Wooden Bowls with a Router

Introduction

• Woodworking project: creating wooden bowls with a router instead of a lathe.
• Suitable for hobbyist woodworkers who may not have a lathe.
• Minimal tools required: router, hand drill, sander.
• Various design patterns and possibilities.
• Relevant for those with experience in making cutting boards.

Wood Selection

• Options for wood: solid wood (e.g., walnut, santos mahogany), slabs, glue-ups.
• Solid woods: Use thick, wide pieces.
• Glue-ups: Combine pieces of the same species or different species for unique patterns.
• Segmenting: Use different types of wood and angles for segmented rings.
• Ensure growth rings are alternated to account for wood movement.

Preparing the Wood

• Ripping Boards: Cut wood to appropriate lengths and widths.
• Glue-ups: Use plenty of glue and even pressure. Let glue dry for at least 6 hours.
• Flattening Surface: Use a planer or sander to get a flat surface.
• Segmented Rings: Use hose clamps for dry fitting and gluing.
• Face Grain Glue-ups: Add thickness by gluing different species.
• Removing Interior Material: You can use a drill press, jigsaw, or scroll saw.

Using the Router

• Circle Cutting Jig: Use a pre-made jig or make your own from MDF or plywood.
• Bits: Use a suitable bit, such as a half-inch shank spiral up-cut bit for deep cuts.
• Depth Stops: Set depth on the plunge router carefully.
• Clamping: Secure project well to avoid accidents. Extra securing layers can help protect clamps.
• Routing Passes: Make light, frequent passes to reduce strain on the router and bit.

Removing Interior Material

• Drill Press: Use a Forstner bit to remove most of the interior material.
• Alternative Methods: Straight bit, bowl and tray bit, power carving tools.
• Clean up interior using router with a larger base plate.
• Useful tools: contour sander, drill attachments for hard-to-reach areas.

Edge Profile and Final Shaping

• Trimming: Use a bandsaw to remove excess material, then a flush trim bit.
• Edge Profiles: Round-over or chamfer bits to finish edges.

Sanding and Finishing

• Sanding: Begin with 80 grit, and progress to 220 grit. Include a step to raise the grain by applying water.
• Interior Sanding: Various tools, like contour sanders or drum sanders, can simplify this process.

Applying Finish

• Food-safe Finishes: Different options, including mineral oil, beeswax, walnut oil, etc.
• Application: Apply oil, allow to soak, then apply wax for maintenance and water-resistance.
• Final Buffing: Use orbital or hand buffers for a polished look.

Additional Possibilities

• Edge profiles and textured finishes using various router bits and carving tools.
• Inspiration from other woodworkers (e.g., Brad Ruff).
• Explore additional designs and techniques.