From Log to Vase

This page has been updated to show the step by step process of making a vase using the deep hollowing tool that I had made for me about 12 months ago.

The question's I am most often asked at craft shows are how do you hollow a vase and what tools do you use ?
The following is intended to answer some of those questions.
Previously I have used the Hamlet Big Brother tool for such projects and although it works well, it is hard work. Particularly on anything deeper than about 8". The big advantage of the new tool is that the cutting tip can be better controlled and thus produce a cleaner and faster cut with a lot less fatigue on the user, the down side is that any time saved tends to then be lost due to the need to frequently move and reset the tool in order to clear the shavings, particularly on those pieces with the narrower opening. For details about the making of the Deep Hollowing Tool please click on the link.  




The Hamlet Big Brother used to hollow vases prior to obtaining the new tool.The tools used to shape the outside.May 2009. Selected log trimed with a chainsaw. Log measures appoximately 19" x 9"Four pronged drive centre knocked into the centre of the log.Log now held between centres on the lathe.The log now just about round and measuring 18 x 8The outside begining to take shapeStarting to drill out the centre with a 20mm beam drill, as the vase is a deep one this will be done in several stages.Deep hollowing tool set up and ready to start hollowing.View of the hollowing Tool.Note the use of the laser beam to gage the wall thickness.Now about half way.now using a sawtooth bit on a long extention bar to drill out the last 1/2" of the bottom, which gives a cleaner finish.The first turning has now been completed, The vase will be dated and left to dry for about 6 months before being re-turned and finished.December 2009. The vase is returned to the lathe and turned both inside and out for a second time to correct any distortion due to the drying process.The second turning is followed by sanding through the grits 120, 180, 240, 320, 400 followed by three coats of Danish oil each being allowed to dry overnight.Vase now allmost parted from the waste wood, the last bit which you can just see is then cut with a fine tooth saw.Vase has now been reversed and held on a friction drive at the top so that the bottom of the vase can be shaped.Bottom of the vase now held by a revolving centre.Turning of the bottom now completed.Name now branded onto the base.The buffing process uses three wheels each with a seperate compound. 1st Tripoli 2nd White Diamond, 3rd Carnuba wax.The finished vase measures 15" x 7" Completed December 2009.
Steve Dell Woodturning
To see a larger and clearer image with a brief explanation click on the picture.
Best viewed as a slide show - Click the first picture then keep clicking next at the top of each picture.