My first bowls on the lathe

Before I even got into wood turning, there were a few projects that I was anxious to try. Turning pens (check!), turning wine bottle stoppers (check!) and finally turning bowls (check!)

The process of turning a bowl is completely different from pens, razors, wine stoppers, etc. Takes a bit more time, a bit more control and a few more tools.

The first attempt at a bowl didn't even make it to the lathe. I decided not to pre-drill my holes to mount the face plate to the chunk of wood and had a screw break off in the wood. So I threw the piece away. No need to have a chunk of metal in the wood waiting for a tool to hit it.

My second attempt resulted in a DOH! moment when the screws I used to mount the face plate were too long and I ended up having 4 nice holes in the bottom of my bowl that I just couldn't carve away.

While they may not win any awards, my first few attempts have made me proud. Really excited to keep at it and continue to learn and experiment. Below are a few of my firsts that actually turned out well enough to consider a finished project.

My first successful bowl that I turned from a piece of curly maple I had laying around the shop.

The above photos shows a blank of claro walnut that I rounded off on the bandsaw before mounting on a face plate. Easier to get it somewhat round before trying to turn it.

Same claro walnut bowl blank after turning the outside and bottom. Sanded down a bit and ready to flip around and carve out the inside. This one will still need a good bit of sanding to smooth out.

My first try and turning "green wood" from my firewood pile. This was a small oak log that was split and ready to burn. I kept the live edge (bark) and turned it down to about 3/4" thickness before putting away to dry for a few months. Need to let the moisture content drop down before turning to final dimensions and sanding.