I like the long handle for leverage but I can change it to a shorter one when needed!

[@resadhelic7313]

J

[@bhaktamahara9245]

verry nise work

[@lathedback]

Thank you very much

[@GaryGlass-DriftwoodTurner]

Nicely done, new subscriber

[@lathedback]

Thank you!!!

[@peterramaekers3037]

Nice video, but i need to ask a question, in the first 3 minutes or so the bottom side is flatted with some sheercutting, why? What i do is to flatten the area where the bottom of the bowl will be, not more because that will be turned away anyway. A nice rough bowl it is!! Keep turning and filming!!

[@lathedback]

I'm not sure if I understand your question but in the beginning of the video, I even out the face of the bowl so I can cut an even recess. I then flip it over and attached the blank by the recess so I can them remove the tailstock to turn the bottom and outside of the bowl. Hope that answers your question!

[@peterramaekers3037]

@@lathedback Yes i understand, but i do never even the face completely, just where the recess is and a little more. Thanks!!

[@matthewwright57]

Did you take one of Ashley's classes? Your technique is great.

[@lathedback]

I took a 3 day class back in 2019 with her but I have been apprenticing with Stuart Batty (it's his technique) for the last few years!

[@matthewwright57]

@@lathedback I just took Ashley's class last week and the way you hold your hands and go through the bowl was like a class refresher! Glad to see you on KZbin showing how to do it right!

[@akoytsoypakis]

great work..

[@lathedback]

Thank you!

[@kevinparker4160]

Looks like you took an Ashley Harwood class. Very nice

[@lathedback]

I have but it's actually Stuart Batty's method. I have been apprenticing with him for the last few years!

[@kevinparker4160]

@@lathedback oh that’s so cool. You’re living my dream. I use this method as well but I’m not lucky enough to have learned it in person, only videos. I hope to see more videos from you soon.

[@lathedback]

@@kevinparker4160 if you're ever in colorado, let me know! In person instruction is so helpful!

[@wayner6494]

Really good job for a girl. I just found your channel and subscribed as I do with all woodturners that I find. I hope you have thick skin, too many good turners give up their channels when they get harsh criticism or they struggle to get their number up. I hope you have what it takes to survive on here. I am curious about the negative rake scraper you were using, where did you find it? Keep turning.

[@lathedback]

The negative rake scraper is a tool by Stuart Batty. He stopped making them a few years ago but is starting the tool line up again soon!

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Good video.

[@lathedback]

Thanks!

[@apriln2108]

What are you wearing for protection?

[@lathedback]

Sundstrom respirator

[@nirmalsarkar659]

I am a carpenter I want this job.

[@fernandoalonso5743]

muy bueno😂

[@randywood8658]

I like that wood 🪵 😊 good jobThank for 😊sharing

[@lathedback]

Thanks for watching!

[@lurereviews5164]

What Lathe is that?

[@lathedback]

Powermatic 2020b with a long extension!

[@nemoemanon6679]

If I held a bowl gouge with my thumb in the flute I would eventually get cramping in my thumb adductors. Why do yo do this?

[@lathedback]

When I put my thumb in the flute and then wrap my finger around the other side and pull gently down, it provides almost equal pressure pulling down so I am not rotating the gouge one way or the other when I'm not meaning to.

[@MarkThompson-ms5wn]

great watching you

[@lathedback]

thank you!

[@kugeldrechsler866]

The worst way in handling the gauge i've seen ever. The grip of both hands are dangerous!! You should'nt show your method to beginners !! Sorry 👎

[@lathedback]

Thanks for your feedback. If you post a video of yourself turning, please let me know. I’d love to see an alternate method! Until then, I’ll stick with the method my mentor, Stuart Batty, taught me 😊

[@threestarfancywoodworks1902]

Nice 👍👍🙂 you

[@lathedback]

thank you!

[@ChrisLFSutton]

The lack of a face shield and gloves is not safe.

[@lathedback]

can you not see the face shield?

[@nigellee9824]

Why make hard work for yourself….all the excess wood should’ve been taken off on the band saw…

[@lathedback]

I don’t have a bandsaw 😉

[@robertcornelius3514]

Oh no. Please tell me you don't have the same Producer as Ashly Hardwood. That turned out to be a disaster for her.

[@lathedback]

Nope. I’m a one woman shop 😁

[@MOTHERTURTLE]

What happened to Ashley? I’ve missed her!

[@robertcornelius3514]

@@MOTHERTURTLE Don't know and don't care. She was made out to be some experienced turner and watching all of her rookie mistakes made us quit watching her.

[@jonperley7304]

First step go out and spend 4000 dollars!!!

[@lathedback]

Haha! Second step, head straight down the rabbit hole!