I've been trying a new method using the freezer. I rough-turn a green bowl or hollow form and then put it in the freezer for 24 hours. The freezer will cause the water in the wood to expand, thereby rupturing the cell walls, allowing the water to escape more freely. Then I take it out of the freezer and put it back on the lathe and spin it at 3000 RPM for at least an hour, after which it's dry enough to finish turn. I cover the lathe bed with a towel because water comes off very freely and during the spinning process I can actually watch the water line climb up the piece from the base to the widest part. After finish turning I can sand it normally, producing the usual dry sanding dust. Next I reverse turn it to take off the spigot, which will still be damp, and after the base is completed I bring it in the house and put a fan on it overnight while I sleep. When I get up the whole thing is dry (doesn't feel cool) and ready for the finish. This process has worked very well for me so far. Side grain pieces will spin dry faster than endgrain pieces, but it works for both.
-Jim Gott- San Jose, CA