{"id":23702,"date":"2022-06-14T13:34:17","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T11:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thespooncrank.com\/?p=23702"},"modified":"2022-06-14T13:40:57","modified_gmt":"2022-06-14T11:40:57","slug":"how-to-carve-a-bowl-by-matt-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thespooncrank.com\/how-to-carve-a-bowl-by-matt-day\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Carve a Bowl – By Matt Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Making a small bowl<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve made some spoons and wanted to try a bowl, these small ones are a good place to start.  They are possible with a more limited tool set and are not too demanding like a large bowl can be.  The end product is perfect for holding rings or keys, or for dip, sauce, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an overview of my process for my small side bowls.  It is not the only way to do this and is not meant to be comprehensive instructions.  In particular, if you’re using this to guide you own project, please seek out, understand, and follow all needed safety practices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Stock prep and layout<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These work best when your stock is large enough for 2-4 bowls; this allows for easier workholding.  I also prefer to plane the face flat, but that’s definitely not necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For shape, I like the look of ellipses, plus they are easier to carve than circles.  There are many great guides for drawing ellipses with string, nails, and dividers.  French curves are also great.  I lay out an outer line, inner rim, and center mark.  I like the rim thickness to be greater on the ends than sides.  If you prefer a template, you can find it here<\/a>.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Tools and work holding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond basic spoon carving tools, a bent gouge or two is useful for this bowl and an adze is a bit overkill.  You could do a bowl this size with only a hook knife, but be patient.  I also use a large drill bit to get things started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For my medium bowl, an adze will definitely get you going faster.  I first swing the adze, but then use it with a mallet, similar to a gouge.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Holding the work can be the most challenging part of bowl making.  The method I use most is a twin-screw vise through my workbench.  I also use a standard woodworking vise.  I’ve also seen straps and wedges on a chopping block with some sort of step in them.  Get creative and search around for something that suits you.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Depth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When I started, getting the right depth was always a chore for me.  I tended to have bottoms that were way too thick.  I started drilling a depth hole and that greatly improved things, plus it made starting the hollowing much easier.  At this stage, I aim to leave a heavy 1\/2″ of material under the hole.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Hollowing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using a gouge and mallet, work around the depth hole and progressing outward. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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