DIY Network

Platter: Turning the Top From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-112

With the rim on track, it's now time to turn the platter's top.

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Figure A

Steps:

1. In preparation to turn the top side of the platter, turn the blank around and remount it in the expanding jaw of the chuck.

2. Next, several inches of the face is turned true.

3. The top rim, which isn't completely true, must be turned to meet the bottom curve of the blank. After trueing, the edge work along the rim can begin. When deciding on rim details, keep in mind that a shoulder creates a defining shadow between the rim and inside of the platter (figure A).

4. The rim acts as a frame for the platter when it is in use, while most of the wood inside the platter isn't visible during usage. Also, rims that are flat or slightly tapered in give a more secure look and feel to platters. Hout decides this rim is too thin and trims it down, creating a slightly thicker edge.

5. Leave a margin inside the rim to add design elements (figure B). Design elements should be added before the center is hollowed; otherwise the rim would vibrate under the tool. For this platter, a bead is turned using a spindle gouge, a tool which has a more shallow end, with a smaller point more suited to detail work (figure C).

Note: Beadwork should never be sanded: sanding will destroy the crisp lines.

Figure B

Figure C

6. With the bead and shoulder finished, hollow the rest of the platter using a bowl gouge. At this stage of turning, the turner must be aware of the recess depth on the base of the platter and turn flat across the bottom of the platter (figure D).

7. When turning the platter bottom, the bevel of the tool must be flat against the surface; this position will lead the tool absolutely straight across the surface (figure E). Concentrate on keeping the elbow in tight and moving the arm straight, without letting the elbow come around. If you reach out with your arm, the hinge at the elbow tends to bring the handle around as you move out and change the angle on the bevel, sending the point deeper into the wood and cutting in a tapered fashion.

8. Move the tailstock away to finish turning the face of the platter.

Figure D

Figure E