Turning a Platter
Popular Woodworking|June 2021
Push your skills and create a showstopper.
By Jimmy Clewes
Turning a Platter

PROJECT #2108_

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Time: 2 Days

Cost: $100

The platter is probably my most favorite subject to turn. The form is open and shows off the grain in the wood. On the outside, the beautiful double curve of the ogee and a rim that gently curves into the inside makes this piece aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic to hold. It’s also utilitarian.

Prepping the Blank

To start, I find the center of the blank using a pair of dividers or compass by scribing four arcs into the surface. Imagine a clock and scribe the arcs from 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock into the center of the blank, keeping the point of the compass on the outside points. When you make the four arcs, it will form a cross that indicates the middle.

Cutting the blank round on a band saw will make the initial balancing of the blank much quicker and easier. Even just cutting the corners off to make an octagon will be far faster to turn than from a square.

Mount the Blank

This story is from the June 2021 edition of Popular Woodworking.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2021 edition of Popular Woodworking.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM POPULAR WOODWORKINGView All
Ironbark Toolworks
Popular Woodworking

Ironbark Toolworks

Devon Campbell is designing and building world-class tools from his shop in Queensland.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Fern Stand
Popular Woodworking

Fern Stand

This Charles Limbert table was sold as a fern stand, but it's a great addition to any home.

time-read
9 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Norwegian Linen Chest
Popular Woodworking

Norwegian Linen Chest

This small linen chest can be made in batches, and the lid presents some fun challenges during the process.

time-read
8 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Bent Lamination Headphone Stand
Popular Woodworking

Bent Lamination Headphone Stand

Practice some mass-assembly techniques to create this elegant stand.

time-read
8 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
All About PPE
Popular Woodworking

All About PPE

Safety is #1 in the workshop.

time-read
7 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Joinery Machines
Popular Woodworking

Joinery Machines

Joinery machines are much more than one-trick ponies. Here's an intro, and why you should consider adding one in your shop.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Linseed Paints
Popular Woodworking

Linseed Paints

Linseed paint will change the way you approach painting a project, but this wonderful finish takes a different approach than modern paints.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
BauBuche
Popular Woodworking

BauBuche

This laminated material comes from Germany, and is made of hundreds of layers of European beech.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024 - Issue 281
Square Platter with Textured Rim
Popular Woodworking

Square Platter with Textured Rim

Adding a bit of texture and colour to a square platter is a great way to dress up a simple design.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024 - Issue 281
Excedo Side Table
Popular Woodworking

Excedo Side Table

With one board, you can put together this side table that packs in a bunch of great woodworking techniques.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024 - Issue 281