Textured Coloured Form with Metal Leaf

Create a beautiful showpiece by power carving on the lathe and adding a splash (or a wave) of color

- Jimmy Clewes

PROJECT #2309

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 1 Day

Cost: $100

Looking to create a unique, statement? Look no piece is sure to give you that WOW factor! To get started, I used a beautiful maple blank measuring 3" thick and 10" in diameter and a screw check for mounting. I like the screw chuck as it's an easy way to mount a bowl blank-one drilled hole and just screw the blank on. The other advantage is that as you are turning the resistance actually tightens up the blank. Just make sure that the screw hole is longer than the screw, otherwise the screw will strip the wood in the hole if it bottoms out. Secondly, make sure that the blank is tight up against the fence of the screw chuck. If not, you will experience a harmonic from the vibration.

Let's Get Started!

I always true up the edge of the blank first using a push cut with my 1/2" bowl gouge. If the bevel is positioned in the right place and "floating" behind the cut, the result will be a smooth polished surface. Failing to place the bevel in the right position will result in a rough surface. Also note that you should never use a spindle roughing out gouge for this cut as it is not the right tool to use for this grain direction and can be dangerous! Just remove enough wood to true up the edge otherwise you are making the blank smaller.

My next step is to true up the face of the blank, again using the 1/2" bowl gouge but using a draw or pull cut this time. It’s a great, ergonomic cut (after-all, the Japanese use a pull cut for their tools). Again, using a shallower angle of approach will result in a smoother cut.

The Back of the Form