How to make a wooden serving bowl with a lathe

Making a wooden serving bowl with a lathe is a rewarding project that allows you to combine creativity and craftsmanship. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your own serving bowl:

Materials Needed:

• A piece of hardwood (maple, cherry, walnut, or oak are good choices) – approximately 12-14 inches in diameter and 2-3 inches thick
• Lathe
• Lathe tools (gouge, scraper, parting tool)
• Bowl gouge (for shaping)
• Sandpaper (ranging from coarse to fine grit)
• Wood finish or food-safe oil (like mineral oil, tung oil, or beeswax)

Step 1: Select Your Wood

The first step is to choose a suitable piece of wood. For a wooden serving bowl, you’ll want to use a hardwood that is durable and looks attractive once finished. Make sure the wood is free of defects such as cracks or knots that may cause issues during the turning process.

Step 2: Mount the Wood on the Lathe

• Secure the wood to the lathe using a bowl blank chuck or a faceplate. The center of the wood should be aligned with the lathe’s axis.
• If you’re using a bowl blank chuck, mount it on the lathe and tighten the screws. If using a faceplate, screw the plate directly into the wood blank. Make sure the wood is firmly secured to avoid any movement while turning.

Step 3: Roughing Out the Shape

• Start by using a roughing gouge to turn the outer shape of the bowl. Begin at a slow speed, then gradually increase it as you start shaping.
• The goal here is to remove most of the excess wood and bring the piece to a round shape. Don’t worry too much about the final design yet, just focus on creating a smooth, round shape.
• Take shallow cuts to avoid too much vibration or pressure on the wood. This will help prevent it from cracking or breaking.

Step 4: Shaping the Bowl’s Inside

• Once the outside shape is roughly done, use a bowl gouge to start hollowing out the inside of the bowl.
• Keep the lathe running at a moderate speed and work from the center outwards. Take light cuts to remove material evenly.
• Move the bowl gouge in a smooth, controlled motion to avoid gouging the wood. Regularly stop to check for symmetry, adjusting as needed.
• As you reach the desired depth, ensure the inside of the bowl has a smooth, even surface. The depth should be consistent, typically around 1.5 to 2 inches, depending on the design of the bowl.

Step 5: Shaping the Rim and Finishing the Outside

• After the inside is hollowed out, return to the outside to refine the shape. You can add a decorative rim by gently shaping the outer edge with a gouge or parting tool.
• Use a scraper tool to smooth out the outside surface and get rid of tool marks.
• Be careful not to remove too much material from the outside as it could affect the balance and stability of the bowl.

Step 6: Sanding the Bowl

• Sand the entire bowl, starting with coarse-grit sandpaper (around 80 or 100 grit) and working your way through to finer grits (200, 400, and up to 600 grit). Sand both the inside and outside thoroughly.
• Keep the lathe running at a low speed while sanding to achieve an even finish.
• Pay attention to sanding the inside curve of the bowl carefully, as it can be tricky to reach all the way to the bottom.

Step 7: Adding a Finish

• Once the bowl is sanded smooth and free of tool marks, it’s time to apply a finish. A food-safe finish, such as mineral oil, tung oil, or beeswax, is recommended for serving bowls.
• Apply the finish with a clean cloth, making sure it soaks into the wood and provides a protective layer. Allow the finish to dry completely, then buff it to a nice sheen.
• You may need to apply several coats of finish, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next one.

Step 8: Removing the Bowl from the Lathe

• Once the finish is dry and the bowl is polished, carefully remove it from the lathe. If you used a faceplate, use a screwdriver to remove it, and if you used a bowl chuck, simply release it from the jaws.
• Check for any remaining marks or rough spots and sand them out manually if needed.

Step 9: Final Touches

• If necessary, you can apply one final coat of finish for extra protection and shine.
• Inspect your bowl for any flaws and make any last-minute adjustments before using it.
• Let the bowl fully cure for a couple of days before using it for serving food to ensure that the finish has completely set.

Now you have a beautiful wooden serving bowl that you can use to serve food or display in your home!

For more advanced woodworking projects and detailed instructions, you can check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.