How To Articles

  • Michel Richards’ Segmenting JigMichel Richards’ Segmenting Jig
    Michel Richards suggests using a jig to calculate the length of segments for a segmented bowl. For an open segment bowls, Michel Richards’ jig may require some minor adjustments, but, that would depend on your personal adjustment for desired gap. Typical for open segments, you might choose to use 66 – 70% of the length of ...
  • Making a Stop Block for your Saw(s) by Bob GrinsteadMaking a Stop Block for your Saw(s) by  Bob Grinstead
    Here is an easy to make “Stop Block” for your table saw or bandsaw. Needed: (1) magnetic tool bar (Harbor Freight, 18″ magnetic tool bar) (1) 3/8″ coupling (1) 3/8″ nut (1) 3/8″ x 4″ bolt (1) 3/8″ wingnut (1) 3/8” washer Shoe Goo (glue) Paint Assembly: There are 8 individual magnets in the bar. They are covered with a ...
  • Making a Drum Sander for Your Lathe by Bob GrinsteadMaking a Drum Sander for Your Lathe by Bob Grinstead
    Here is a drum sander that will work as shown on any 16″ and larger lathe. With a little modification it would fit on a 14″ lathe too. I posted this on the Shopsmith Owners Group on FaceBook and had so many requests for information I thought it might be a good ...
  • Segmenting Jig Plans by Roger WollamSegmenting Jig Plans by Roger Wollam
    Open Segment Assembly and Turning by Roger Wollam
  • LaserPecker is an Option for Laser Engraving with Bob GrinsteadLaserPecker is an Option for Laser Engraving with Bob Grinstead
    Ever since watching Billy Dillard’s laser system in late 2021 on worldwidewoodturners.org I’ve wanted a laser system just to sign my wood projects. I’ve been searching for basically 3 things. relatively inexpensive small foot print easy to use software (very short learning curve) After seeing the LaserPecker software on a friends phone, I bought a LaserPecker, LP1 Pro from ...
  • Making a Heart Shaped Insert by Roger WollamMaking a Heart Shaped Insert by Roger Wollam
    This is the plans to make the heart shaped segmented piece that can be used as a filler medallion or a segment for a bowl or vase. You will need a ½ plug cutter, ½ forstner bit, saw, and disc sander. Using contrasting colors of wood, cut ...
  • Attaching Carved Handles to a Vessel by Patrick Haggard
    My process for attaching carved handles to vessels. Once the vessel is turned and the handle is carved to fit the vessel, I draw a line along the longitudinal axis of the vessel. Next, you hold the handle(s) on center of the line where ...
  • Third Hand by Howard JohnsonThird Hand by Howard Johnson
    Occasionally, a third hand is needed off lathe for sanding, embellishment and/or carving. This article gives assembly instructions for a third hand (drawing 1). This device allows the craftsman to manipulate a piece of work off lathe, which makes manipulating the piece much easier. ...
  • Hollowing Camera Idea On The Cheap by Tim HatchHollowing Camera Idea On The Cheap by Tim Hatch
    I was asked recently to make an urn for my neighbor’s dog that had to be put down due to cancer. I selected a nice eucalyptus burl and cast it in resin in my pressure pot, then put it on the lathe and began shaping it, drilling it and then hollowing it with my Trent ...
  • How to Make a Floating Bottom for a Segmented Bowl by Bob GrinsteadHow to Make a Floating Bottom for a Segmented Bowl by Bob Grinstead
    Bowls that have a bottom larger than 6″ sometimes split or come loose from the next ring with the movement of the wood. All wood shrinks and expands over time. If you make a floating bottom you will not have that issue. The center piece of wood is not glued in and floats inside of a ...

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