I have turned a few bowls since getting my lathe (Jet 1236) back in August and for the most part have been mildly satisfied. Seeing all the wonderful turnings on many websites I find on this group provides me with both ideas and a level of expertise to shoot for.
Last night I used a faceplate for the first time. I had a piece of hard maple and attached it to the faceplate (the 6" faceplate that came with the Jet) with a piece of 1/4" plywood between the maple and the faceplate using 4 #10 1.25 sheet metal screws. I've cleaned up one face to a slightly concave surface and the dimensions of the piece are 1.5" X 6.25".
Now I would like to turn this into a nice bowl but am somewhat concerned about the best way given my equipment as to attaching it, err, turning it around and hollowing it. I have a a large set of the Nova jaws that will contract on a
3" minimum diameter if I wish to go with a tennon/foot. Or I suppose I could go with a dovetail recess. This would be a mimimum diameter of about 3.75" for the cut. If I choose to go with the dovetail (and I have no dovetail scraper), would a skew do a good job? I am a bit reluctant to go with the expansion method as I really don't want to screw this piece up. I already have enough failures.I also have a hot glue gun but have never used it on the lathe. Are they really as good as some would say?
Thanks for all the help.