Sanding Cherry Bowls

James:

You are right -- you are on the inside and have found the trouble spot

-- where the end grain is unsupported as you are cutting.

First, I think that the shape of the bowl makes a difference. I see too many bowls (some made by me) where the walls are too vertical in the beginning and then it is necessary to make a major course correction as we get near the bottom. If you can make a fair curve from top to bottom, that will help. Also, the bowls will look much better.

Several things you can try...

Shear scrape -- it does wonders. You need a good wire edge and a gentle touch with a heavy tool. A large wide tool also helps to clean up the curve. You MUST raise the tool rest, use the scraper in a downward tilt and cut a little bit ABOVE center, never below. Also, you need to keep control of the tool because when a big scraper catches inside a bowl the results can be dramatic -- spelled 'stitches'.

Use sanding sealer or shellac or wax on the inside, then scrape or shear scrape. That will tend to hold the grain together so it will tend to stay in place as you cut.

Realize that you cannot sand out tear out -- you need to get your tool work better, even if it means taking a few lessons from somebody who knows how to do it and can point out the mistakes you are making.

Hope this helps...

Bill

James Krzanowski wrote:

"Several things you can try..." - - -

Or make segment bowls then you will have no end grain to contend with.

Walt Conner