My first bowls (thanks woodArtz and Joe Bradshaw!)

[eyekode]

Here are my first attempts (in chronological order):

Bob (woodArtz) got me hooked by showing me the basics of turning bowls. He also gave me a roughed out blank to play with. I finished the shape but have not finished sanding or applying a finish (have some tear out issues). But I like the shape:

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View image in gallery

After I went to Bob's shop I just had to have my own bowl gouge . When I finally put a handle on it I turned a small piece of cherry (still no finish, still some issues with tear out ):

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View image in gallery

Then a few weeks later I picked up some green hickory that a friend took down. That wood seriously stunk but cut very easily. And it was way darker in the heartwood than I expected (some of the logs that is). I took this one down to ~3/16th and it has warped to what I believe is a nice form as it dried. Same story: haven't finished sanding or applied a finish:

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View image in gallery


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So, I seem to be stuck on sanding. I tried to sand at my lathe's slowest speed by hand but I can't seem to remove all of the end grain tear out. Can anyone recommend a power sanding setup?

Thanks!
Salem

[NCTurner]

Great looking bowls. The best defense against tear out is sharp tool and good clean cuts. I have seen your work you will get there, in short order. If you must power-sand I would start with the HF angle drill that can be had for $9.99 on sale, with a Skilton pad and an interface pad, your choice of quality sanding disc, preceded by sanding sealer. You may also consider a card scraper with the lathe OFF.

[eyekode]

Thanks Gary. I had not even considered a card scraper. That sounds like a great idea. Once I regain some
strength in my hand I will give that a shot!

Since I have so little experience I am not sure I know what acceptable tear out is. I thought my gouge was sharp. If the gouge is sharp enough will the end grain be just as smooth as the long grain?

Thanks!
Salem

[NCTurner]

Sharp with nice controlled cuts, it is a learned art, one I have not mastered but I do better than before.

[woodArtz]

Great job Salem... you are hooked man! I love that hickory bowl. As for power sanding, I use a Milwaukee angle drill that can get into those tight spots. I hate sanding, but I find that I spend as much time sanding as I do turning. Even before you get to the sanding, try that shearing cut with a high angle on the wing of your bowl gouge. Also, make sure your turning toward the supported wood fibers. You'll get it... you are making some great progress!

[eyekode]

Thanks Bob. On the last bowl I did remember to use the shearing cut you showed me. I used it as the last cut on the outside. I am not sure how to duplicate it on the inside of the bowl. I am also not sure how much tear out to expect. If I am doing it right will the end grain be as smooth as the long grain?
Thanks!
Salem

[NCTurner]

Yup, should be silky smooth!

[boxxmaker]

Your lookin good there,and I can relate to all your little setbacks an I been tryin for four dang yrs,OH well,one day I may just figure it out. but you keep a goin an you will do just fine,watch out for that woodartz fella,he ain't nothin but a rookie

[woodArtz]

...watch out for that woodartz fella,he ain't nothin but a rookie

That's fur sure!

[Joe Bradshaw]

Salem,

Your bowls look really good. You have the hard part, getting a good shape, down pretty good. The rest comes with practice. We can work on sharping and tool control Wed. night if you want to.

Joe

[woodturnerdon]

That's a remarkable progression from the first to the last photo. You're doing VERY well. Keep up the good work! Tear out bothers everyone. Even the pros. It's just a matter of getting the least amount possible. There are many ways to reduce it, but super sharp tools and a light touch are a good place to start.
Don L.