Segmented Bowl | Build It | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House general contractor and peer-described “lathe guy” Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor how to turn a segmented bowl on a lathe.

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Tom Silva shows Kevin O'Connor how to turn an orange osage and walnut segmented bowl on the lathe. Tom shows Kevin how to cut individual pieces and glue them together to make the segments and how to carve and finish the bowl for a perfect finish.

General contractor Tom Silva has been turning projects on lathes for years but has recently started to focus on the craft now that he has more free time. He’s tackled many projects, including ornaments, baseball bats, and more. Today, he’s going to show host Kevin O’Connor how to turn a segmented bowl on a lathe, from stock prep to turning.

Project Difficulty: ⅗
Cost: Around $200 (excluding tools)
Time: Two to three days

Where to find it?
Tom and Kevin work together to turn a segmented bowl on the lathe machine. For lumber materials, Tom selects Osage orange [https://amzn.to/47Edo2t] and walnut [https://amzn.to/3RZV3r5].

Tom uses a jigsaw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/zNORYm] to cut out four sections for the wheels. For the worktop, Tom makes the cuts using a miter saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R5dodR] with a standard wood cutting blade. They secure the worktop to the metal frame using heavy duty wood screws [https://amzn.to/4aRX7df].

For easy measuring and consistent cuts, Tom and Kevin include a Track and Stop kit [https://amzn.to/48xq8JD]. To keep the boards in place, they also include a Feather board [https://amzn.to/47wLqpt].

Power the lathe [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Y9mYmB] on and slowly bring it up to speed. Taking your time with this step will help ensure the block is properly secured and will spin well. Get the rough shape of the bowl on the outside using a parting tool [https://homedepot.sjv.io/q46v6N]. Do this until the bowl is roughly to the desired shape and smoothness. Get the smooth shape of the bowl on the outside using a bowl gouge [https://homedepot.sjv.io/q46v6N].

Remove the bowl from the spur and clamp the dowel at the bottom of the bowl using the
spindle. Turn the lathe back on, allow it to get to speed, and repeat the process for the inside of the bowl.

To finish off the bowl, hand sand using 100-160 grit sandpaper [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Nk3rDV] until smooth. Once smooth to the touch use a paper towel to generously apply a food safe finishing oil [https://amzn.to/41TmGGR].

Tom used a lathe manufactured by Laguna Tools [https://lagunatools.com/]. Odie’s Oil [https://odiesoil.com/] manufactured the food safe finishing oil.

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Materials:
Wood stock [https://amzn.to/48woDLE]
Heavy duty wood screws [https://amzn.to/4aRX7df]
Featherboard [https://amzn.to/47wLqpt]
Plastic sheeting [https://homedepot.sjv.io/XYo4PG]
Wood glue [https://homedepot.sjv.io/KjPqLn]
Strap clamps or zip ties [https://homedepot.sjv.io/4PjZ01]
Sandpaper [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Nk3rDV]
Sanding wax [https://amzn.to/3vWkK4h]
Abrasive pad [https://homedepot.sjv.io/q4XeKO]
Cloth [https://homedepot.sjv.io/DKzj6q]
Food safe finish [https://amzn.to/41TmGGR]

Tools:
Jigsaw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/zNORYm]
Table saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/PyN2Qq]
Miter saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R5dodR]
Adjustable cross-cut sled [https://homedepot.sjv.io/ZQ3PGW]
Lathe [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Y9mYmB]
Turning chisels [https://homedepot.sjv.io/q46v6N]

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Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.

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Segmented Bowl | Build It | Ask This Old House
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