Bowls From Boards -- Simple technique, spectacular turnings

A simple technique opens up a world of possibilities for creating figured and patterned bowls. Nick demonstrates a simple jig that slices a board into rings, then glues those rings together to make turning stock for a bowl. This not only saves time and wood, it allows you to create remarkable, eye-catching lathe turnings from scraps.
The plans for the jigs and fixtures used in this video are available from
our store at workshopcompan... .This project plan also includes and in-depth explanation of the band saw and turning techniques, as well as the figuring necessary to determine the correct dimensions and angles for the rings, PLUS plans for the assembly table (shown in the video) and a virtual calculator that will do all the figuring for you! The plans for the bowls and the assembly table are in PDF format, while the virtual calculator is an XLS file that will run on most spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel.
To see all of our videos and SUBSCRIBE for more, see: / workshopcompanion
Also visit the WORKSHOP COMPANION GENERAL STORE where we offer a wide selection of Nick's BOOKS and PROJECT PLANS in digital format: workshopcompan...
Pick up one of Nick’s books FREE just for visiting!
To follow us on social media, try:
FACEBOOK - / workshopcompanion
INSTAGRAM - / workshop_companion
For our non-English-speaking viewers: Closed captions can be set to any language. Click on “CC” (Closed Captions) at the bottom of the screen to turn them on. Click on the gear (Settings) and a menu appears. Click on “Subtitles/CC” and another menu will appear. Click on “Auto Translate” and a menu of languages will appear. Click on the language you want for the closed captions and you will be returned to the video -- closed captions will appear in the language you have chosen. If these captions cover up some of the action, place the cursor over the captions, press and hold the left mouse button, then drag the captions to where you want them on your screen. Release the mouse buttons and they’ll stay there.
Para nuestros espectadores que no hablan inglés: los subtítulos se pueden configurar en cualquier idioma. Haga clic en "CC" (Subtítulos) en la parte inferior de la pantalla para activarlos. Haga clic en el engranaje (Configuración) y aparecerá un menú. Haga clic en "Subtítulos/CC" y aparecerá otro menú. Haga clic en "Traducir automáticamente" y aparecerá un menú de idiomas. Haga clic en el idioma que desea para los subtítulos y volverá al video; los subtítulos aparecerán en el idioma que haya elegido. Si estos subtítulos cubren parte de la acción, coloque el cursor sobre los subtítulos, presione y mantenga presionado el botón izquierdo del mouse, luego arrastre los subtítulos a donde quiera que estén en su pantalla. Suelte los botones del mouse y permanecerán allí.
Our Music is Licensed through Epidemic Sounds - www.epidemicso...
And thank you so much for your time and interest!

[@julietardos5044]

Wow, this is so great. I watched another video that just showed the process without explanation. This is the kind of thing they should teach kids in math class to make math more interesting. And have wood shop in all high schools and middle schools. I would have loved to have made a bowl like this in school.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Years ago, I started building airplanes with kids precisely because the slow elimination of shop classes in American schools seemed like a massive mistake. Despite the drift towards an information economy, many people still "think with their hands." And why wouldn't we? Our marvelously articulated hands and huge brain evolved concurrently -- half of the motor cortex on the surface of the brain is used to control our hands. Furthermore woodworking is built on math -- measurement, geometry, trigonometry. One can easily make the case that math class and shop class are two sides of the same coin. Working with your hands strengthens, grows, and refines your intelligence. This isn't just my opinion; read Frank Wilson's "The Hand."

[@julietardos5044]

@@WorkshopCompanion It's true. People are constantly doing things with their hands. Even smokers who quit say that they can't figure out what to do with their hands now that they don't have that cigarette. My public library has The Hand. I'll check it out! Thank you!

[@georgejacovides9923]

I have watched many videos on KZbin, but this must be one of the best I have ever seen. Your clarity of explaining the whole process is unsurpassed. It is not only crystal, but it has entertainment value with your humour and the rhythm of your narrative. Absolutely fantastic. Not only that, I love the bowls you make. Has inspired me to attempt to make one myself. Has made my day.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@trolleyproblem7195]

"Goes all Harbour Freight on us" 😆

[@cyrilnorrie8450]

Incredible! I can't imagine how much time you put in while perfecting this technique. Thanks for sharing your method. This is so generous of you as we can benefit from all of your efforts.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@connorharriger1839]

Shout out to Travis who works so hard behind the scenes to help make these videos work. He's one giant lad!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

In more ways than one. He's 6'4", to be exact. Or 193 cm, to be exact in metric.

[@JimMoss-OGOAB]

A great video very well explained and with some fantastic results. Thanks for the educational share.

[@JamesSmeda]

The best woodworking drummer I’ve ever watched.

[@rogerparkington3837]

Great presentation! One of the best woodturning videos that I have seen in a long time.

[@georgevalente4223]

Way way to complicated. Who is going to made the gig to made the bowl...wood pie?😮

[@georgevalente4223]

Another gig😂

[@austinjohn8713]

very refreshing to listen to an expert with excellent presentation skills teach you how to do something

[@JackpineGandy]

If it will hold water, it's a bowl. If it doesn't...it's art. This is a splendid lesson! Also pleased to see a Shopsmith in action.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@lloydwilliams2911]

Genius!. A real craftsman

[@woodshopnerdery]

This video is a gift. It's plain to see that you put an extraordinary amount of work into this. You keep topping yourselves. I use the plural because I assume Travis had some part in this achievement. Sure, sure the woodworking here is top notch and infinitely inspirational, but Nick set that bar very high in that domain a long time ago. The accomplishment that stands out to me is the continued improvements in meticulous organization and presentation the of the instructional material. And the massive degree of production work in the form of scripting, shot setups, re-takes, edits and so forth just blows me away. Your best video prior to this one was was the Router video, which you may recall I commented that it reminded me of the films of Charles and Ray Eames because of it's use of whimsy to convey the educational material. I have no clue what to compare this one to, but it is master level work for sure.

[@WoodworkingDaddy]

Fantastic video! Informative and entertaining. And thank you for not inserting dozens of short movie clips as so many other KZbinrs do.

[@stevehogg]

Best I've seen for board to bowls! Getting the plans and calculator now. Thanks!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome. Enjoy.

[@martinlouden9005]

Thanks Nick. That's given me great inspiration for some Christmas presents!

[@shaunhayward]

"The cambium goes all Harbour Freight." Hahaha!!!!!! Your videos are as entertaining as they are informative. Love it.

[@mmusgrove]

This was an epic episode. Not for beginners. There's so much to learn in this one video, I don't know where to begin, but this is something I now want to do.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying...and good luck.

[@linsen8890]

I bought a lathe not long ago, and I've been watching a ton of videos on different woodturning projects. I really love this one, as I've been thinking about turning some bowls, but one thing I don't like about "typical" wood bowl turning is how much beautiful (and expensive) wood gets turning into shavings and sawdust. This method makes much more efficient use of the wood and allows for amazing patterns. The cost, of course, is the trouble of making the calculations, making jigs, and cutting the rings. For some people, it might not be worth it, but I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for this awesome video.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@carldombek922]

Very well done! Thanks for your time, effort and guidance.

[@amphihill]

Well done. Thanks for a superb video. Your methods and personality are wonderful

[@alpell2547]

Excellent teaching

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@tedblack2288]

Very professional, and instructive. It is a refreshing change to all those videos which make us watch the entire process. You assumed your viewers were intelligent and able to fill in the boring details! Well Done!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Woodworking tends to be a thinking man's craft; I have no doubt the vast majority of my audience has the three-dimensional imagination needed to fill in what is implied. Thanks for the kind words.

[@nathanstafford8412]

I gotta start describing more things that make me mad using the phrase "losing my religion"

[@richardmruk575]

What a great teacher .. a gift to woodturners.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@maggiec4777]

You’re like the Albert Einstein of the carpentry world! I love it! You have the BEST videos! I’m so thankful you exist!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Me too.

[@evelinelebourgeois7788]

Magnifique. Je découvre votre chaîne. J'ai appris en 15 min beaucoup d'informations. Je vais vous suivre avec beaucoup d'intérêt. Merci et vous êtes un grand pédagogue

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Je vous remercie pour vos aimables paroles.

[@mattedwards4533]

I wish you were my teacher when I was taking industrial arts in school! You touched all the bases! Thanks!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@stewartmcmanus3991]

Fantastic. Best video on this subject on the net. No more excuses, time to get in the garage and turn something..

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@gigaphonicon]

I absolutely love your approach to teaching thank you I can't wait to try this out

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome -- and good luck.

[@mandardk]

Amazing!! Hats off!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@kas7408]

thank you for your honesty and authenticity. Its pleasure to see that u dont have any foxtail under ur armpit

[@LindsayFamily]

Phenomenal! I have a board prepared for making into my first bowl from a board. Even after reviewing quite a few other KZbin videos, I still had many questions regarding angles and distances. This video answered them all. I greatly appreciate you sharing the formulas, as I am very familiar with Excel and may create my own tool. Then again, your calculator price is very reasonable. I'll probably just buy it and save the time. - I don't have a bandsaw, so I'll be cutting on the lathe. But some day I'll have a bandsaw and your jig will be perfect. - Thanks again.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

There's a tool called the Ringmaster which was made just to do this. I have one; it works great; but I went the band saw route with the video because more viewers have a band saw than a Ringmaster. But if you're going to do a lot of these, it may be worth the investment. Gets rid of the saw kerf.

[@sbs128]

What a wonderful video. Not only is the subject and detail great but your presentation is awesome. My friend and I will be trying this shortly. Thank you

[@Jawsjawsjawsrg]

Not even haft way done and loving it. I can see that you love what you do. Packed with information, but not stiff. Filled with a lot of fun, like a weekend class with the guys. Well done.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@codystanfill9633]

Wow! Amazing instruction and so very well articulated. Thank you so much for your instruction!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@raydriver7300]

With the utmost respect to Gary Ascher over at The papa 1947, that was a brilliant explanation. I have, just about, managed to turn a couple of bowls from boards using just my lathe but failed when cutting them on my bandsaw. Maybe I’ll have another go? I know I’m a few years behind but thank you for sharing 🌞🌞

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@TomDanaher]

You are like the Einstein of woodworking.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Is it the hair?

[@ehengle]

Loved your cambium layer note - I laughed and snorted out loud!

[@wavemancali]

I inherited a lathe from a friend, this video makes me want to use it for the first time. Just amazing.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@JOHNSmith-pn6fj]

Fantastic video. And an excellent explanation on how to turn a bowl into a board.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@bobwebberkc]

Awesome I have good success using bowl gouges ! Thanks Nick!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I'm glad you mentioned that. Just yesterday, I was at an event staged by the Ohio Designer Craftsmen and their were several professional turners here who were making ring bowls. Most agreed that rings pose a serious challenge and the inexperienced turner. However, they also said ring bowls could be turned with a properly sharpened bowl gouge and a good deal of practice. I was told to use a thumbnail grind (cut the ears back) and remove a good deal of metal from under the nose so the bevel at the tip was no more than 1/8" (3 mm) wide. Haven't tried it yet -- anything to add?

[@smodiddley]

Dude is amazing

[@reapertutorials1947]

Brilliant, ill never be able to replicate it, but still, its fun to watch! You're a true Pro!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Don't sell yourself short. It really is as easy as I make it look. But thanks just the same.

[@andrebourque2165]

beautiful work and now I have band saw envy!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks, but you should know that there is a tool called a "Ringmaster" that will do this without a band saw. Or you can grind a parting tool to make it about 1/16" (1.5 mm) wide and cut angled rings with that. Takes some skill, but it's not all that difficult.

[@pierrechalopin5222]

Wow, what a great tutorial and so many ideas! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@davidevans4609]

I love that you give the measurements in mm.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I have to be bilingual. Almost two thirds of our global audience speaks metric.

[@benjaminkline7301]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@lwoodt1]

Excellent video on the subject Nick. Thank you for this.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@alfredoleiser]

EXCELLENT EXPLANATION, THANK YOU VERY MUCH, YOU ARE A VERY GOOD TEACHER

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@bobharper7014]

Many thanks for the detailed techniques and extremely well produced video you shared. I hope to engage my 15yo in some bowl production. Most excellent.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Always good to hear when a young person is being introduced to the art of making sawdust. Wish him well from me.

merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo très instructive, sujet maitrisé, clair, concis, j'adore, merci encore

[@triplex86]

Very clever. Never seen this technique before. Thank you.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome, but I can't claim credit. I first wrote about it nearly twenty years ago, and it was around long before then,

[@alberttreado3713]

very nice Nick! Love the Shopsmith!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

It's a great lathe -- but if you're going to do a lot of turning, put it up on 6" (15 cm) blocks to stave off a back ache.

[@waynespringer3320]

Awesome instruction Nick. If I had a lathe, or when I get one, I will definitely give this a try!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

If you're very careful, you can actually do this without a lathe! The math is good enough that you can get the rings to fit together so the bowl wall is smooth enough that all it needs is some hand work. Glue up the rings without the bowl bottom. Smooth the wall with a rasp, a file, and sandpaper. You can also use a float, if you have one. Then glue the bottom on and give it a light sanding.

[@waynespringer3320]

@@WorkshopCompanion In that case I will give this a try and see how it goes. The bowls you made with this method rival those made with a lathe. Thanks for the tips.

[@vincechinnock4804]

My friend and i have completed your jig with great success, very pleased to have found you on u tube and will now follow with great interest, thank you for your channel vince chinnock

[@jerrykearns6344]

Thanks. Purchased. Saved me tons of time and saw dust.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@matthewmedina1802]

This is awesome! What a great tutorial. Thank you🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@Marialla.]

I swear watching you is like attending Wizarding School! (I don't even own a wand, but I do like sitting in on the classes.)

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@davyk4852]

Thank you. I learn so much from your videos;

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@robinbarnes399]

What a great tutorial, everything explained in a clear concise manner, and yes I have subscribed!!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks you...and welcome!

[@MrSchnauzerdude]

wow really enjoyed this video Thank you so much for sharing it

[@noildojust1309]

Adorei, grande meu fraco trabalho em madeira.!!!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Obrigado.

[@loucinci3922]

well done. thanks for sharing

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@amyhurley3302]

Omgosh I'm a newbie but ur so talented wished I lived closer so u could teach me I'm so interested but have no one to teach me although ur channel has taught me a lot!! Those bowls n all u make are so beautiful tysm for teaching me !!! Love all u do !!

[@amyhurley3302]

Oh btw that rolling pin is beautiful wow

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for your kind words.

[@robertd1p2]

sorry - mid-Crash interruption - but as always, an unparalleled - learning opportunity. Thanks Nick and Travis. Robt

[@donpalmer4155]

Thank You! Thank YOU! THANK YOU!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

You're welcome, welcome, WELCOME!

[@raydriver7300]

Perfect timing for me to find this post. 🌞

[@jcugnoni]

Wonderfull project ! ! Thanks for all the crystal clear explanations.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@driftowl2920]

Straight up sorcery, this is amazing!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@jorgelamas1370]

You are a good professor sir.

[@robburnside6636]

God Bless you Brother.

[@albertdawson6814]

Thank you. You gave me alot of ideas. Thank you for sharing

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@arlineastman]

Thank you for the video. I am a 100% disabled vet from a bombing in the middle east and have a hard time figuring all this out due to brain damage. I have been wanting to learn this to teach other vets I teach wood turning to and you helped some of my confusion. I do not understand the sled for the bandsaw tho and will have to watch several times to see if I can make one.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

You ay want to consult the plan we offer at workshopcompanionstore.com/products/bowls-from-boards-project-plan . The instructions are much more detailed than what I could cover in the video, and there are engineering drawings for the sled.

[@ryan.coogler]

excellent! Love the presentation!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Much thanks.

[@mahmoudhassouneh3647]

Thank you 💞

[@gerdgabriel9380]

You are my hero 👍 thanks for the great inspirations 🤗

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@darksilk1967]

Fantastic! I love it! Tanks from Brazil.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

You're welcome from Ohio

[@sapelesteve]

Fantastic tips for bowl turning Nick! Happy Holidays to you & the crew! 👍🎄🎄👍

[@WorkshopCompanion]

The same goo wishes to you a yours.

[@petrusscott3038]

Wow. This is incredible.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@creatureofhabit6741]

The thing that sucks about turning bowls a normal way is the waist you turn away - unless you make your own compressed wood pellets. This is a wood saving process and excellent idea. I appreciate the video. Thanks. Jonesy

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@Ali-dq4el]

thank you so much

[@erivaninaciolima6872]

parabéns lindo trabalho maravilhoso você é um mestre

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Obrigado pelas palavras amáveis.

[@imanhussein4177]

Thank you so much!

[@ErnestoRodriguez-fn1sh]

Primero decirle que sus cuencos o fuentes de rara, por compleja, realización, son preciosos. Luego, desde mi punto de vista, que usted está a un nivel muy alto, poco común, nivel de genio creador y científico, que sus trabajos deberían estar expuestos en un museo con la consiguiente explicación, aunque el vídeo ya cumple con este fin. Que le felicito por su pasión por esa su actividad que no sé qué denominación debe tener : ¿ Taracea, marquetería, ebanistería... ?, por su carácter inconformista y lúdico de busqueda. Es usted sorprendente y simpático, aunque esto último creo que no suele ser virtud, salvo honrosas ecepciones, de genio, por ahí, con su actitud y trabajo, se salva usted 😀 Un saludo cordial 👌👍🇪🇸

[@mikecondoluci53]

NICK YOUR AMAZING

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@okluvj]

Beautifull bowl with minimum waste during the process.

[@davidwatson1146]

Great video. Thanks

[@taylormade356]

I just subscribed to all your videos! Your presentation is perfect! I'm getting started in this very soon! I'll be back watching more! Thanks again!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome...and welcome!

[@coaltowking]

This looks like something that could be done without a lathe, to some degree. I can't wait to try.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

If you do it without a lathe, glue up the bowl walls first -- omit the bottom. Sand the walls smooth, then glue on the bottom.

[@elimain1261]

@@WorkshopCompanion I am considering making this without using a lathe and will apply this advice, but why is this a better gluing order when not using the lathe?

[@WorkshopCompanion]

It is easier to sand without the bottom glued on. - Travis@@elimain1261

[@nagamendo5655]

This is so WOW! Nothing more to say. Great video. Ingenious idea. Love this channel. Thx 4 sharing. Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Greeting from the heart of America, and much thanks.

[@jeff9242]

VERY IMPRESSIVE PRESENTATION, 5 STAR.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@brantlers]

It's like the onion volcano trick at a Japanese steakhouse!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Doesn't taste the same, though.

[@bobbabcock3847]

Very comprehensive, thanks

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@netromrep6325]

Brilliant.

[@dawnbearden7979]

Sir. YOU are AMAZING!!!!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@dawnbearden7979]

I wish you were my neighbor!! I would love to learn from you!!

[@JoseGonzalez-ru6vh]

Muchas gracias por transmitir sus valiosos conocimientos Espectacular el gran trabajo que realizó para explicar este video. Un abrazo y cuidese

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Eres muy bienvenido.

[@nickstoic2944]

Thank you very much, this is great. Must be appreciated that the measurements given are both imperial and metric as well, cheers 👍

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Cheers back.

[@gadieltropicalwood]

OMG love it God bless you you are a pro pro pro

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@santopicardi1459]

Geniusly Amazing...

[@dj-rm7bz]

Superb knowledge and a well done video !!!!!!!! THANKS !!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@squirrelg5135]

Awesome videos!!!! Gonna go try some of these 😀