Changing shape

Evenin" Richard:

You didn't mention - Are you turning it Green/wet or Dried?

Inquiring minds need to know.

The Other Bruce

Bruce

Thanks for taking this up.

Answer is Dried. I work occasionally with green wood, where I expect movement, but mostly using dried wood (air or kiln dried) from specialist suppliers of blanks.

I also work with material from local cabinet makers. They often have offcuts which are no use to them but which I can turn into attractive (I hope) bowls and platters - I usually give a finished turning as a Thank you. That material will also be dried and also suffers from the "move while I turn" syndrome.

Richard

You can help you cause somewhat by using a steady while doing the interior hollowing, but if you want non-moving, best learn to turn some material other than wood.

Part of the "bounce" could also be your gouge angle. If you're getting tearout, you should know that the wood squirms away from the higher friction. Best answer there is not to "ride" but "guide" the bevel of your gouge, using your toolrest for support, and keep the shavings modest.

Our North American elm is so twisted in its growth habit it's difficult to predict what it'll do sometimes.

Obviously toward, before someone jumps.